LGBT History Month 2022 falls on the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in the UK.
forum+ will be presenting a fantastic programme of activities and events celebrating Camden & Islington LGBT History Month. They invite all the community to join the festivities and explore local LGBT history through exhibitions, book groups, film screenings, spoken word events, history talks and more!
The theme for LGBT History Month 2022 is Politics In Art: The Arc Is Long. The theme references art in the national curriculum and will be an opportunity to commemorate the many achievements and contributions of LGBT activists and artists. Camden & Islington LGBT History Month is not just a celebration but also an important opportunity to champion inclusion and equality for local LGBT people.
Camden and Islington’s rich LGBT history will be highlighted in this very special collection of activities and events which celebrate the culture, lives and experiences of the local LGBT community. From the forum+ Book Club to Zine Making, from Incite! Poetry to the Lesbian Discussion Group, from Islington’s Pride to the Loudest Whispers Exhibition, February is a month brimming with activity!
Camden & Islington LGBT History Month Events
From Prejudice to Pride: An Exploration of Camden’s Rich LGBT+ Heritage, Tuesday 1st February, 6pm
Explore Camden’s rich heritage of sexual diversity. Hear about the Molly Houses, the Victorian cross- dressers and the much policed watering holes of the Bohemian demimonde of the 1920s and 30s. Meet the genius of polari Kenneth Williams. Hear about how the LGBT community rallied to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Witness the struggle against Section 28 and the celebrations of the first Same Sex weddings at Camden Town Hall and much else besides. Tickets to this virtual, online event are free and booking is essential.
Outloud LGBTQ+ Salon, Wednesday 2nd February, 7pm-8pm
Every tattoo on every person captures a unique, pinpointable moment, a decision to carry a creative choice with them for the rest of their lives. Join OutLoud – LGBTQ+ at London Metropolitan Archives as we speak to trans tattoo sensation Billy Slicks of Tits4Tats, the artist who ingeniously and beautifully combined bespoke tattoos and trans mutual aid, to discover what those early tattoos tell us about their story. Tickets £5
www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/lgbtq-at-london-metropolitan-archives-34579
Lesbian Discussion Group – Making mistakes and the notion of ‘failure’, Wednesday 2nd February, 8.15pm
The LDG has been going for almost 40 years in its physical form at Gay’s the Word with the aim to provide community to women from inside and outside of London. The group continues to thrive – due to the friendly and welcoming people that join every week to discuss love, life, and current affairs. New attendees are welcome to join in every discussion session so if you’re in doubt about whether you should pop along – be assured you won’t be alone.
www.lesbiandiscussiongroup.com
KTCC Film Club – Bohemian Rhapsody, Thursday 3rd February, 12pm
Join the new Kentish Town Community Centre Film Club for an LGBT History Month special screening of Bohemian Rhapsody. The biographical musical drama film is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. The KTCC film project forms part of the Kentish Town Arts Club, is free to join and open to all.
For more information please email: [email protected]
Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place, London NW5 2SP
The New Normative: Writing Diverse Relationships, with Keith JarrettThursday, 3rd February, 4.30pm-6.30pm
Explore ways to open up diverse narratives around gender, sexuality and relationships in children’s creative writing. In this session, writer, poet, performer and educator Keith Jarrett will lead activities that challenge heteronormative stereotypes in literature. He’ll also share examples of diverse representations of gender and sexuality from children’s literature, young adult fiction and his own and others’ poetry. This session is open to Islington educators working across the curriculum, with a focus on literacy and English.
www.cubittartists.org.uk/Event/the-new-normative-writing-diverse-relationships-with-keith-jarrett
Boopa/Chelsea: A Continuous or Analog Manner, Thursday 3rd February, 7pm–9 pm
Boopa/Chelsea is a two-artist performance without a plot by R. Justin Hunt and Owen G. Parry exploring forms of queer intelligence (QUI), extra-terrestrial in-visibility, and that humming sound. QUI is often hidden in plain sight. It’s Genet’s prison lovers in Un Chant d’amour sharing cigarette smoke through a tiny little hole in a wall; Or activist and whistle blower Chelsea Manning trafficking information on the Iraq war via a CD labelled “Lady Gaga”!
www.pushkinhouse.org/events/2021/12/16/boopa-chelsea
Pushkin House, 5a Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2TA
Launch of Loudest Whispers Exhibition, Friday 4th February, 5.30pm-8.30 pm
The Arts Project presents the 14th Loudest Whispers Arts Exhibition in partnership with forum+ and proudly hosted by Old Diorama Arts Centre. The launch event will be your first opportunity to explore our exhibition celebrating the power of the creative LGBT+ Community, including work from 34 artists linked to an open category and the theme of Politics in Art. The online gallery is in partnership with the Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust and CNWL NHS Foundation Trust Charitable Fund.
Old Diorama Arts Centre, Regent’s Place, 201 Drummond Street, Triton Square, London NW1 3FE
Desire International, Until Thursday 24th February, Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm
Visit the Desire International Exhibition at Pushkin House to explore queer identity and some of the recent history of queer communities in Russia, Belarus, the UK and beyond! The two-artist exhibition by two contemporary artists Yevgeniy Fiks and Ian Ginsburg is a journey through the utopianism of queer sensuality and imagination.
For further information contact Pushkin House at 02072699770 or the exhibition curator Denis Stolyarov at [email protected]
Pushkin House, 5a Bloomsbury Square, London WC1A 2TA
Arts’ Student Union LGBTQ+ exhibition, throughout February 2022, Monday-Friday, 9am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-4pm
Arts’ SU UAL students are showcasing their work – to have their voices heard and their work celebrated! This exhibition will be a showcase of emerging LGBTQ+ creatives from UAL and features work by Leonidas Liolios, Poppy Jasmine Hawkes and Georgia Vincent. Events during LGBT History Month will include showcasing zines and a tapestry that can be added to by visitors, encouraging involvement from the public, bringing the work out of Central Saint Martins into the local community.
Window Galleries, Central Saint Martins, 1 Granary Square, N1C 4AA
British Museum: Desire, love, identity – LGBTQ histories trail, throughout February 2022, 10am-5pm
This LGBT History Month, choose a trail looking at objects that have a connection with LGBTQ history. Fifteen-object trail – you should be able to complete this trail in 60–75 minutes. The objects have been arranged to create an efficient route. However, you don’t need to follow this order. Three-object trail – this trail is ideal if you only have 30 minutes to spare. The trail is free with general museum entry.
www.britishmuseum.org/visit/object-trails/desire-love-identity-lgbtq-histories
Booking via: www.britishmuseum.org/visit
Islington’s Pride Heritage Trail, throughout February 2022
Journey through the Islington’s Pride Heritage Trail and enjoy visiting over 150 points of LGBTQ+ interest that have been found throughout the borough of Islington. Including: current and former residents, venues such as LGBTQ+ bars, community organisations and locations of celebration and infamy! Visit the website and learn the entries, incorporated images and oral histories, that are linked to the physical plaques across Islington which connect you to the rich history we celebrate today. Celebrating Islington’s LGBTQ+ Heritage.
https://islingtonspride.com/humap
Gay’s The Word, throughout February 2022
During LGBT History Month pay a visit to Gay’s The Word Bookshop. The iconic Camden bookshop has been at the heart of the capital’s LGBTQ+ rights’ movement since opening on 17th January 1979. Gay’s The Word has served as the meeting place of pioneering activist collectives like The Gay Black Group, Lesbians and Gays Support The Miners and, more recently, TransLondon. For up to date information on Gay’s The Word LGBT History Month activities and events please visit: www.gaystheword.co.uk
Gay’s The Word, 66 Marchmont Street, London
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Queering Your Camden, throughout February 2022
Think you know everything about your local area? Think again! Discover queer stories from LGBTQ+ people in your neighbourhood, from first dates to doctors’ appointments to nights out! You’ll hear stories from LGBTQ+ people from across the world sharing their experiences in the cafes, nightclubs, and tube stations around you. The Queering Camden map covers most of Camden and if you feel inspired by the map, submit your own story via www.queeringcamden.com
https://explore.echoes.xyz/collections/zRAy5MFU9Pf16mbg
T on a Tuesday, Tuesdays throughout February 2022, 7pm-9pm in-person 8pm-10pm online
T on a Tuesday is the London Friend trans & non-binary social group. The group is open to all trans, non-binary people and people exploring their gender. Join with the group during LGBT History Month either online via Zoom or at London Friend. Contact tontuesday@londonfriend. org.uk for more information and to sign up for the zoom sessions, no sign up required for the in-person sessions!
To join the online sessions, email: [email protected]
For in-person sessions visit: 86 Caledonian Rd, London N1 9DN
Desire, love, identity – an LGBTQ tour of the British Museum, Friday 4th February, Saturday 12th February and Sunday 20th February, 2.30pm-3.40pm
Explore objects in the collection linked to the themes of desire, love and identity. Join our volunteer-led tour and discover a fascinating selection of objects with LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) connections. The tour ranges from the ancient world to the present day, and includes some of the most famous artworks on display. Advance booking essential!
www.britishmuseum.org/events/desire-love-identity-lgbtq-tour-british-museum
Islington LGBT+ History Guided Walk, Sunday 6th February, Sunday 13th February, Sunday 20th February, Sunday 27th February 3pm
Meet the people and powerhouses behind the LGBT+ community, experience the past, present and future on this guided walk of some of Islington’s most colourful characters; from artists and activists let’s explore this wonderful borough. We will talk about groups like the Gay Liberation Front, the Pink Angel Festival, forum+ and many more! £17-£20: This walking tour will provide you with free entry to Zodiac Bar in Camden.
https://www.outsavvy.com/event/7976/islington-lgbt-history
Laughing Labia – Comedy & Variety Show, Sunday 6th February, 7.30pm
Laughing Labia at the iconic Phoenix Arts Club, is the sell out comedy and cabaret show hosted by Austria’s award-winning, most famous (and only) lesbian comedian, Alice Frick! Laughing Labia proudly presents a diverse line-up of female comedians who want to show that entertainment can be so much funnier, richer and deeper than represented on TV and in the media! For the latest Laughing Labia event and line up information please visit www.laughinglabia.com
Booking via: https://phoenixartsclub.com/whats-on/
Phoenix Arts Club, 1 Phoenix St, London WC2H 8BU
Loudest Whispers Art Exhibition, Monday 7th February to Thursday 31st March 2022, Monday – Thursday 9am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-6pm
The Arts Project presents the 14th Loudest Whispers Arts Exhibition in partnership with forum+ and proudly hosted by Old Diorama Arts Centre. The exhibition celebrates the strength and power of the creative LGBT+ Community, including work from 34 artists linked to an open category and the theme of Politics in Art. The online gallery exhibition is in partnership with the Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and the CNWL NHS Foundation Trust Charitable Fund
Old Diorama Arts Centre, Regent’s Place, 201 Drummond Street, Triton Square, London NW1 3FE
The Log Books Live: The Complete History of Switchboard, Tuesday 8th February, 6.30pm-8.30pm
The creators of the hit podcast The Log Books present a complete overview of Switchboard from its inception in the 1970s through to today. This live event will feature readings from the archive at Switchboard – the LGBT+ Helpline, and LGBTQ+ people talking about their experiences living through the 70s, 80s, 90s and early 00s. Expect laughter, tears, and maximum queer power! The event will be chaired by Tash Walker, co-host of The Log Books and co-chair of Switchboard.
Booking essential: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-log-books-live-the-complete-history-of-switchboard-tickets-239091488077
Finsbury Library, 245 St John St, London EC1V 4NB
First Time, Wednesday 9th-12th February and Sunday 13th February, Wednesday-Saturday 7.30 pm Sunday 5pm
Can you remember your first time? Nathaniel can’t seem to forget his. To be fair, he has had it playing on repeat for the last 15 years. Now the party is over, the balloons have all burst and he’s left living his best queer life… Or is he? Award-winning HIV+ theatre-maker Nathaniel Hall (It’s a Sin) and Dibby Theatre present their critically acclaimed ‘hilarious’ and ‘heart breaking’ hit autobiographical show about growing up positive in
a negative world. Join him as he blows the lid on the secret he’s been keeping all these years.
Tickets £18/ £16 concession www.pleasance.co.uk/event/first-time
Pleasance Theatre Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF
Lesbian Discussion Group, Wednesday 9th February, 8.15 pm
Join the second LDG session in February focussing on What is progress or change to you? LDG has been going for almost 40 years in its physical form at Gay’s the Word with the aim to provide community to women from inside and outside of London. The group continues to thrive – due to the friendly and welcoming people that join every week to discuss love, life, and current affairs. We welcome new attendees in every discussion session.
Registration via: www.lesbiandiscussiongroup.com
Housmans Queer Book Club, Thursday 10th February, 7pm-8.30pm
On Thursday 10th February visit the iconic radical bookshop Housmans and join a discussion on Pink Lemonade by Mika Onyx Johnson. Housmans Queer Book Club reads a wide range of LGBTQ fiction and non-fiction. The book club meet every 2nd Thursday of the month from 7-8.30pm. All genders are welcome, as are any snacks, drinks and book suggestions you can bring along too.You can find future book club titles in Housmans – a 20% discount can be applied to them if you mention the group.
https://housmans.com/product-tag/housmans-queer-book-club
Housmans Bookshop 5 Caledonian Rd, London N1 9DX
Rainbow Phoenix: Celebrating LGBT+ History Month with Tile Making Workshop, Sunday 13th February, 11 am-3pm
Inspired by the AIDS Memorial Quilt, learn about this important work of community art, tell personal histories through ceramics and enjoy some fun and creativity with Rainbow Phoenix Pottery. One block per person. Places are limited, so book early! Block 1 11:00-11:50 (10 places) Block 2 12:00-12:50 (10 places) Block 3 13:00- 13:50 (10 places) Block 4 14:00-14:50 (10 places)
Booking essential: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rainbow-phoenix-celebrating-lgbt-history-month-with-tile-making-workshop-tickets-239965391947
Phoenix Pottery 199 Caledonian Road, N1 0AF
Cooking With Pride, Tuesday 15th February, 6pm–9pm
Islington’s Pride and St Luke’s Community Centre present ‘Cooking with Pride’ an evening activity for food lovers, designed for the LGBTQ+ community and friends. Chef Maurizio will take you through the steps to prepare, cook and enjoy a delicious vegetarian pasta dish, including making your own pasta! Join us in the spacious well equipped St Luke’s Cookery School. At the end we can all sit down and enjoy our creation – with wine!
Lesbian Discussion Group, Wednesday 16th February, 8.15pm
Join the third LDG session in February focussing on What turns you on and what turns you off? LDG has been going for almost 40 years in its physical form at ‘Gay’s the Word’ with the aim to provide community to women from inside and outside of London. The group continues to thrive – due to the friendly and welcoming people that join every week to discuss love, life, and current affairs. LDG welcomes new attendees in every discussion session.
Registration via: www.lesbiandiscussiongroup.com
KTCC Film Club – Rocketman, Thursday 17th February, 12pm
For LGBT History Month the KTCC film club has programme a series of films celebrating lgbtq+ icons. On Thursday 17th join a very special screening of Rocketman, the epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years. The KTCC film project forms part of the Kentish Town Arts Club, is free to join and open to all.
For more information on how to join the KTCC film screenings please email: [email protected]
Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place, London NW5 2SP
Lesbian Cabaret with DD, Friday 18th February, 6pm doors. Show 7pm-9.30pm
This is a solo show by DD Cabaret aka Double D at the ZODIAC Bar. She takes on the world of lesbian dating in her one woman show which inludes songs, anecdotes and a game or two to entertain your Friday night in style. Inspiration from the Jazz age and old Hollywood Double D will swing you into her world of ups and downs as a lesbian, all whilst embodying a touch of Marlene Deitrich and Liza Minelli!
https://www.outsavvy.com/event/7977/a-night-of-lesbian-cabaret
Incite! LGBT History Month Special, Saturday 19th February, doors at 1 pm, 1.30pm-4.30pm
forum+ spoken word event Incite! is back in-person for a very special gig at the Apple Tree’s pop-up venue. Hosted by performance poet Hannah Chutzpah and featuring a selection of Incite!’s incredible performers, including: international poetry slam champion Dr Robin Lamboll, multimedia artist Lee Campbell and the irreverent and outrageous Barney Ashton-Bullock! More performers TBC. After two years online we can’t wait
to join together in person! Incite! is warm, friendly and safe queer space where respectful allies are extremely welcome.
For more information please visit https://bit.ly/InciteLGBTHMSpecial and email: [email protected]
Apple Tree Pop-Up, 30 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DU
Karaoke at Central Station with Chris Reardon, Saturday 19th February, 7.30pm-11pm
On Saturday 19th February (and every Friday and Saturday night during February) sing your heart out at Central’s Karaoke event! Join DJ, entertainer and Queen of Karaoke Chris Reardon for a fun filled evening on Central Station’s famous stage. It’s all about having fun and a laugh!
For more information please visit the event page: www.facebook.com/events/637546974349827 and email [email protected]
Central Station, 37 Wharfdale Rd, London N1 9SD
Drag Queen Story Time with Apple Derrieres and Adam All, Monday 21st February, 10am-11am
Back by popular demand! Acclaimed drag king and queen Adam All and Apple Derrieres return to the Cally Centre in person for an Under-5s story time. Expect bright colours and bold patterns and some excellent interactive storytelling for the little ones. Guaranteed to get the parents smiling along. This event is for under 5s and parents/guardians.
Booking via: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/drag-queen-story-time-with-apple-derrieres-and-adam-all-tickets-239148498597
Cally Clock Tower Centre, Clock Tower View, Market Estate, London N7 9HF
Outcome’s LGBTIQ+ History Month Celebration 2022, Tuesday 22nd February, 2pm-4pm
Come and celebrate LGBTIQ+ History Month online with Outcome! We are offering activity tasters, such as yoga, art, creative writing, and themed performances from clients, a film room, online museum tours, and more.You can talk with clients, volunteers, and staff to learn more about our weekly wellbeing and mental health support service for the LGBTIQ+ community across London and our specialist service for LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and refugees, Freedom From Fear to Love.
To register your place, please email Lizzie Hughes: [email protected] for online link.
Lesbian Discussion Group, Wednesday 23rd February, 8.15pm
This LDG session is on When does free will end and fate (if it exists) begin? LDG has been going for almost 40 years in its physical form at Gay’s the Word with the aim to provide community to women from inside and outside of London. The group continues to thrive – due to the friendly and welcoming people that join every week to discuss love, life, and current affairs. The group welcomes new attendees in every discussion session.
Registration via: www.lesbiandiscussiongroup.com
KTCC Film Club – Milk, Thursday 24th February, 12pm
Join with the KTCC Film Club for a special LGBT History Month screening of Milk, the fantastic biopic of Harvey Milk’s life. As a gay rights activist and the first openly gay man elected to public office Harvey Milk was a pioneer. He tragically lost his life in a homophobic attack but his message of hope, tolerance and acceptance still resounds today.
For more information on how to join the KTCC film screenings please email [email protected]
Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place, London NW5 2SP
Telling Our Stories, Thursday 24th February, 1pm–2pm
Opening Doors London presents a storytelling session where older LGBTQ+ people share their lived experiences. When we look to LGBTQ+ History Month, the first place we must turn to is those who have lived through that history. Join with ODL Ambassadors and listen to experiences and stories from their lives, that might shed some insight into the what it was like growing up as LGBTQ+ in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. For more information please email [email protected]
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/telling-our-stories-tickets-243039897877
forum+ Book Club, Thursday 24th February, 7pm-8pm
Join the forum+ Book Club for an LGBT History Month Special! We will be discussing If Not, Winter: Fragments Of Sappho, the brilliant translation of the work of Sappho from the critically acclaimed poet and classicist Anne Carson. February’s Book Club will take place in Heroica Live in Camden and new members are very welcome to join our celebration, discussion and exploration of LGBTQ literature! To register your place please email: [email protected] and visit the event page https://bit.ly/LGBTHM22BookClub
Heroica Live, 37 Chalk Farm Rd,Chalk Farm London NW1 8AJ
Meet the Community: London Friend, Thursday 24th February, 6pm-7.30pm
London Friend celebrates its 50th Birthday this year! Since 1972, LGBTQ people have been coming together as London Friend to support the health and wellbeing of others within our communities. Throughout the year we’ll host regular events and activities to mark our milestone 50th birthday. On Tuesday 24th February a panel of guest speakers are coming together to talk about London Friend services and the work they’ve done to support the LGBT community in the last 50 years.
LGBTQ Community Centre in 60-62 Hopton Street, London SE1 9JH
A structured zine making workshop with illustrator and comics artist Rachael House, Saturday 26th February, 2.15pm-4.15pm, Zine Making with Rachael House
At the end of this structured workshop each participant will have made a one-off minizine about identity Zines are a way for us to make our voices heard, to build communities, lo-fi social networking. No experience necessary, materials provided. No drop-ins permitted, participants should be ready for a full 2 hours of zine making fun! Booking essential: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-log-books-live-the-complete-history-of-switchboard-tickets-239091488077
Islington Museum, 245 Saint John Street, London EC1V 4NB
If you are a victim of homophobic, biphobic or transphobic harassment or hate crime, forum+ have numerous ways of supporting you.
Contact forum+ to make an appointment to discuss your options with one of our experienced case workers, or report a crime to us without the need to involve the police by using our non-police reporting scheme.
They can work with you and support you in reporting LGBT hate crimes to the police and relevant council departments.
To report a hate crime, or seek advice, please contact forum+:
tel: 02073885720
email: [email protected]
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