In 2009, which was the Year Zero of Queer Memory, we succeeded in programming a series of activities combining fine arts, music, literature, and cinema, with a glance upon some significant events of socio-political world history, using as pretext a series of historical dates that were being celebrated that year.

Therefore, each of those seven days was dedicated to one of those celebrations, investing in a multidisciplinary concept and in a strategy of involvement and complicity with the audience, at the same time that it helped us define the programming format we would like to preserve in future editions:

QUEER WORDS – A space devoted to queer literature (fiction, theatre or poetry). Activities may take the form of book launches, or author appearances, always accompanied by readings or performances inspired by a work of literature.

COMMENTING THE CLASSICS – A classic film will be screened in these sessions, with a comment by invited personalities.

SOUNDS QUEER – A space open to the most diverse musical styles; concerts, recitals of classical music, etc.

I ONCE KNEW… - A personality is invited to share with the audience his or her proximity to someone or someplace at a specific time.

OUR DIVAS – If we speak of preserving our memory, we will inevitably have to mention the numerous female figures who have attained the statute of queer icons. Each year, we will celebrate one of them.

SHOWCASE – For guest creators from all artistic disciplines, to display recent work or a career retrospective.

CHALLENGING THE AUDIENCE – This is the activity that most relies on audience participation, and aims to always be unexpected and surprising.

Furthermore, the Buondi Hall at Cinema São Jorge, where most of the Queer Memory activities were presented, was opened as a Lounge Space between 19.00 and 21.30, as an alternative area with free entrance, ambient music and a permanent exhibition titled Queer Memory. Hence, it was not merely a playful space to sit in or walk through; it was also a space in which sounds, images and various activities served to evoke and preserve a number of references and the heritage we can consider as Queer Memory.