In a world grappling with environmental crises, the call for positive change is stronger than ever. Every role is crucial, including the often overlooked need for storytelling. As author Jonathan Gottschal famously noted, “We are, as a species, addicted to story. Even when the body goes to sleep, the mind stays up all night, telling itself stories.” It’s testament to our inherent love for narratives.
Instead of bombarding audiences with statistics and data, stories are able to offer a humanizing lens. The right story can spark emotions and make the complexity of environmental problems felt. Stories have the power to inspire action and transform attitudes, behaviors, and policies.
Makmende editor Alda’s pick
Art Collective – Queer Indonesia Archive
Queer Indonesia Archive is a project committed to the collection, preservation and celebration of material reflecting the lives and experiences of queer people in Indonesia. It has been very eye opening to see films, books, magazines, posters, etc that represent the LGBT community as far as the 50s in Indonesia. They work with artists and curators to exhibit and showcase this important part of history.
You can follow their account on instagram @qi.archive. They are volunteer run, community focused and non-profit. If you are interested in what they do, you can support them online!
Makmende creative Elise pick
Movie – The Inspection
This beautiful, but heartbreaking movie is about a young Black gay man in the USA, who, after being rejected by his mother, joins the Marines in search of acceptance within a system that is profoundly hostile to him. The fact that it is inspired by the director’s personal story, left an even bigger impact on me, showing that we still need to fight all together for the acceptance of the LGBTQ community in every corner of the world.
Makmende creative Maaike’s pick
Movie – Anne+
Anne+, a Dutch movie on Netflix (with English subs), is a real must watch, by the fact that it shows how much fun it can be, being in your twenties and queer in Amsterdam. Next to that, the directors also normalize being queer with a coming of age story like any other with love, broken hearts and first world problems. The type of story that anyone, regardless of being queer or not, could relate to.
Makmende strategist Niall’s pick
TV Show – It’s a Sin
A 2021 series from one of Britain’s best-loved TV writers, Russell T. Davies, about the onset of HIV / AIDS in 1980s London. Beautiful, funny and, above all, tragic, it puts the viewer right into the middle of that chaotic, terrifying time, seen through the eyes of the young men and women who lived through it, including Davies himself – it’s essentially an autobiography. I think there’s no better way to experience what it was like to be gay at that time, and to remind us of the devastation that social prejudice can cause.
Makmende sales Miesje’s pick
TV Show – Sex Education
“Sex Education” isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but I absolutely loved it! It’s refreshingly hilarious, honest, and endearing, keeping you hooked from start to finish. The cast is brilliant, the plot is intriguing with just the right balance of predictability and surprise. Seasons 1 through 3 are truly the best; however, in Season 4, the story becomes a bit scattered.
Makmende sales Ivana’s pick
Le Fate Ignoranti” (The Ignorant Fairies), a 2001 Italian film directed by Ferzan Özpetek, presents a nuanced exploration of the LGBTQ community through its characters and narrative. The film addresses the theme of hidden identities and the dual lives that some LGBTQ individuals lead, particularly in environments that may not be accepting.
A significant aspect of the film is its portrayal of the LGBTQ community as a chosen family.
The film also touches on issues of race, immigration, and social marginalization.Overall, “Le Fate Ignoranti” contributes to the discourse on LGBTQ issues by highlighting the importance of visibility, acceptance, and the need for supportive communities.
Makmende marketing Lavinia’s pick
Book – The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Evelyn Hugo is one of the greatest literary characters I have ever had the pleasure to read from. Taylor Jenkins Reid has created a story so captivating it feels like you’re reading a real autobiography. Evelyn’s journey through fame, love, and heartbreak is unforgettable, with each of her seven marriages revealing something new about her life choices. The inclusion of her deep love for another woman adds a layer of depth; powerful and touching. This novel is a beautiful exploration of identity, ambition, and the courage it takes to live your truth. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Makmende creative Nicole’s pick
Documentary – Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine
Do you know who Matthew Shepard is? As an American expat in Amsterdam, I have noticed many people don’t. But I wish more knew this University student’s story, and how his brutal murder just for being gay rocked the USA in the 90s. It sparked fury from both sides, and touching nationwide vigils were met with hateful protests. The documentary Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine goes into his story, and connects the soul to the name on the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act that eventually succeeded in adding sexual orientation to the U.S. federal hate crime law.
Makmende creative Paris’ pick
Movie – Moonlight
Despite this film being somewhat dated (but not yet a classic), I find myself rewatching this devastatingly beautiful film of a man fighting against an unflinching and unforgiving world- time and time again. This is perhaps because of the unique cinematography which I still find some of the most powerful ever captured (despite being shot nearly 10 years ago). Stunning beautiful and visually enchanting, the juxtaposition of the beauty with reality of cruelty makes this one of my all time (normally) visual references.
