Insight

Our Favourite LGBTQ+ Creators at the Moment

In celebration of LGBTQ+ History month, we’re highlighting five creators from the community that have used their art to express their orientation. 

At SAE, we encourage all our students to not only use their creative freedom to express themselves to the fullest extent, but to also look to creators from all walks of life that came before them. 

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. 

Pedro Almodóvar

Pedro Almodóvar has created countless critical successes that cover themes around political and sexual freedom. Pain and Glory (2019) 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 where it won two awards, before being Oscar nominated at the 92nd Academy Awards.

Movieclips Indie

Lisa Cholodenko

https://tvseans.az/en/film/2729/usaqlar-qaydasindadir

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, and explores the universal challenges that come with marriage. The film went on to be Oscar nominated and win a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture.

Focus Features

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 that is relatable to her fans from the LGBTQ+ community in hopes to validate their feelings and normalise sexuality.

Find Hayley here:

Twitter: @HayleyKiyoko

Instagram: @hayleykiyoko

FLETCHER

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.

Find Dana Terrace here:

Twitter: @DanaTerrace

Instagram: @danaterrace

Disney Channel

Maddy Thorson

https://www.retrozap.com/celeste-review/

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 on to 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 Best Indie Game of that year and is highly acclaimed to this day.

Buy Celeste here: Celeste on Steam (steampowered.com)

Maddy Thorsons’ socials:
Twitter: @MaddyThorson
Instagram: @maddymakesgames

Website: Extremely OK Games, Ltd. (exok.com)

PlayStation