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 – Feb 20th, 6-7pm at the Islington Local History Centre at Finsbury Library
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!
Quizzes in October!
In October join our team for two nights of fun and facts!
Apple Tree Quiz 16 October 7pm
Quiz night upstairs at Central Station 22 Oct 7pm
Join us at our Union Chapel Drop in with our friends at Forum+ on 9 October 12 -2pm
To explore all of our events taking place in the Islington’s Pride project you can visit our Activities page. As there are quite a few events, you can also view activities for families and activities for adults
If you have LGBTQ+ events taking place in Islington that you’d like us to include in the project, get in touch: islingtonspride@islington.gov.uk