Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgendered History Month

~ www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk ~

TAKE PART in the UK’s first ever LGBT History Month, coming in February 2005.

Over the coming weeks, we shall be adding many new resources to this section. These will include

Do come back and take a look. Make sure you let us know about your plans. We can help publicise your event by putting it in our calendar.Join our mailing list to be kept up to date on important additions to the site and information about events. For press information and general news, check out our news page.
“We will be encouraging schools to take part.”Stephen Twigg MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools “I believe the month will be important in helping to drive the culture change to create a more inclusive society.”Rt Hon Jacqui Smith MP, Minister of State for Industry and the Regions and Deputy Minister for Women and Equality

More about LGBT History Month …

~ www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk ~

Details of events are starting to come in more quickly, and we are hearing about many more that are being planned.

Coming Events Of History Month February 2005

Month-at-a-glance view

1st: Tuesday - 28th: Monday Blackpool Artwork A display of artwork by young people. Venue: Blackpool Central Library, Abingdon Street, Blackpool, Lancashire Time: Library opening times Website: http://www.mvfm.org/

1st: Tuesday - 28th: Monday Brighton LGBT Local History in Brighton Images of Brighton, one of the two local history galleries at Brighton Museum & Art gallery, features aspects of the city's vibrant contemporary scene, including a display about the local LGBT community. It includes oral histories by local people, video footage of Pride and written information about the development of the LGBT community in Brighton & Hove. The display was created by the museum's Local History staff, in conjunction with GLAM (Gay and Lesbian Arts & Media) and the Brighton Ourstory Project.

Apart from the special Images of Brighton display, there is much of interest to LGBT people throughout the museum, for example: LGBT oral histories have been recorded for many of the sections, such as personal stories about gay pubs and being bullied at school for being a lesbian in the Exploring Brighton gallery; the Body gallery, which focuses on the way we present ourselves to the world, includes body modification, with a special emphasis on piercing and tattooing; the Fashion & Style gallery includes a display called Renegade showing street fashions from recent decades; paintings in the Twentieth Century Art & Design gallery include Après Midi by David Paynter and Two Figures by Fernand Léger, while visitors to William Willett's Popular Pottery are greeted by Difficult Background, a revolving Grayson Perry vase. It is all accessible free of charge and the museum's Balcony Café does a fabulous afternoon tea!

Venue: Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Entrance in Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton Time: Tuesday 10am-7pm, Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 2-5pm, Closed Monday Website: http://www.virtualmuseum.info

1st: Tuesday London Celebrating our lives - Islington LGBT History Month Celebration Celebration to commemorate the UK's and Islington's first LGBT History Month. Speakers include Ben Summerskill (Stonewall), Lisa Power (THT), Cllrs Terry Stacy and Laura Willoughby, photographer Robert Taylor, Jack Gilbert (Islington LGBT Forum) and Vernal Scott (Head of Equality & Diversity). In conjunction with this event, we will be opening an exclusive town hall foyer photographic exhibition of key LGBT personalities, by renowned artist Robert Taylor. Subjects include Alan Hollinghurst, Inge Blackman, Isaac Julien amongst many others. There will also be memorable archive material on display from Gay Times.

Venue: Committee Room 1, Islington Town Hall, Upper Street N1 2UD Organisation: London Borough of Islington Time: 5.30pm onwards Tel: 020 7527 3142

1st: Tuesday – 28th: Monday Bristol Art Exhibition An art exhibition focusing on the work of some of the leading LGBT artists over the past 150 years. Org: Bristol Central Library, College Green, Bristol Venue: Bristol City Council Time: Opening Hours Tel: 0117 9037342

1st: Tuesday – 28th: Monday Bromley Mail shot Mail shot to school heads asking them to be aware of LGBT history month and gain some valuable support and training from local LGBT community worker. Org: Bromley PCT Venue: Health Development Service, Beckenham Hospital Tel: 01689 866698

1st: Tuesday Brighton Showcase of educational resources on lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) issues, plus local support services. FAO: PSHE Coordinators of all schools Venue: Learning Development Centre, Brighton Deadline: 1st February Website:

http://ezone.eastsussexcc.gov.uk/vsb/main.asp?item=1049

2nd: Wednesday—19th: Saturday London Gateway to Heaven A play written entirely from the memories of older lesbians and gay men. The author, Clare Summerskill, interviewed twenty-six people from a wide range of social and ethnic backgrounds: they tell of their experiences of living as a distinct minority in a world where the majority did not even recognize homosexuality. Performed by Clare and members of her company, Artemis Venue: Oval House Theatre, 52–54 Kennington Oval, London SE11 5SW Tel (Box Office): 0207 582 7680 Website: http://www.gatewaytoheaven.co.uk/

2nd: Wednesday London Training for Senior Managers/Leadership Teams on challenging homophobia A full training day for schools' Senior Managers or Leadership Teams on challenging homophobia, faced by both young people and staff in schools. An expert led day of training facilitated by Jonathan Charlesworth M.Ed. (NUT Bristol), Projects Manager of EACH (Educational Action Challenging Homophobia). Venue: NUT Headquarters, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, LONDON WC1H 9BD Time: 9.30am to 4.00pm Tel: 020 7388 6191 Website: www.eachaction.org.uk

3rd: Thursday London British Museum On the first Thursday of the month the British Museum is open late. The Enlightenment Gallery was newly opened last year and presents a view of the development of museums. As a major international instituion contributing to understanding of sexuality it is uniquely placed to provide a learning resource. How does it do it? Venue: British Museum, Enlightenment Gallery, London Org: landscape.gallery and satyrs in suburbia

4th: Friday London OutWest Conference OutWest has arranged a LGBT Conference on the 4th February 2005. The purpose of this conference is to make service providers aware of their responsibilities to the LGBT community following recent and long standing legislation. We wish to cover four main topics :- * Crime * Housing * Health * Education Commander Steve Allen from the Met will speak on Crime Deborah Gold from Stonewall Housing is speaking on Housing Rosemary Watt-Wyness CEO Pace will tackle Health issues, other speakers TBA. Venue: Hounslow Civic Centre Time: registration@ 9.30am, conference to begin @10.00am with 15 minute presentations from each speaker plus a fifteen minute q/a. Email: Les.Jackson@tube.tfl.gov.uk

4th: Friday London Tate Britain The Tate Britain is open late in the evening, on the first Friday of February, so this is a chance to walk around and work out all sorts of queer connections. Be around 7pm, with a pink canation? Venue: Tate Britain, Millbank (Underground:Pimlico, Rail: Vauxhall, London Org: landscape.gallery and satyrs in suburbia

4th: Friday London Photography Exhibition Join us for an opening event for the first LGBT history month. Photographer Pam Isherwood has been taking pictures of marches, demonstrations and Pride events from the very beginning to present day. A selection of these images will be on display at this event. Venue: Inspire Cafe, St. Peter's Church, Liverpool Grove, Walworth London, SE17 2HH. Time: 7.00pm onwards Tel: 020 7525 5659

7th: Monday Brighton Queericulum Brighton-based support, social and campaign group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender teachers and education workers invites local schools and youth workers to a showcase of LGBT educational resources:

All the resources will be available on free loan to local schools – from infants to sixth form. Venue: Learning Development Centre, Hodshrove Lane, Brighton Time: 4–6pm Tel: 01273 298299 Email: tart@ntlworld.com

7th: Monday London Account of a Possible Gay History An account of a possible gay history, starting with Theocritus, moving backwards and then forwards. John Lindsay was one of the founders of Gay Switchboard, Gay Rights at Work, the Gay Librarians Group and the East London Faggots. Venue: Institute of Historical Research, Senate House, Malet St., London WC1 Time: 5.30pm Tel: 0208 547 2000

7th: Monday - 11th: Friday Brighton Documentary on History of Brighton Pride BBC Southern Counties Radio at 11.15am each day throughout the week will broadcast a series of Documentary programmes about the History of Brighton Pride as part of LGBT History Month and Brighton Winter Pride. Time: 11.15am each day

7th: Monday London A House of Commons reception for LGBT History Month hosted by Angela Eagle MP This reception will take place from 5.30-7.30 at the House of Commons. Jacqui Smith, Equalities Minister, will be present, as will a Minister from the DfES (to be confirmed). Admission is by invitation only. For further information join our mailing list. Venue: House of Commons Time: 5.30 - 7.30pm

7th: Monday Edinburgh Diversity Awareness Week The Scottish Executive's HR Policy Team (Diversity) and the Executive's LGBT Staff Network are running a lunchtime seminar in the Scottish Executive's St Andrews House Media Centre 1 on Monday 7 February at 12 noon. The aim of the seminar is to acknowledge the contributions LGBT staff have made to the Civil Service. There will be three speakers who will give short presentations on the contribution of LGBT people to Scottish History, including the life and work of civil servant Cecil Sinclair, life as a gay civil servant, and the challenges facing the LGBT community in the Scottish Executive and in Scotland today.

Confirmed speakers include Ellen Galford and Brian Thompson from Remember When? (The Edinburgh LGBT History Project), and Ali Jarvis (former director of Stonewall Scotland). This diversity awareness event is open to Scottish Executive staff only. : As well as the seminar on the 7th February the LGBT Staff Network is planning a number of social events to celebrate history month. We will also have an LGBT History Month display in the entrance area of all Executive buildings during the first week of February.

The Scottish Executive's HR Policy Team (Diversity) and the Executive's LGBT Staff Network Venue: St Andrew's House, Edinburgh Time: 12 – 1.45pm Tel: 0131 244 0891 Website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk

7th: Monday until end of month Belfast Pride and Protest : To celebrate LGBT History Month in February 05, The Rainbow Project is joining with the Irish Queer Archive to present Pride and Protest. This exhibition traces the evolution of the lesbian and gay civil rights movement in Ireland (both north and south) and includes an array of information, documentation and memorabilia from LGBT college societies, the Democratic Unionist Party's (DUP) Save Ulster from Sodomy campaign of the early 1980s, the Carpenter Club in Belfast, Jeff Dudgeon's legal challenges against UK Government and more. The exhibition will be hosted by Belfast Central Library and located in the first floor reading room. It will run from Monday 7 February until the end of the month. /div> Org: The Rainbow Project Venue: Belfast Central Library, Royal Avenue, Belfast Time: 9am - 9pm Mondays and Thursdays, 9am - 5pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays 9am -1pm Saturdays Tel: 028 90319030 Website: www.rainbow-project.org

8th: Tuesday London The Bisexual Underground Regular monthly pub meet for London-based bisexuals and bi-friendly people, holding a meeting with a historical theme. Venue: the Blue Posts, 81 Newman Street, London, W1T 3EU Time: 6–11pm Website

: http://www.bisexualunderground.org/

8th: Tuesday - 8th March London The Games People Play Do you sometimes feel stuck in your ways of relating to other people? Games People Play is a 5 week group using assertion skills as a way of breaking passive, aggressive and manipulating ways of relating to other. This workshop is aimed at Black and Asian Gay/Bi Men.

Games People Play - for Black and Asian Gay/Bi Men is a FREE workshop. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment!!!

Organisation: PACE Venue: PACE, Manor Gardens, Holloway Road, London N7 Time: Tues evenings - 6.30pm-9pm, Sunday 6 March 2005 - 10am-5pm Tel: Bookings hotline: 020 7700 1323 Email: groupwork@pace.dircon.co.uk

8th: Tuesday London London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard:30 years of helping out London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard:30 years of helping out. Perry Savill and Neil Cooper talk about the history and current work of the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard. Organisation: South London Gays Venue: The Bread and Roses pub (upstairs), 68 Clapham Manor Street, London SW4 Time: 8.30pm Website: http://www.slago.org.uk/slg/

9th: Wednesday London Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 This seminar will focus on the introduction of the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003. Although the regulations represent the UK's first legislative moves to combat workplace discrimination, there are gaps in the legislation, around the issues of religious organisations and benefits dependent on marital status, which led to an unsuccessful High Court legal challenge, led by trade unions and the TUC.

While the outcome of the appeal is awaited, this seminar is aimed at familiarising trade unionists, employment lawyers, personnel specialists, academics, students and those concerned with the development of public policy, to the current regulations.

When and in what cases will the new laws apply? What constitutes direct and indirect discrimination? What more can trade unions do to advance the rights of lesbian, gay and bisexual workers and achieve a more comprehensive package of equality law. These questions and many more will be addressed by the panel of employment law experts at this informative half-day seminar organised by the Institute of Employment Rights. Tickets: IER subscribers and members: £45.00, Trade Unions: £60.00, Commercial: £120.00

Venue: NATFHE Centre, Britannia Street, London WC1 Time: 1:30- 4:15pm Website: http://www.www.ier.org.uk/

12th: Saturday Brighton Cinethon 2005 - 12 hour Movie Marathon featuring films old and new Beautiful Thing, GI Jane, Moulin Rouge, The Adventures of Priscilla - Queen of the Desert, Some Like It Hot plus a selection of shorts. Food and drink available through the night. One film £6, Two films £10, Full pass £25. Advance bookings recommended Part of Brighton Winter Pride Week. Venue: Duke of York's Picture House, Preston Circus, Brighton Time: 10pm to 10am Tel: Bookings: 01273 602503

13th: Sunday London Metropolitan Community Church North London Celebrates the First Ever LGBT History Month MCC has a primary ministry to LGBT community, all are welcome Organised by Metropolitan Community Church North London Venue: Trinity United Reforms Church Building, Buck Street London NW1 (Tube Camden Town) Time: 2pm and 7pm Tel: 020 8802 0962 Website: http://www.mccnorthlondon.com/

14th: Monday Manchester Mayoral Reception for LGBT History Month Invitation only. Manchester City Council Venue: Town Hall Time: evening

15th: Tuesday London Gays and lesbians in British television: the early years Southwark writer and historian Stephen Bourne will present an illustrated talk about the early, pre-1980, years of gays and lesbians in British television. Extracts from archive treasures will include the first gay character in a TV drama, the first gay policeman on TV and one of the first documentaries about lesbians. This event is free. Organised by Southwark Council Venue: Inspire, St. Peter’s Church, Liverpool Grove, Walworth SE17 2HH Time: 6.30–8.30pm Tel: 020 7525 5659 Email: Dax.Ashworth@southwark.gov.uk

15th: Tuesday Manchester How the media has reported LGBT experience Robert Thompson, LAGNA's Outreach Officer is giving a series of talks, across the country, to highlight how the media has covered LGBT experience. This is our history but it is one that has been reported by people who aren't part of our community, and as such it provides an important document of changing attitudes to us within society, particularly in the last half century. Organised by The Lesbian and Gay Foundation Venue: The Lesbian and Gay Foundation, Unity House, 15 Pritchard Street, off Charles Street, Manchester M1 7DA Time: 6-9pm Tel: 0161 2358001

16th: Wednesday London Talk organised by Southwark LGBT Network Three local residents reflect on their own personal histories of growing up or coming out as LGB or T/, tales of the struggles, triumphs and joys of being who we are. Venue: the Green, 58-60 East Dulwich Road, London, SE22 9AX Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm Tel: 020 7525 5659

18th: Friday - 20th: Sunday Manchester Residential weekend A residential weekend for young lesbians,gay men and bisexuals, involving young people from Edinburgh, Manchester, Belfast and north east England working together in Manchester to produce art based work and discussion on lgbt history month

The saturday afternoon from 3.30 - 6.00 is open for all young,(12 - 25 years) LGBT people to attend at the lesbian and gay centre 49-51 Sidney street, off Oxford Road, city centre Manchester

Organised Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester and National Lottery Heritage fund, young roots programme Venue: Various venues in Manchester Time: Various Tel: 0161 234 3174

20th: Sunday London Programme: Wagner: "Die Meistersinger" Overture; Grieg: Piano Concerto in A minor; Piano - John Robson Shostakovich: Symphony No.5 Guest Conductor: Alison Beckett, Leader: Patrick Ardagh-Walter. Tickets: £10.00 (£6 concessions) on the door or in advance from 07963 853 099 The London Gay Symphony Orchestra Venue: St John's Church, Waterloo Road, London SE1 (Waterloo tube/train station) Time: 7pm Tel: 07963 853 099

21st: Monday The National Anti-bullying Poetry Competition Closing date for entries. Open to all school pupils. Tackling homophobic bullying is one of the themes on which entries are specifically invited.
For rules, details of prizes and a link to the entry form see the Teachernet site.

21st: Monday to 11th April London Creative Writing These practical creative writing workshops explore and play with narrative. You’ll get to experiment with language and ways of telling stories, and work towards finding a writing voice that is uniquely your own. workshop facilitator: Royce Mahawatte, writer and lecturer at the London Institute, who has a PHD in English Literature Venue: Workshop Venue: Wise Thoughts, Studio 3, 2nd Floor, Chocolate Factory 2 (Proton House), 4 Coburg Road, Wood Green, London N22 6UJ (Entrance: through gates, at the end of car park)Subsidised fees (payable in advance & non-refundable): £35 for seven sessions(+ £20 for video workshop material). Time: 7pm - 9pm Tel: 020 8829 8911 Website: Wise Thoughts

21st: Monday Cambridge Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) group at Cambridge City Council This talk is one of a series of events organised by the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) group at Cambridge City Council as part of LGBT History Month. It will be led by the Reverend Dr Fraser Watts, who is Chaplain of St Edwards, the Starbridge Lecturer in Theology and Natural Science and a Fellow of Queens' College, with contributions from Angie Stanton who is on attachment at St Edwards as part of her training to be a priest in the Anglican church.

As well as outlining the history of this controversial subject, the talk will explain why it is that this issue remains such a source of conflict in the Church today and allow each of the presenters to provide their personal perspective on it. There will be an opportunity for questions and open discussion afterwards. An LGBT guide to cambridge is being produced as part of the week’s events. St Edward King and MartyrPeas Hill Cambridge CB2 3PP St Edward's provides a Christian centre for spiritual seekers from diverse backgrounds, and fosters meditative Christianity, spiritual growth, and pastoral care. We are committed to Christ and celebrate the glory of the Christian tradition, but we try to be open to the Spirit of God everywhere, not only in the Church but outside it. The Chaplain is Fraser Watts, who is also the Starbridge Lecturer in Theology and Natural Science and a Fellow of Queens' College. He is a psychologist by background, and directs the Psychology and Religion Research Programme, and is also Diocesan Advisor on Pastoral Care and Counselling.

St Edward King and Martyr Peas Hill Cambridge Venue: St Edward King and Martyr Peas Hill Cambridge Time: 7.30pm Tel: 01223 369508 Email: fnw1001@cam.ac.uk

21st: Monday Cambridge Wear Pink For the Day! Help to raise awareness of issues in the workplace of discrimination and prejudice- wear pink to work for a day! LGBT staff support group- Cambridge City Council Time: All day Tel: 01223 369508

22nd: Tuesday London A lunchtime seminar to celebrate the contribution made by LGBT staff to the Department of Health and NHS. Speakers will include: 1. Sir Nigel Crisp, NHS Chief Executive and DH Permanent Secretary 2. Surinder Sharma, Director of Equality and Human Rights for the NHS and DH 3. Louise Chambers (Department for Constitutional Affairs).After the speakers there will be a short panel session, which will give the audience an opportunity to ask a few questions of the speakers and other invited panellists. There will also be an exhibition available throughout the event. The event has been organised by the Department's Equality and Human Rights Group in partnership with PRISM, the DH LGBT staff group. The event is open to Department of Health staff and those working in the NHS. If you would like to attend please email Mike Murnane

Organiser: Department of Health's Equality and Human Rights Group Venue: Wellington House, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UG Tel: 020 7972 4339 Email: mike.murnane@dh.gsi.gov.uk Website: http://www.dh.gov.uk/

22nd: Tuesday to 12th April London Video/Moving Images This course offers a step by step guide to create moving images / films, encouraging artistic expression through the development process. You will learn how to make and edit films and create your own video pieces. workshop facilitator: Niranjan Kamatkar, a prolific multimedia artist who had been directing and producing artworks over a decade. His production SHIVER was premiered at the South Bank Centre and his recent – Bollyqueens - a video & 2d image installations was premiered at the NFT. Venue: Workshop Venue: Wise Thoughts, Studio 3, 2nd Floor, Chocolate Factory 2 (Proton House), 4 Coburg Road, Wood Green, London N22 6UJ (Entrance: through gates, at the end of car park)Subsidised fees (payable in advance & non-refundable): £35 for seven sessions(+ £20 for video workshop material). Time: 7pm - 9pm Tel: 020 8829 8911 Website: Wise Thoughts

23rd: Wednesday Leicester Gateway to Heaven A play written entirely from the memories of older lesbians and gay men. The author, Clare Summerskill, interviewed twenty-six people from a wide range of social and ethnic backgrounds: they tell of their experiences of living as a distinct minority in a world where the majority did not even recognize homosexuality. Performed by Clare and members of her company, Artemis Venue: The Y Theatre, 7 East Street, Leicester LE1 6EY Tel (Box Office): 0116 255 7066 Website: http://www.gatewaytoheaven.co.uk/

23rd: Wednesday London Mark Simpson Talks About Celebsexuality Simpson is the author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Male Impersonators (“Brilliant” - Observer), It’s a Queer World (“You’d have to be a chronic depressive not to laugh” - New Statesman), co-author of The Queen is Dead (“Something of a masterpiece”- Independent) and editor of Anti-Gay (“The year’s most controversial book” - BBC Radio 5). His most recent book is Saint Morrissey (“Funny, clever, honest, irreverent and egotistical…more biographies should be written this way” - Independent on Sunday Books of the Year). He has been variously described as “An amused, detached Voltaire”, “One of the brightest writers around”, and “A brainy thug”. Simpson relishes a bit of bickering and will be happy to open up a discussion with the audience. Afterwards, he will be available to sign copies of his books. Refreshments will be provided.

Venue: John Harvard Library, 211 Borough High Street SE1 Time: 7pm Tel: 020 7407 0807

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23rd: Wednesday London Black Gay Men's Advisory Group The BGMAG website will provide information on activities taking place within the group such as our campaigns, community development, training and support work as well as providing details on membership and further involvment in the group. Black Gay Men's Advisory Group (BGMAG) Venue: City Hall, Queens Walk, London. SE1 (Places are limited to invitation -on a first come first served basis). Time: 5 - 7pm Tel: 020 7816 4653 Email: admin@bgmag.org.uk Website: http://www.bgmag.org.uk/

23rd: Wednesday London Carravagio exhibition The National Gallery is uniquely placed as a national resource to investigate the history of sexuality and how it is represented by an institution in receipt of public funds. First Wednesday, it is open to the public late, there is music and all sorts of Fun. Anyone interested is invited to turn up with a pink carnation and assemble around pictures which resonate. Venue: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London Time: 5pm onwards Tel: 0208 547 2000

23rd: Wednesday to 13th April London Dance/Movement The Dance workshops encourage participants to develop their own choreographic work, using (Indian dance & contemporary) movements to weave individual narratives and express personal stories through the body. workshop facilitator: Subodh Rathod, an accomplished dancer and choreographer who had created dance works that have been presented on national and international platforms. Venue: Workshop Venue: Wise Thoughts, Studio 3, 2nd Floor, Chocolate Factory 2 (Proton House), 4 Coburg Road, Wood Green, London N22 6UJ (Entrance: through gates, at the end of car park)Subsidised fees (payable in advance & non-refundable): £35 for seven sessions(+ £20 for video workshop material). Time: 7pm - 9pm Tel: 020 8829 8911 Website: Wise Thoughts

23rd: Wednesday London Quiz Night Join us for a one off LGBT quiz night at a great venue in Peckham. Org: Southwark LGBT Network Venue: Rye Hotel, 31 Peckham Rye, London, SE15 3NX Time: 8pm Tel: 020 7525 5659

24th: Thursday London Drama Drama is an enjoyable and deeply satisfying voyage of discovery that helps us understand the human condition. These workshops safely explore our emotional instincts in communications with others, while learning acting skills in a fun supportive environment. workshop facilitator: Dimitri Devdariani, a creative director who was born in Georgia (Russia), Dimitri has directed several drama productions for Fringe and Community theatre initiative in London. Venue: Workshop Venue: Wise Thoughts, Studio 3, 2nd Floor, Chocolate Factory 2 (Proton House), 4 Coburg Road, Wood Green, London N22 6UJ (Entrance: through gates, at the end of car park)Subsidised fees (payable in advance & non-refundable): £35 for seven sessions(+ £20 for video workshop material). Time: 7pm - 9pm Tel: 020 8829 8911 Website: Wise Thoughts

24th: Thursday London Hall-Carpenter Archives, London School of Economics The HCA celebrates 20 years of preserving and promoting gay history with a seminar recounting the achievements and resources growing out of the HCA. Speakers include Lisa Power, author of 'No Bath but Plenty of Bubbles', an oral history of the Gay Liberation front, Robert Thompson 'Outreach Office for the Lesbian and Gay Newsmedia Archive, Margot Farnham, Project Co-ordinator of the HCA oral history project and Sue Donnelly, archivist and the LSE. Venue: Library, London School of Economics, 10 Portugal Street, London WC2A WHD Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm Tel: 020 7955 7223 Website: HCA

24th: Thursday Cambridge A celebratory reading of Gay Poets and poetry A celebatory reading of Gay Poets and poetry. Authors will range from Sappho to Adrienne Rich, from Shakespeare to Maya Angelou. Local poets, reading some of their own material, will also be included! Venue: CB2 Cafe, Norfolk Street, Cambridge Time: 8pm – 10pm Tel: 01223 369508

25th: Friday Hemel Hempstead Gateway to Heaven A play written entirely from the memories of older lesbians and gay men. The author, Clare Summerskill, interviewed twenty-six people from a wide range of social and ethnic backgrounds: they tell of their experiences of living as a distinct minority in a world where the majority did not even recognize homosexuality. Performed by Clare and members of her company, Artemis Venue: Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP1 3AE Tel (Box Office): 01442 228 091 Website: http://www.gatewaytoheaven.co.uk/

25th: Friday London FREE ENTRY To Perform or be in the Audience Are you an artiste? a Poet, Singer, Musician, Drag Queen, Comedian, aged 16 and over? We are celebrating the First Ever LGBT History Month. If you will like to take part, or enjoy an evening of performance, you must sign on before the 11th February 05. This is a family celebration for LGBT people Venue: Location: Rudolph Steiner House Theatre, Park Road London NW1 (Tube Baker Street). Time: Register for Open Mic & (Doors opens) at 6pm, Starts at 6.30pm Tel: Jide 07949 223 194 or Colin 07956 551 215 Email: <> Website: http://www.www.poetryupfront.co.uk /

25th: Friday London Meet Stella Duffy Stella Duffy is a member of Improbable’s Lifegame company, most recently performing at the National’s Cottesloe Theatre. She has acted on television, on Radio 4, and on stage both here and abroad. She has written nine novels. The latest, Parallel Lies is published by Virago in February 2005. Her previous book, State of Happiness, was long-listed for the 2004 Orange Prize, and has been optioned for a feature film. Her short story, Martha Grace won the CWA Short Story Dagger Award in 2002. She has also written for various newspapers and magazines including The Guardian, The Independent, The Times, Elle and Marie Claire. This evening Stella will talk about the writing process and the challenges of combining writing and performing. She will also read from her new book and several of her other novels. After her talk, Stella will invite questions from the audience and sign copies of her books.

Venue: John Harvard Library, 211 Borough High Street SE1 Time: 7pm Tel: 020 7407 0807

26th: Saturday London Meet Jake Arnott Jake Arnott’s best-selling first novel, The Long Firm, received huge critical acclaim, and has since been televised.This was followed by two more well-reviewed novels, He Kills Coppers and Truecrime, in which he again writes with the complexity, depth and humour which makes his books transcend the simple categorisation of ‘crime novel’.

The Independent on Sunday described The Long Firm as “one of the smartest, funniest and original novels you will read all year” and Attitude Magazine, who included him in ‘The A list of the 50 most influential gay men in Britain’, says “Arnott demonstrates that gay writers can manage more than camp social comedies or cheap porn, and is widely regarded as one of Britain’s most promising novelists, quite regardless of sexuality”.

After his talk, Jake Arnott will answer questions from the audience and sign copies of his books.

Venue: Dulwich Library, 368 Lordship Lane, Dulwich SE22 Time: 2.30pm Tel: 020 7525 6220

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27th: Sunday London Imaan Regular monthly meeting of social support group for Muslim lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, those questioning their sexuality or gender identity and their family, friends and supporters.
Discussion: ‘The History of the British LGBT Muslim movement – Where do we go from here?’ Time: 1pm Tel: 07849 170791 Email: info@imaan.org.uk Website: http://www.imaan.org.uk/
27th: Sunday London Gateway to Heaven A play written entirely from the memories of older lesbians and gay men. The author, Clare Summerskill, interviewed twenty-six people from a wide range of social and ethnic backgrounds: they tell of their experiences of living as a distinct minority in a world where the majority did not even recognize homosexuality. Performed by Clare and members of her company, Artemis Venue: Chats Palace, 42–44 Brooksbys Walk, Hackney, London, E9 6DF Tel (Box Office): 0208 533 0227 Website: http://www.gatewaytoheaven.co.uk/

27th: Sunday Chorley Free-admission screening of the movie version of The Laramie Project Free-admission screening of the movie version of the acclaimed play "The Laramie Project", a dramatised documentary about the reactions of the people of Laramie, Wyoming, to the brutal hate crime murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998. The event is made possible with the financial support of Chorley Borough Council. Bar available before and after the performance. Org: Project Oscar, Chorley & South Ribble Primary Care Trust. : A joint event between Project Oscar and Chorley Film Society. Venue: Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley, Lancashire Time: 7.30pm (doors open 7pm) Tel: 01772 644470 Website: http://www.chorley-pct.nhs.uk/projectoscar.html

28th: Monday London Talk shop Hate crime awareness talk shop with guest speaker. 1st topic in the series looks at: Issues affecting older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Antony Smith, National Development and Policy Officer, Older lesbians, Gay Men and Bisexuals, Age Concern England. Org: Bede House Venue: Please contact Vita La Porta for venue details Time: 7pm till late Tel: 020 7232 1107

28th: Monday Chorley Free-admission screening of the movie version of The Laramie Project : DPAH/T are local statutory and voluntary agencies working together to make Doncaster safer for the LGBT to live work and socialise. Opening event with raising the Rainbow Flag above the Mansion House. Then a full interactive day raising the awareness of discrimination, prejudice, LGBT His/herstory and assumptions made of LGBT people. Through drama, poetry, RAP, silent theatre and music by young women's, disabled, BME and LGBT groups. As well as displays and information stalls. Everyone welcome – free refreshment throughout the day. Org: Doncaster Partnership Against Homophobia / Transphobia Venue: Doncaster Mansion House, High Street Doncaster South Yorkshire Time: 10am - 3pm Tel: 0114 2963254 Website: www.safeinsouthyorks.co.uk

~ www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk ~