UK prepares to celebrate LGBT History Month
Hundreds of individual events are scheduled to take place throughout the UK to celebrate this year’s LGBT History Month, which begins on Friday and continues throughout February.
LGBT History Month was started by LGBT campaigning organisation Schools Out.
Founded and run by volunteers, it first took place in February 2005, in the wake of the abolition of Section 28 and has grown each year.
It is intended to raise awareness of, and combat prejudice against, the LGBT community.
There are already hundreds of events planned throughout the country for February 2008.
Below is a selection of the events taking place across the country; check the LGBT History Month website for further details.
Greater London
The London events kick off with the launch events by Tower Hamlets and Islington councils, including music from the London Gay Symphony Orchestra and a Proud Heritage exhibition. There’s also the Out of Time exhibition that depicts the LGBT history of London’s East End, self-defence classes for LGBT women and women, films nights, history walks and writing workshops throughout the month. Also worth a look is the Schools Out AGM Conference on February 2.
South/SouthEast/South West
Amongst events on offer is a gay ghost hunt with David Wells from “Most Haunted”, the South West Sexuality Fair 2008 hosted by the University of Bristol, and an a lecture by journalist Rose Collis on Joe Orton’s Brighton.
North/North East/North West
Highlights include a free public LGBT film festival organised by GALYIC (Gay And Lesbian Youth In Calderdale) the launch of an official LGBT helpline by LGBT Rotherham, and the ICON wall exhibition in Stockport.
East Midlands/West Midlands
Visit the free Oscar Wilde exhibition in Nottingham, which focuses on the three trials that led to his imprisonment; with contributions from Wilde’s grandson, Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. Also in the regions are comedy nights, a performance from stand-up Rhona Cameron, Shropshire’s Big Gar Read and Singalonga Rocky Horror in Hereford.
East Anglia
Cambridge University LGBT staff group are offering a free screening of the film Yosse and Jagger, and author Patrick Gale will at Heffers Bookshop talking about his writing and signing books. There’s also Bedfordshire’s Transgender Consultation Event and T-Ball.
Scotland
Aberdeen Art Gallery is hosting a talk about provocative artists Gilbert and George, while Kirkcaldy is host to a equality film festival.
Wales
The University of Wales (Newport) is hosting a free LGBT event entitled
