PEERS Alliance to use film screening controversy to open up discussion

Despite some controversy, PEERS Alliance is moving forward with its plan to partner with the City of Charlottetown to screen the movieBohemian Rhapsody.

The screening will bepresented aspart of theVictoria Park Sunset Series.

The movie, released in 2018, follows the life and times of the classic rock band Queen andits lead singer, Freddie Mercury.

Some Islanders who approached PEERS Alliance raised concerns aboutthe movie's portrayal of Mercury's sexuality, while others were concerned withthe film's representation ofhis experience living with HIV.

Diverging opinions

"I think like any community, the 2SLGBTQ+ community is divided over that controversy," said Rebekah Condon, interim executive director of PEERS Alliance.

The organization plans to use the screening to discussthe controversy and examine the film's problematic elements with the audience.

"We're recognizing that there are some people that might not feel comfortable coming to that movie and then there are others that are going to come to that movie and not realize that there is controversy," Condon said.

Bisexual erasure is a huge problem.Andrea MacPherson

The organization hopes to bring issues like queer and bisexual erasure and stigma to the forefront. Amember of the organization will introduce the film and highlight some of thekey issues, she said.

Information on straightwashing, bisexual erasure,the HIV/AIDS epidemicand the prevalence of HIV-stigmawill be printed onbags of popcorn sold at the event.

Willingness to educate, discuss

Some Islandersare encouraged by the organization's willingness to facilitate discussion and education following the concerns raised by members of the public.

"Bisexual erasure is a huge problem," said Andrea MacPhersondirector of advocacy with Pride P.E.I. "I don't know what their plans were originally, but I was very excited to hear about the educational component because I'm a huge proponent of education myself.

"[Mercury's] bisexuality was very much a part of who he was, so to downplay that, it seemed to do a disservicenot just to the reality of who he was but also to anyone who looked up to him as an idol," MacPhersonsaid.

Condon saidthe organization isn't expecting those who aren't comfortable with the filmto attend the event and ultimately respect their right to make that decision.

The screening is set for 8:30 p.m. Aug. 28 atVictoria Park.

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