Features / Youth Homelessness
New short film shines a light on the young LGBTQ+ homeless
A new short film shines a spotlight on the issue of trans homelessness in Bristol. Following the story of Tyler, a 20-year-old trans man, the film tracks his journey to securing a flat.
The film was made by other young people on the BFI Film Academy’s Bristol course. Hosted by Bristol Old Vic and the Watershed in Bristol, the academy trains 16 to 19-year-olds in drama and documentary making.
Proud to Be was made over the course of a few months in early 2019 by a group of seven students, before being promoted by the city’s magazine for young people, Rife.
is needed now More than ever
Speaking with the film’s sound editor Jake Gibbard, 19 and director Una Horwood, 18, they explain the process of creating this important and timely documentary.
Jake Gibbard and Una Horwood both worked on the short film
“The producer, Faith, was really passionate about creating a LGBTQ+ film and it went from there,” says Jake. “We got in contact with 1625 Independent People and met with Tyler. That was in early January.
“We had two shoot days in early February and edited it in mid-February. It was really important to me as a gay man to highlight these issues in our film.”
The film was officially launched during April at a showcase, and both Una and Jake hope it gives exposure for the issue of being LGBTQ+ and homeless. They are keen to highlight that despite its subject, Proud to Be is ultimately a hopeful film.
“A quarter of homeless young people identify at LGBTQ+,” says Una. “It feels crazy that depending on your family, you could be on the streets.
“I live in this bubble, where being open about your identity is normal, but actually a lot of young people of the streets are there because their parents don’t accept them.”
The small team collaborated with local people and organisations, including 1625 Independent People. “My favourite part was connecting with people,” says Una. “I really enjoyed interviewing – I did two with Tyler, one with the staff at 1625 Independent People and one with the film’s producer Faith. I loved allowing people to feel comfortable and tell their story.”
Proud to Be ultimately ends in a positive light, with Tyler securing a flat. Both Jake and Una hope to make a career filmmaking and acting, with Jake saying: “The film community is so nice and I hope people see this as a hopeful LGBTQ+ story.”
Find out more about the film at www.rifemagazine.co.uk/2019/05/proud-to-be
Main image photo taken from the short film, photo of Jake and Una taken by Lowie Trevena.
Read more: Bristol24/7 partner on project tackling homelessness through theatre
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