Sky launches special TV and film collection for LGBTQ+ History Month
(Left to right): Marc Thompson, Jonathan Blake and Jay Hawkridge are featured in Sky’s documentary Positive (Sky UK Limited)
Sky has revealed its collection of movies and shows that celebrate the life stories and history of the LGBTQ+ community.
Bringing together its own best content with that of other providers and apps throughout February, Sky’s LGBTQ+ History Month collection tells stories of triumph, showcases queer love stories and highlights powerful documentaries.
The collection aims to delve into the history of the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate queer achievements despite the adversity the community has faced over the years, with Sky celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month as part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The company’s commitment goes beyond February, with the broadcaster striving for LGBTQ+ inclusivity throughout the year, and that work has been recognised with Sky being in the top 20 of Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index in 2023 – the highest position for a company in the media and arts sector.
For LGBTQ+ History Month, the team have worked alongside the company’s employee network, LGTBQ+ at Sky, to build the collection, ensuring a varied and representative mix of titles.
Among programmes included is Sky Documentaries’ ground-breaking film Forced Out, which tells the story of members of the armed forces who were dishonourably discharged for being LGBTQ+, and their fight to overturn the “gay ban.”
Meanwhile, The Stroll reveals the history of violence, policing and harassment in New York’s Meatpacking District that led to a movement for transgender rights.
Under the scope
As the focus of this year’s LGBTQ+ History Month is “Under the Scope”, which will celebrate the work of queer staff in the NHS and other healthcare settings, the collection also boasts several health-related shows.
In Cured, viewers will learn more about the campaign that led to a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights: the American Psychiatric Association removing homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses.
Positive offers a poignant look into Britain’s 40-year struggle against HIV and Aids, with some of the earliest patients and other members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as healthcare workers and activists, telling their sometimes-harrowing stories.
Speaking to PinkNews about the collection, Clare Lee, Sky’s director of merchandising, said: “Curating the TV experience of millions is a huge privilege, and we believe that comes with a responsibility to reflect the diversity of our community in the stories we celebrate on screen.
“We’re proud to support our LGBTQ+ colleagues and customers, both in year-round editorial choices and at key celebration and remembrance moments, [such as] LGBT History Month. It’s all part of what we do to believe in better.”
LGBTQ+ at Sky has more than 2,000 members and acts as a support network, offering empowerment and representation within the business.
Last year, members marched in 10 Pride events across the country and reaffirmed their commitment to creating an environment where every voice matters, and where every employee can turn up to work as their true, authentic self.
You can discover Sky’s LGBT History Month collection now and throughout February. Just say “LGBT History Month” into your Sky Q remote to start exploring.
