LGBT History Month gives all of us an opportunity to engage with our shared history, focus on the past, and listen to and share the knowledge of those who have come before us. At Islington’s Pride, we engage with history on a daily basis, but what good is that if we can’t impart some of our knowledge with everybody else? That’s why we’ve got a rich and varied programme of events lined up, including opportunities to explore our archive, walking tours, drag queen story time and a live podcast recording. Take a look at some of the fantastic events coming in February:
The Log Books: The History of Islington’s LGBT Switchboard
Makers of the hit podcast The Log Books join Islington’s Pride to celebrate the shared local history, as part of LGBT+ History Month.
The charity helpline Switchboard set up its first call room in Islington in 1974. The volunteers’ notes, known as the log books, are a unique archive of LGBTQ+ life in Britain, from dancing to sexual health. Our panel of speakers will look through Switchboard’s archive and share their stories of queer life in the past and the present.
The History of the London Gay (And Lesbian) Teenage Group
How Islington became a haven for gay teenagers in late 1970s and 1980s Britain’; the history of the London Gay (and Lesbian) Teenage Group and other early youth movements’ by Dr Clifford Williams (who was there! — 1978-79).
In this talk Dr Clifford Williams charts the origins of the first officially registered gay youth group in Britain and looks at the role the Boroughs of Islington and Camden played in the early history of organised LGBT youth support.
LGBT Drop-In Social with Forum+ Wednesday 12th February, 12-2
Join us and our partners Forum+ to explore our LGBT Archive and Special Collection, and to test your knowledge of Islington’s rich LGBT+ heritage in a mini quiz. The monthly LGBT Drop In session is a relaxed and safe social space with free refreshments and lunch (soup and a roll) provided. All welcome, and bring a friend. For more information, please contact info@forumplus.org.uk. Venue: Union Chapel, Compton Terrace (off Upper Street), N1 2UN.
No booking required – just show up!
Drag Queen Story Time
We are really excited to welcome Cookie MonStar, queen of comedy and improvisation, to Cally Clock Tower Centre! Cookie will read from a selection of books picked from Islington Library and Heritage Service’s LGBTQ+ under-fives book list.
Cookie has entertained audiences worldwide with her comedy cabaret shows and is a hit with our Under Fives Drag Queen Story time sessions in Islington’s libraries.
Exploring Islington’s Pride LGBT+ Archive
An opportunity to explore our growing archive of LGBT+ Islington. Learn first hand from Project Archivist Marlin Khondoker about the significance of the collection, what’s needed to preserve local history and (in some cases!) a trip down memory lane.
At the Islington Local History Centre – Max 30 people on a first come, first served basis.
Guided Walking Tours of Queer Islington
Starting from Highbury & Islington Station, join us for a guided walk of local queer heritage, ending at Cally Clock Tower, where you can enjoy some badge making as well as the stunning views of this newly refurbished local landmark.
We hope to see you there!