Your history

"History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man."
Percy Bysshe Shelley

While we are away enjoying a week of hedonism in Spain, a very special celebration indeed begins - for February marks Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month in the UK.

This year, in my role as co-Chair of Islington Council LGBT staff forum, I have been heavily involved (with the council's partner Camden LGBT Forum) in planning a massive programme of events across the two boroughs. The theme for 2013 is maths, science and engineering and is dedicated to the great work of Alan Turing. The month is not all science, however.

With more than 45 events to choose from, Camden and Islington LGBT History Month 2013 is the biggest in the UK!

Highlights include:

• A schools sport tournament on the theme of Football v Homophobia, hosted by Arsenal Football Club no less, among a day of Educate and Celebrate events aimed at young people.
• LGBT professionals speaking about their scientific experiences at University College London: and a host of other seminars and panel discussions covering topics as diverse as drug use, mental well-being, religion and sex.
• Lectures and discussions on LGBT ancient history at the Petrie and British Museums; and talks on early gay heroes Aleister Crowley and Magnus Hirschfield.
• A discussion with former Catholic priest, gay rights and AIDS campaigner Bernard Lynch.
• An evening with LGBT historian Rictor Norton (of Mother Clap's Molly House fame).
• Loudest Whispers, one of London's premier LGBT art exhibitions.
• Events to celebrate 21 years of the gay bar Central Station, 30 years of the work of the Terrence Higgins Trust, and 40 years of London Friend gay befriending group.
• A variety of prominent speakers from the world of gay culture and literature, including Neil McKenna (launching his long-awaited book on Fanny and Stella), Clare Summerskill, Jonathan Kemp, Roz Kaveney and a "pop-up Polari" hosted by Paul Burston.
• Films on LGBT themes by such eminent directors as Ken Russell and Leontine Sagan; the premiere of the anti-homophobia play Vincent River; and evenings of poetry, comedy and musical history.
• The unmissable sci-fi themed Big Bang Ball at the Islington Assembly Hall, with drag favourite Mrs Moore, the Gay Big Band and lesbian New Romantic tribute band "Joanne Joanne".

And that's just in Islington and Camden!

Even though we miss the first week, LGBT History Month 2013 promises to be a fabulous (if exhausting, with the number of events I've promised to attend) month, and I am sure I'll be reviewing it extensively when we get back.

See the full itinerary:
www.islington.gov.uk/lgbthistory

Events across the rest of the UK may be found on the national LGBT History Month website.

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STOP PRESS 1pm:



The unveiling of the rainbow flag that will once again fly above Islington Town Hall throughout February.