We’re joined by Jack Wilkin (affectionately known to many as Gloria Jack) founder of Queers on Cue, a community-based organisation that champions education and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community.
In this insightful conversation, Jack (they/them or he/him) discusses the achievements of Queers on Cue in its short time since being established, while also looking ahead to the organisation’s next collaboration with Gateway Film Festival, a screening of ‘Are You Proud’.
Please introduce yourself.
I'm Jack Wilkin (or Gloria Jack to some). Gloria is my camp, sequin wielding persona who finds power in laughter and holding safer spaces for LGBTQIA+ young people. When the sequins are packed away, I’m also an artist, youth worker and facilitator based in Peterborough.
Icebreaker questions and rule bending are key to my work as a facilitator, youth worker and performer. Using play, workshops and a sprinkling of camp, I connect with communities and young people to challenge restrictions and traditional expectations. I wants audiences to discover how fun and joy can be used to provoke and question, and how laughter can be used as a radical act.
What motivated you to start Queers on Cue?
I wanted to test out Queers on Cue as it felt like there wasn’t something like it in the city. There’s a thriving and nurturing DIY drag night scene, as well as lots of great social groups for folks to come together. But it felt like there was space for testing a series of LGBTQIA+ film screenings, with an extra experience for folks to experience.
It felt important to offer more sober LGBTQIA+ events in the city during the day and night, which was expressed to me through some project work I was doing with local queer young people. A space to meet and to take part in events where drinking isn’t the main focus. I wanted to help address some of these needs and bring fun to folks who wanted those spaces.
I also wanted Queers on Cue to be a way for folks to meet others in the local LGBTQIA+ community, as well as discover all the other great groups and events taking place. Hopefully people can use Queers on Cue to start their journey of finding their crew, similar to how I did when I moved to the city.
What made you decide to introduce film screening to your community offering and what impact have you seen on the community since introducing films?
Queers on Cue is still in its early days, but the feedback from the first screenings were positive. Folks enjoyed that they were watching something together, being able to bring their family and friends to experience something fun and new. Seeing representation in media can be such a catalyst for people and to see some of their experiences reflected in the films make people feel seen and gain confidence. It felt important to offer this to the community, especially during times in which marginalised voices are being kept hidden or quietened.
While it's clear that the LGBTQIA+ community benefits, do you think the wider public also gains something from Queers on Cue existence?
Absolutely, the wider public gain loads from learning about LGBTQIA+ issues and experiences. I hope it allows them to see a glimpse of what their siblings, friends, co-workers, the people in their lives who are part of the community experience and face. To have a glimpse at that community history to help better understand how to support and stand with the community. To see those united struggles and find ways to work and band together.
It’s also a joy to see families come together, for queer siblings or parents to share their representation and experiences with those who are close to them in their life. I feel that young people gain lots from Queers on Cue by inspiring them to see that events such as these screenings can happen in Peterborough and that they can experience them here.
How important is it for people outside the LGBTQIA+ community to engage with spaces like Queers on Cue, and how can this foster greater understanding and solidarity
It can foster greater understanding and solidarity by seeing some of the common goals and struggles that different communities experience. I want to make sure that the films are intersectional, exploring stories that resonate with multiple communities. It’s important to hear experiences different from your own to build up a picture of the wider world and build some empathy. By coming along to Queers on Cue I hope that it sparks curiosity and allyship with folks.
Horror films have long been a space for queer subtext and rebellion, particularly the relatability of themes such as identity, survival, and outsider status. Is that what drew you to the classic horror film Scream (1996) for your first event or was the motivation behind the choice lot simpler?
The inspiration for Scream (1996) to be the first screening was that a group of queer young people that I worked with back in the Spring expressed a great love for horror movies. And most likely for the reasons outlined, but with Scream there’s also that camp element to the film, not to mention strong women protagonists and a villain that never learns from their mistakes. As someone who gets squeamish with horror it felt like a film that folks could engage with at different levels, with at times it feeling more like a comedy than a horror. Plus the romantic tension between Billy and Stu is so big you can cut it with a slasher knife!
The Scream screening was such a standout event! What are some of your most memorable moments from that evening?
A big standout was developing a relationship with the venue where it took place. The folks at Angle Gaming Lounge were so accommodating and really understood the core purpose of the event and who it’s for. It's been great to develop that connection further as a future space for the LGBTQIA+ community to test out events. It was great to hear folks talk about how it was fun to watch something with people together, and to see some Scream-inspired drag. Another moment is having seen some folks who came to Queers on Cue attend other events across the city as they heard about them at the event. To know it’s helped them to start their journey of finding their group.
The addition of a live performance by drag queen Knuckle Sandwich certainly elevated the event and your upcoming screening of ‘Are You Proud’ will be offering a pin and badge-making workshop (very cool!). How do you think this blending of performance art with film impacts the viewing experience?
I hope it offers something unique that you don’t often get when streaming at home. Even though I love a good watch party with my mates, it’s always the games or the interaction before, after (and sometimes during!) the film that makes it memorable. I hope to keep these interactive elements for future screenings, as a way for folks to experience more and to be inspired. Some films make you want to do something, whether that’s taking action, whether that’s to go out and experience something new.
How has the partnership with Gateway Film Festival allowed Queers on Cue to expand its offering to the community?
The technical expertise and support from Gateway Film Festival has been outstanding. While my tech knowledge is fairly standard, I had no clue on the technical skills required to screen a film. Being able to learn the logistics of sourcing projectors, speakers, and how to acquire the licensing for films, has been wonderful and has been taught with such patience and openness.
Over the past few months I’ve been creating work / events solo, and I’ve realised that I really value speaking to people about ideas and picking up on their reactions and thoughts. To have that open dialogue with Gateway Film Festival and a space to chat through ideas has been so needed and invaluable. Not to mention speaking to folks who are also passionate about arts, creativity, and creating exciting experiences in Peterborough has helped to fan the flames of these ideas.
Do you have any exciting plans for future screenings or events with Queers on Cue?
It’s exciting to explore where the screenings can take place, testing out different locations across the city. From cafes to maybe a screening in the woods, it feels like there’s lots of possibilities. I would love to screen a fantasy film, and attempt to re-create those fantasy vibes such as making specially made drinks and food inspired by the world of the film. Perhaps in the future, look towards testing a film showcase of local queer filmmakers, directors and actors, or some kind of mini queer film festival.
What message would you like to leave with individuals or organisations that are considering ways to engage more deeply with the LGBTQIA+ community or create inclusive spaces?
Don’t be afraid to try to be more inclusive, even small steps matter especially in the times we’re facing. Whether that’s looking into LGBTQIA+ terminology, including your pronouns in your email signature, or just being there for when someone close in your life comes out. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to LGBTQIA+ groups, organisations, freelancers, and creatives about thinking of new ways to work together. Sometimes it really does all start with an email, a DM, a chat over the counter to make something new and exciting.
About Queers on Cue:
Founded by Jack Wilkin, this is a new film programming initiative focusing on creating LGBTQIA+ youth friendly film screenings and experiences.
Keep up to date with Queers on Cue on Instagram!
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