Hive of Pride: Out Laws Film Screening incl. Q&A with director, James Lewis
KANARIS LECTURE THEATRE, MANCHESTER MUSEUM, MANCHESTER, M13 9PL
Wednesday 10th June 2026
Three courageous activists.
One colonial legacy.
Out Laws uncovers the roots of queer criminalisation and follows the global movement reclaiming history through courage, community and resistance.
Out Laws follows three queer activists as they fight to overturn the colonial-era laws that still criminalise their lives. The battle unfolds in a moment of escalating jeopardy: activists are being murdered, churches and politicians are mobilising against LGBTQIA+ rights, and foreign actors are exporting hate across the Global South. From tense courtrooms to private moments of fear and determination, the film reveals what it means to resist when the cost can be everything.
Visually bold and emotionally urgent, Out Laws exposes the political forces trying to force queer people back into the closet — and the movement pushing back with courage, joy and global solidarity.
Out Laws documentary is a celebration of resistance, capturing the courage, humour, and resilience it takes to defy a legacy of hatred and forge a future of dignity and equality.
A Q&A with the film's director James Lewis will follow the screening. We also hope to be joined via video call by one of the three LGBTQI+ rights leaders featured in Out Laws, Namibian activist Friedel Dausab.
Watch the trailer for Out Laws
The film screening of the movie Out Laws is a companion event to the lecture Hive of Pride: Colonisation, criminalisation & community building - Fight for LGBTQ+ rights globally
This event is made possible by EDI funding from the School of Environment, Education and Development and the School of Social Sciences at the University of Manchester.
One colonial legacy.
Out Laws uncovers the roots of queer criminalisation and follows the global movement reclaiming history through courage, community and resistance.
Out Laws follows three queer activists as they fight to overturn the colonial-era laws that still criminalise their lives. The battle unfolds in a moment of escalating jeopardy: activists are being murdered, churches and politicians are mobilising against LGBTQIA+ rights, and foreign actors are exporting hate across the Global South. From tense courtrooms to private moments of fear and determination, the film reveals what it means to resist when the cost can be everything.
Visually bold and emotionally urgent, Out Laws exposes the political forces trying to force queer people back into the closet — and the movement pushing back with courage, joy and global solidarity.
Out Laws documentary is a celebration of resistance, capturing the courage, humour, and resilience it takes to defy a legacy of hatred and forge a future of dignity and equality.
A Q&A with the film's director James Lewis will follow the screening. We also hope to be joined via video call by one of the three LGBTQI+ rights leaders featured in Out Laws, Namibian activist Friedel Dausab.
Watch the trailer for Out Laws
The film screening of the movie Out Laws is a companion event to the lecture Hive of Pride: Colonisation, criminalisation & community building - Fight for LGBTQ+ rights globally
This event is made possible by EDI funding from the School of Environment, Education and Development and the School of Social Sciences at the University of Manchester.
