“It is most important that we also save our history. […]
Because we believe you cannot understand your own history
if you do not understand the history of all your people”.
Nick Tretter (International Lesbian and Gay Cultural Network)

What is Queer Memory?

The multidisciplinary event Queer Memory, which had its first edition in 2009, marks the intersection of two of Janela Indiscreta Cultural Association’s longest-standing concerns: on the one hand, a wider spectrum of activities beyond cinema (which has been its preferential field of action until now), and on the other, the need to work on the preservation of Queer Memory.

And even though it has been integrated in the programme of Queer Lisboa in its experimental edition, it is nonetheless a new initiative by Janela Indiscreta Cultural Association, independent in its objectives and forms, while always in a permanent dialogue with the Film Festival (scheduled for the same week of Queer Lisboa and in the same venue, Cinema São Jorge).

However, Queer Memory doesn’t intend to limit itself to an exercise on nostalgia. On the contrary, it aims at building bridges of understanding and communication between past and future, promoting the dialogue among the various artistic disciplines. In other words, Queer Memory is essentially a programming event that intertwines fine arts, cinema, literature, music, theatre, dance and performance arts in general.

Conscious of its educational responsibilities, Queer Memory is also intent on involving professionals and students of several artistic disciplines, making it possible to organize specific classes, given by Portuguese and international guests. These may have various formats, such as a single-day seminar, various sessions over a week, or a Master Class.