Discussion, workshop, queer comics
Q-Space Festival in Narva will raise topics that are usually hushed up
On February 17 and 18, 2024, at the Q-Space LGBTQ+ culture festival at the Narva Art Residence (NART), events will be held that raise the topic of the situation of the Russian-speaking queer community in Estonia and the acceptance of transpersons. At the site you will be able to buy the country's first collection of queer comics in Estonian and Russian, How Much Queer Work.
Over the course of two days in Narva, in addition to film screenings, a variety of topics will be discussed. Through meetings with filmmakers, education specialists, politicians and residents of Narva, both from the community and wider society, the Q-Space Festival will create a space for understanding and dialogue, as well as plans for the future.
Open microphone about the needs of the queer community in Narva
“LGBTQ people of Narva: we are here!” This is the name of an interactive meeting - a discussion with those for whom it is important to discuss such issues as meeting places for queer people, coming out, is it possible to live safely in Narva if you are an openly queer person, or should you definitely move to a big city or hide your identity? What tactics exist and what can we change together to ensure safety and acceptance in Narva?
In a friendly and accepting space, the organizers offer to share ideas with the participation of an experienced presenter - Gestalt therapist Aleftina Shaulskaya.
To participate in the workshop, you must fill out the registration form. The number of places is limited to 30. Registration is open until February 10, 2024.
18 February, 16:00–17:20, NART, Joala 18.
Gender identity and public awareness of transgender issues
There are often myths and misconceptions about issues. Because of this, trans people face misunderstanding and bullying, and the risk of being on the streets for trans people is highest in the LGBTQ community. This is also evidenced by the high rates of suicide among transgender people if they face systematic rejection.
The Belgian film “Lola by the Sea” will tell about the struggle for your life. The Q-Space audience will have the opportunity to discuss this film and transgender topics with two speakers - Sara Arumetsa, a doctoral student at the Tallinn University and Sasha Milyakina, a researcher at the University of Tartu and queer activist.
17 February, 19:20–21:50, NART, Joala 18.
Collection of queer comics How Much Queer Work in Estonian and Russian
Q-Space has collected and translated into Estonian and Russian an anthology of queer comics How Much Queer Work, telling about the experiences of queer people from different countries: Finland, Germany, Croatia, Russia, the USA and other countries. This is a unique collection consisting of funny, sad, fictional and real stories. Artist Victoria Lomasko drew a comic about the Russian LGBT Film Festival "Side by Side", Finnish artist Olli Hietala - about ways to accept his homosexuality. Other authors in the collection, such as Jennifer Camper, Justin Hall, and Howard Cruise, are considered iconic pioneers in the queer comics genre.
How Much Queer Work comics in Russian and Estonian will be available for purchase on the NART platform, and after the festival on the organization’s social networks.
Tickets: 5 euros for 1 session (full ticket), 4 euros (discounted), admission for refugees is free.
Tickets are sold through the Fienta website from January 26, as well as directly on the day of the show at the NART venue.
All films are shown with subtitles in Estonian/English/Russian, conversations and discussions are conducted in Russian and English.
The non-profit organization Q-Space was founded in 2022 in Estonia. The organization works to expand safe spaces for the LGBTQ community and promote discussion and acceptance in society. In May 2023, Q-Space received the honorary title of Rainbow Hero from the Estonian LGBT Association.
In the short period of its activity, Q-Space organized more than 20 public film events in Tallinn and Narva, a rally against violence and film screenings at Baltic Pride 2023. During this time, more than 2,000 people gathered at Q-Space events in Estonia.
Gulya Sultanova (Russian language)
organizer Q-Space
gulya@q-space.ee