7 WONDERFUL ACTIVITIES FOR LGBT HISTORY MONTH

LGBT History

LGBT History Month tackles and celebrates the issues surrounding queer cultures across the world, from the fight for equality to the rise of the civil rights movements.

No matter your vibe, there’ll be an LGBT History Month event that’ll appeal. Talks, shows, tours and exhibitions are all launching this month in line with queer historical themes, with London museums, organisations and cultural institutions running events to educate and celebrate.

Here’s a selection of some of the best things to do this LGBT History Month.

AN EYE-OPENING EXHIBITION

The Out On An Island exhibition features portraits and recordings of LGBTQ people living on the Isle of Wight. The point the curators are making is that life outside of cities can often be harder for queer people. Individuals featured are all of different ages and from different backgrounds; one is a retired school teacher who came out during a board meeting discussion around Section 28, the Conservative policy which forbade teachers from educating about LGBTQ issues until it was overthrown in 2003.

TRAVIS

ALABANZA’S NEW SHOW

We adored the new Royal Court show Sound of the Underground. The show feels potent for LGBT History Month: it’s all about workers’ rights and the fight for fair pay for queer performers, who work tirelessly and are an essential part of the community but often end up financially short. It’s a ballistic display of colourful drag, with wonderful songs. Read more about how much we loved it on cityam.com

More Lgbtq Theatre

While not technically part of LGBT History Month, there are a range of shows with queer themes running throughout February. Kissed by a Flame is a show about queer love in Islington running at The Pleasance from 1-11 Feb; My Brother’s Keeper at Theatre503 explores the territory where immigration, religion and sexuality meet, running from 1-11 Feb; Tiny Fragments of Beautiful Light is an immersive story about one lesbian’s journey of self discovery and runs until 18 Feb at the Alphabetti Theatre.

Royal Museums Greenwich

History is being retold from an LGBTQ perspective in Greenwich in this series of events on throughout February. Drag performances take place in historical spaces, there’s a queer-themed night on board the iconic Cutty Sark, celebrations of queer maritime history and LGBTQ family activities. There is also a self-guided trail at the Science Museum that gives a queer perspective on exhibits. If you’re into museums, why not take this opportunity to visit the UK’s first Queer Museum, which recently celebrated its first anniversary.

A NEW LGBTQ PODCAST

Memories From The Dancefloor celebrates LGBTQ venues from the past and features interviews with prominent queer individuals. Amy Lame and Heaven founder Jeremy Norman feature on initial episodes, released to coincide with LGBT History Month. Episodes focus on the staff, the artists and the people who went to the venues. The AIDS epidemic and trans inclusion will be two of the narratives explored. The podcast “shines a light on the history of these incredible spaces, taking us under the rope and into the queer chaos, joy and community within them.” The Proud Trust website is also launching its own digital education tool offering schools, parents, carers, community groups, individuals and young people the opportunity to try craft-based activities to learn more about LGBTQ culture and history.

Sound of the Underground is all about workers’ rights and the fight for fair pay for queer performers

TRY A QUEER BOTANY CLASS

Botanical history will be retold through a queer perspective at the Chelsea Physic Garden this February. “Trails, workshops and talks will highlight the important role members of the community have played in horticulture, as well as exploring sexuality and gender through plants,” says press material.

The garden has existed for 350 years but LGBT History Month’s events will shed new light on the queer stories behind the gardens – finding stories that have never been told. Events include a queer botanical drawing evening, a poetry reading and panel discussion.

LGBTQ PEOPLE OVER 50

LGBTQ and over 50? Submit your artwork to the ‘Behind The Lens’ exhibit at Bishopsgate Institute, running 22-25 February. It’s run by Opening Doors, one of the largest UK charities amplifying the voices of LGBTQ people over the age of 50.

On 22 February the public are invited to see the works submitted at a launch event from 6-9pm. The charity says: “This is an exciting opportunity to showcase artwork to the public and contribute to an organisation with a steep history connected to the LGBTQ+ community.”