Photo : Marie Claire Vericel | La Musardine
Queer Cinema: A Meeting with Didier Roth-Bettoni
Explore how LGBTQI identities have transformed in cinema through the eyes of a true expert in the field. Join us for a deep dive into the historical milestones and the shifting narratives that have shaped the queer cinematic landscape.
Bibliothèque Georges Brassens (Paris 14th)
About
Join us on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Bibliothèque Georges Brassens in the 14th arrondissement for an insightful talk with film historian and journalist Didier Roth-Bettoni. The author will discuss his extensive research into LGBTQI representations in cinema, tracing the evolution of these portrayals from 1895 to the present day. This event, which explores thousands of films through his latest updated publication, is free of charge and open to adults aged 18 and over. The venue is fully accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with hearing or visual impairments, ensuring a welcoming environment for all film enthusiasts.
20 years after L’Homosexualité au cinéma (La Musardine, 2007), Didier Roth-Bettoni has sought to continue his work on LGBTQI representations in cinema under a new title, reflecting the considerable evolutions in society. A brand new fifth part covers the past 20 years and presents more than 2,000 additional films, which are added to the nearly 6,000 already cited in the first edition, which has itself been considerably revised and enriched.
Spanning 1,500 pages and covering the period from 1895 to the present day, this enriched work highlights the works and their authors, the characters and their performers, but focuses above all on highlighting the transformations in the images of the gay, lesbian, or transgender people represented.
Didier Roth-Bettoni is a journalist and film historian, a specialist in representations of homosexuality and gender identities. He is the author of numerous works on these issues, including L’Homosexualité au cinéma (La Musardine, 2007), Sebastiane ou saint Jarman, cinéaste queer et martyr (ErosOnyx, 2013), and Les Années sida à l’écran (ErosOnyx, 2017).
Our take on this event
On Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 19:00 to 20:30, the Bibliothèque Georges Brassens hosts a session with expert Didier Roth-Bettoni. Known for his work on the history of homosexuality and gender identities in film, Roth-Bettoni presents his newly updated, 1500-page comprehensive study. This edition expands on his 2007 foundational work by adding over 2000 new titles to the existing 6000, reflecting the significant societal shifts that have occurred over the last two decades.
The discussion centers on the evolution of gay, lesbian, and transgender imagery across cinematic history. Roth-Bettoni, also the author of books such as 'Les Années sida à l’écran' and his analysis of Derek Jarman, will highlight the transformations in how these identities are portrayed, looking at both creators and performers. It is an opportunity to engage with a specialist who has dedicated his career to chronicling queer cinema.
This event is strictly for individuals aged 18 and up. The library is equipped to welcome visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair access and specific provisions for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired. Admission is free, however, prior reservation is required to attend.
