SAE Celebrates Pride

Join us in celebrating these five of many talented LGBTQ+ creatives who have made an impact in their industry by being fearless in their art. 

The LGBTQ+ community is to be celebrated all year. At SAE, it is a priority to diminish discriminatory behaviour that can be found in many other application processes. As we continue this lifelong journey of educating ourselves, we encourage all other educational institutions to do the same.

To further educate ourselves, SAE sat down with Orange Gina, a London-based drag queen, who spoke to us about everything from the importance of teaching queer education to their company Queer the Norm. Thank you to Orange Gina for taking the time to talk to and educate us.

Pedro Almodóvar

Pedro Almodóvar has created countless critical successes that cover themes around political and sexual freedom. Pain and Glory explores a more autobiographical narrative in which Pedro touches on his career, internal struggles and sexuality as a gay man in the film industry. Pain and Glory had an international debut at Cannes, winning two awards, before being Oscar-nominated at the 92nd Academy Awards.

Lisa Cholodenko

Lisa Cholodenko, writer and director, has written several films – including The Kids are Alright. Based on Lisa’s life, The Kids are Alright centres on a lesbian couple, exploring the universal challenges of marriage. The film was Oscar-nominated and won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture.

Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko, lovingly referred to as Queen of Lesbians by her fans, is very open about her sexuality in her music. Writing honestly about her own experiences, Hayley creates music relatable to her fans from the LGBTQ+ community to validate their feelings and normalise sexuality.

Dana Terrace

Dana Terrace broke records with her creation, The Owl House – the story of a human girl who stumbles upon another world filled with witches and warriors. Being the first Disney property to feature a same-sex couple in leading roles, the television show became notable for its LGBTQ+ representation. Dana came out as bisexual in 2017 and has said she drew on her experiences to create The Owl House and the fan-favourite main character, Luz. 

The Owl House went on to become a universally acclaimed, award-winning show that is currently available to watch on Disney Plus.

Maddy Thorson

Maddy Thorson, a transgender game director, writer and designer, captured the attention of gamers and critics alike when she created Celeste (2018). A heartwarming story of self-acceptance and love, Celeste burst onto the indie gaming scene with a relatable, universally loved protagonist – Madeline, who was later confirmed to be transgender by Maddy. With clues of trans pride scattered throughout the game, Celeste is a love letter to trans feelings and emerging from your struggles as a stronger, more complete person. 

Celeste went on to win the Best Indie Game of that year and is highly acclaimed today.

We hope you all had a wonderful pride month. May it serve as a reminder that being LBGTQIA+ is something to be celebrated.