Celebrate LGBT+ History Month with fun, free online events

Although this year most events will have to be online due to the ongoing pandemic, there are still lots of ways you can celebrate local LGBT+ history!

Highlights include:

• Launch of Camden & Islington LGBT+ History Month 2021 & Loudest Whispers Exhibition
  forum+ hosts an evening of music and entertainment to launch Camden & Islington LGBT+ History Month and Loudest Whispers 2021. Award winning hosts Christopher Hamilton and Shimi Goodman will be joined by very special guests Mzz Kimberley, Nicole Faraday and Professor of Whimsy Robert Garnham. This very special celebration event is free and open to all.
  
  Date: Friday 5 February, 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm 
  How to book: email info@forumplus.org.uk or watch live online on forum⁺ YouTube Channel

• Islington’s Pride: Preview of Digital Heritage Trail
  Islington’s Pride is a heritage project run by the Islington Museum and Local History Service, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Throughout the Islington’s Pride project, 150 points of interest have been found throughout the borough including: current and former residents, venues such as LGBTQ+ bars, community organisations and locations of celebration and infamy. In order to bring this incredible amount of queer history to the people of the borough, Islington’s Pride have worked with Error, a digital humanities organisation. In this preview, learn the entries, incorporated images and oral histories, as we demonstrate how our physical plaques across Islington will connect you to the rich history we celebrate today.
  
  Date: Wednesday 3 February, 2pm – 3pm, book via Eventbrite

• Explore the Islington’s Pride LGBTQ+ Archive
  A major part of the Islington’s Pride project has been the creation of the Archive: collating and collecting items and ephemera that focus on the London Borough of Islington’s LGBTQ+ heritage. Islington has been highly influential in the growth of the LGBTQ+ community, its organisations and rights through the 20th and into the 21st Century. Archivist Marlin Khondoker presents just some of the highlights in the archive, detailing the rich history and why it’s so important to preserve our at-risk histories. While we wish you could join us in person, this really is the next best thing!
  
  Date: Wednesday 10 February, 2pm – 3pm, book via Eventbrite

More information on these and other projects, and a full programme of events by forum+ is available on their website.

Cllr Una O’Halloran, Executive Member for Community Development, said:

“Islington is a diverse and welcoming place with a long and illustrious history of LGBT+ activism and community.

“This year, with so many of us spending time away from our family, friends and loved ones, the need to come together and celebrate is more important than ever. I’m delighted that there are so many events happening online this year to celebrate our diverse and brilliant borough’s LGBT+ history, and invite everyone to join in!”

Tessa Havers-Strong, Director of forum⁺ said:

“forum⁺ is very proud to present a fantastic programme of activities and events celebrating Camden & Islington LGBT History Month. The theme for 2021 is “Body, Mind, Spirit” and there are over 30 online activities and events for everyone.

“Islington has long been known as a diverse and inclusive place to live, a place where different communities and cultures achieve together.  The LGBQT+ community in Islington have made a significant contribution to the vibrant and diverse life in borough – celebrate and explore that local LGBTQ heritage throughout February with digital trails, online seminars, book groups, film clubs, poetry events, history talks and more!”