In celebration of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans History Month 2011 (LGBT), Southampton Solent University is proud to present ‘Truth or Dare!’.

As part of its Equality Scheme events programme, the University offers a series of classic and contemporary movies that explore what it means to be different in a diverse world. The free cinema showings begin on Wednesday February 2nd with Hilary Swank’s classic Boys Don’t Cry- the story of the life of Brandon Teena, a transgendered teen who preferred life in a male identity until it was discovered he was born biologically female.

The series then continues across the month with the story of Harvey Milk, and his struggles as an American gay activist who fought for gay rights and became California's first openly gay elected official. Milk will be showing on Wednesday February 9th.

Imagine me and you – the story of Rachel, a newlywed bride, who becomes infatuated with another woman and subsequently questions her sexual orientation will be shown on Wednesday February 16th.

The final showing is on Wednesday February 23rd – I love you Phillip Morris starring Jim Carry and Ewan McGregor, the story follows Steven Russell, a happily married man and a member of the local police force. Steven is involved in a car accident which provokes a dramatic reassessment of his life. He becomes open about his homosexuality and decides to live life to the fullest!

Each film begins at 6:30pm and free popcorn and soft drinks will be provided.

As part of the month’s celebrations, a two-week community-based exhibition will also be held at the Bargate Monument from Friday, February 11th-Sunday, February 27th presenting a truthful and accurate 21st century representation of Southampton’s LGBT community.

Solent University’s Senior Lecturer in Fashion Styling and exhibition curator Andrew Markham said: “LGBT History Month in Southampton sees the culmination of something that has never been achieved before and the city will experience its first honest snap shot look at the lives, memories and experiences of everyday people who identify outside of what are said to be social norms. Over the years headway has been made towards equality in many LGBT orientated areas, yet many barriers still stand in the way of social, cultural, political and economic acceptance, tolerance and inclusion. The recognition of what was, what is and what could be by community members seeks then to challenge what it means to live in an omnisexual and diverse world“.

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans History Month takes place every year in February. It celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community and is committed to celebrating its diversity and that of society as a whole.