The Festival offers a journey from Peru to Belarus, via the USA, UK and France. Shrewsbury is proud to host this event and banners advertising it hang across the town’s main streets.

Sergey Yenin, from Belarus, will take part in a Q+A session with the Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, David Shaw, following the showing of ‘East Bloc Love’.

Sergey who has endured violence from police and homophobes, began his fight for equality after his boyfriend was shot on the border. With other courageous activists he prepares a Pride march in the capital Minsk, in spite of a government ban and threats of violence.

Sergey said, ‘Gay people in Belarus have no voice, so I’m grateful for being given the opportunity to highlight our cause to the wider European community.

This will be my first visit to the UK and my first time on a plane and, from what I’ve seen, Shropshire looks like it will be the perfect place to get great taste of English life.’

Festival goers will also have the opportunity to meet the Director, Producer and Jan herself after ‘Jan’s Coming Out’. ‘Stepping out of the closet after 23 years of marriage, Jan is catapulted into a new world. She interviews a host of lesbian entrepreneurs, entertainers, pioneers and celesbians from Hebden Bridge to Hollywood. Is she alpha or a beta? Femme or butch? Does she have to be any of these? What exactly do they mean?!’

For information and trailers visit www.rainbowfilmfestival.org.uk .

Phone: 01743 249888

Proscoe52@yahoo.co.uk