February is LGBT historic month. Pic: Ludovic Bertron/Wikipedia
Proud to celebrate LGBT
LGBT History Month returns this February, with a wide variety of events across the ELL boroughs, including exhibitions, films, meetings and comedy shows. The month-long festival focuses on recognizing the achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and raises awareness for their community. Having started as Schools OUT UK, the organization became a fully integrated charity in 2014 and is now known as LGBT History Month, celebrated nationwide.
Charity chair Sue Sanders told East London Lines: “We set the month up to enable LGBT people in all their diversity to be visible and safe. We have been invisible in so many crucial places such as schools, libraries, museums and archives. In the 11 years we have been going, we celebrate that gradually we are becoming more visible and many of the negative stereotypes are being challenged.”
The theme for this year is ‘Religion, Belief and Philosophy’ and festival badge designer, Gareth Marshall, told LGBT History Month the inspiration behind the artwork was the phrase “leap of faith” which to him meant “believing and having faith both in one’s religion, and in oneself”.
February will see London flooded with activities, performers and guest speakers to cater to all interests. Below are some of the best events on offer in the local area.
LGBT HM: Film Club & women’s party
Hosted by Lewisham LGBT group, this filmic afternoon is open to transgender and cisgender (who identify as) women. First come, first seated.
The Barn, 355 Bromley Road, Bromley. `
28 January, 2pm. More details can be found here.
#Outcome Portrait Exhibition
Local photographer Tom Dingley’s exhibition will be free to view throughout the month. The Broadway Theatre, Catford Road, Lewisham.
1 – 29 February, 10am – 3pm on Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays.
1967 & All That
An exhibition based on the sexual offences of 1967 and the decriminalization of homosexuality, with archives on loan from the London School of Economics.
Lewisham Library, 199 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham
Open during normal library hours throughout the month.
LGBT History Month Trail
Discover the life and stories of LGBT people in Croydon with free entry throughout February.
Museum of Croydon, Katherine Street, Croydon.
Every Tuesday – Saturday from 10.30am – 5pm.
Fringe!
A film about American youth theatre troupe True Colours OUT followed by a panel discussion.
Genesis Cinema, 93 Mile End Road, Tower Hamlets.
2 February 6.30pm – 10pm.
Rainbows Across Borders meeting
Monthly meeting for LGBT asylum seekers.
Braithwaite Hall, Katherine Street, Croydon.
5 February at 1pm.
Big Night Out
Performances from Croydon College and opportunities to network. Hot food and refreshments on sale.
1 Matthews Yard, Croydon
5 February from 7.30pm.
LGBT HM: Women’s Words
Live event with performances of poetry, spoken word and acoustic sets. Open to all cis and trans women.
The Broadway Theatre, Catford Road, Lewisham.
15 February from 6pm – 10pm.
Silver Rainbow Lunch
For those LGBTs aged over 50.
The Boulevard, Selsdon Road, South Croydon.
18 February starting at 12pm.
LGBT Poetry and Prose Readings
In association with Paradise Press, held at New Cross Learning.
283 New Cross Road, Lewisham.
20 February from 6.30pm.
Queer Experiments::Queer Femme
Expect the unexpected. Comedy, performance and visual arts evening. Tickets can be purchased here.
Hackney Attic, 270 Mare Street, Hackney.
24 February at 7.30pm.
Health and Well Being Day
Organisations and charities will come together to provide services including information on Hate Crime from the Met Police.
The Library at the Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street, Lewisham.
27 February from 12pm – 5pm.
More information about events across the country can be found through the LGBT History Month’s event calendar here.
