Catalogue Spotlight:

Hello VP Website and Newsletter readers,

Welcome to a very special Pride edition of VP Distribution’s Catalogue Spotlight!

Something that I’ve grown to appreciate about the VP catalogue as I’ve explored it over the past few months is just how many 2SLGBTQ+ works are featured within it. Considering the history of Video Pool Media Arts Centre as an organization that has focused on video and media art, rather than commercial film and broadcasting, it isn’t really a surprise that queer folks have worked with VP so much over the years (folks on the margins tend to gravitate toward art on the margins, in my experience at least). 

The art of queer and trans folks often finds itself in a difficult position, subject to stigmatization and misrepresentation. This is especially true of art that highlights desires outside of the presumed default of heterosexuality. Queer desires are stigmatized, to the point where they aren't just viewed as odd or unsightly, but dangerous.* I highlight this issue not only because it can cause barriers for queer and trans artists, but also because it limits representation, which can create a sense of isolation for queer audiences. 

Representation and expression of queer desires (to me) means seeing what you want, knowing others want it too, and most importantly: knowing you are not alone. For this Pride Month spotlight I’ve chosen to showcase works in our catalogue that focus on queer desires, as well as queer joy, romance, and humour.

Happy Pride <3

~ Jo Reimer, Distribution Assistant

P.S.

The VP catalogue includes many fantastic works by queer and trans artists! This is a very small sampling of the 125 2SLGBTQ+ films available currently in our online catalogue, which I encourage you to explore...

Click here to browse 2SLGBTQ+ titles in our online catalogue

* Further reading recommendation: "The Senators Were Revolted: Homophobia and the Culture Wars," in A Companion to Contemporary Art Since 1945 by Johnathan D. Katz.