February is here, and with it comes a month of vibrant LGBTQ+ events in Sheffield – all in celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month! The city is hosting a range of activities spanning social gatherings, educational events, cultural celebrations and much more. Whether you’re looking to explore queer history, engage in communitybuilding activities or simply enjoy a night of music, Sheffield has something to offer for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. SAYiT’s annual series of events to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month includes My Mind on Paper (Wed 19 Feb) at Central Library, an LGBTQ+ readers and writers panel and a captivating Visual Tour of Sheffield’s Queer History (Tue 25 Feb) at Weston Park Museum, inviting participants to uncover hidden LGBTQ+ stories that have shaped the city’s rich history. Celebrating the life and impact of one of the LGBTQ+ community’s most iconic figures, Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope (Thu 27 Feb) at the Foundry is a special performance honouring the late, great Quentin Crisp. Known for his unapologetic attitude and trailblazing contributions to queer culture, Crisp’s life and legacy will be explored in this evocative show. Expect stories that focus on his contributions to the freedom and self-expression of the LGBTQ+ community, offering a poignant look at the man who became a symbol of resilience and individuality. At the Students’ Union, the LGBTQ+ Living Library (Tue 4 Feb) is a unique event where you can “borrow” LGBTQ+ individuals as books to hear their personal stories and experiences. For book lovers and those interested in contemporary queer issues, Sheffield Students’ Union also hosts Stressbusters – LGBTQ+ History Month Book Swap (Tue 4 Feb), where you can exchange old books for new reads, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ literature. It’s a great opportunity to refresh your queer book collection and discover new voices in the community. For those interested in the intersection of 50 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK
technology and relationships, The Love Fix: A Conversation with Rachel Thompson (Thu 13 Feb) at Juno Books explores the impact of dating apps on intimacy and self-esteem, especially within marginalised communities. Meanwhile, Jake Hall – Shoulder to Shoulder (Wed 5 Feb) at Central Library examines themes of connection and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community. At No & Other Stories (Tue 11 Feb) at Juno Books, Kirsty Logan will discuss her latest short story collection, blending love, lust and desire across time and place. The Over 50s LGBTQ+ Group (Thu 13 Feb) at Weston Park Museum invites older LGBTQ+ individuals to gather in a relaxed, dementia- and neurodivergent-friendly environment, providing a peer support space led by members of the LGBTQ+ community. For those looking to get active, the Foundry Fit: Grapefruit HIIT Class (Mon 10 Feb) at Sheffield Students’ Union offers a fun and energising high-intensity workout tailored for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate health and fitness. If you’re a neurodivergent queer individual or an ally, the Neurospicy Queer Boardgames (Sun 23 Feb) event at Mandala Cafe provides a welcoming and inclusive space to play board games, enjoy drinks, and meet new people. Meanwhile, Rainbow Minds (every Wed), a weekly group hosted by Sheffield Mind at the Wellbeing Centre, offers a supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals to focus on mental health, connect with others, and relax. For a communal dining experience, check out Gut Pleasers – Communal Meal (Wed 5 Feb) at Gut Level or Stressbusters – LGBTQ+ History Month: Weston Park Museum Trip and Picnic (Fri 7 Feb), both of which provide opportunities for community bonding. There’s plenty happening on stage and screen this month. Curzon Cinema hosts a special Galentine’s Day screening of the iconic Thelma and Louise (Thu 13 Feb), a film that celebrates friendship, freedom,