LGBTQ+ festival Homotopia celebrates its 15th anniversary > Creative Review > Style

Dozens of excited guests crowded Hinterlands in the Baltic Triangle to celebrate the launch of this year’s Homotopia.

Liverpool is well known for its inclusivity and what better way to celebrate the diversity of our wonderful city than to host a yearly festival showcasing the artistic talent of those within the LGBTQ+ community.

Guests were treated to a vibrant cabaret performance from House of Suarez as well as entertainment from performer Ashleigh Owen and a number of local DJ’s.

The month long festival will feature a series of ‘queer and curious, camp and outrageous’ events including ‘Hip, Hip I’m Gay’ at the Unity theatre and ‘Rent Party’ which involves audience members paying to attend a party in attempt to end austerity – inspired by 1920’s Harlem Renaissance Rent Parties.

Festival assistant Rebecca Connelly described the festival as having a ‘special place’ in her heart. She said: “Homotopia is the oldest LGBTQ+ arts festival in Liverpool and it’s at the heart of the queer community.

“The queer community in Liverpool has seen a lot of change over the years, but Homotopia is something that’s always been here to bring people together.”

Festival organiser Char Binns added: “We have such a strong line-up this year but every year is a special year for Homotopia.

“We don’t do anything by halves and we’re always celebrating something.”

Homotopia is evolving yearly with more and more people becoming aware of the festival and its importance within our community.

She added: “Things have changed this year. It’s more diverse, more inclusive, much younger and generally more exciting.

“We’re all about celebrating art and diversity but most importantly putting LQBTQ culture into the mainstream.”

Events will be running at various locations in Liverpool from 2nd November to 1st December. More information can be found on their website: http://www.homotopia.net/