In many countries, the rights of LGBTIQ+ people are in decline. Governments are criminalising queer identities and relationships. Acts of violence are increasing. Companies that once proudly displayed their openness to diversity are becoming more discreet, or even withdrawing their support for the cause. Social media, which major platforms have stopped moderating, is carrying an unprecedented outpouring of hate. In Switzerland, reports of homophobic acts have increased dramatically in recent years.

In this context, art and culture play a more important role than ever. The philosopher Gilles Deleuze saw the act of creation as an act of resistance: “Art is what resists: it resists death, servitude, infamy and shame.” Throughout its history, cinema has played a major role in denouncing discrimination, deconstructing stereotypical representations, making queer people’s life stories visible and changing perceptions of LGBTIQ+ communities.

In French-speaking Switzerland, the Everybody’s Perfect festival has been carrying out this essential work for several years. By presenting works of high artistic quality from around the world, it creates a space for sharing where audiences can recognise themselves in the stories or discover other realities. It gives a voice to those who are still too often marginalised and showcases lives in all their richness and diversity. By making cinema a tool for emancipation for society as a whole, the festival invites us to imagine a fairer and more inclusive society. For this, we sincerely thank it!

Christina Kitsos
Mayor of the City of Geneva