Date:

05/02/2009

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities in Camden will be celebrating their history with a host of exciting, fun and informative events this February.

Camden’s programme covers a range of cultural activities including film, poetry, sport, dance, exhibition, talks and much more across the length and breadth of the borough.

LGBT History Month is a national campaign to commemorate the struggle for equality and celebrate the achievements, successes and history of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities and individuals. It is also aimed at increasing understanding among Camden’s different communities.

Cllr Keith Moffitt, Leader of Camden Council, said:

“The LGBT History Month is crucial in raising the visibility of LGBT identities and challenging prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination.
 
“We are delighted to show our continued support in Camden for this fantastic and exciting celebration of diversity and we are proud to be leading the way in tackling discrimination in the borough.”

The theme for this year is education and youth. This is in light of research (Stonewall Homophobia in Schools Report, 2007) which found 65 per cent of lesbian and gay pupils have experienced homophobic bullying and one in five lesbian and gay teenagers have attempted suicide.

Cllr Andrew Marshall, Camden’s Executive Member for Equalities, said:

“Social exclusion still remains a serious issue particularly around young lesbian, gay and bisexual people in schools.

“At Camden we are committed to making this a borough within which everyone can thrive, this means tackling prejudice from an early age to ensure people are treated equally regardless of their sexual orientation.”

This is the third year LGBT History Month has been marked in Camden and is one of the biggest History Month programmes in the UK.  A series of events will be taking place across the borough including:

- The Schools OUT Conference for everyone interested in the issues around young LGBT people and education;

- Out in Camden V. An opportunity to listen to talks by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, browse the stalls set up by LGBT organisations and supporters and question the speakers.

- Transplash swimming for Transgender people, their friends and supporters; and

- The Pink Tea Dance at Cecil Sharp House.

Lou Hart from Camden’s LGBT Forum said:

“LGBT History Month is one of the few opportunities that people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender have to celebrate their history and achievement.  It gives people a sense of pride in their history and a feeling of community.”

Most events are free or low cost and have been organised by Camden’s LGBT Forum and supported by Camden Council and the Emmanuel Vincent Harris Trust.

For more information, pick up a LGBT history month programme from Camden libraries, council information points and arts centres or visit camden.gov.uk/lgbt.

Ends

1. Peter Tatchell
Peter Tatchell has campaigned for gay and other human rights since 1967. His inspirations are Mahatma Gandhi, Sylvia Pankurst, Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. In 1989, he helped found the AIDS activist group ACT UP London, and in 1990 he was a founding member of the gay human rights organisation OutRage! He is coordinator of the gay human rights group OutRage! and is the Green Party parliamentary candidate for Oxford East.

2. Stella Duffy
Stella Duffy has written eleven novels, over thirty short stories, and eight plays. Her latest novel The Room of Lost Things was long-listed for the 2008 Orange Prize and won the Stonewall Writer of the Year award. As a performer she is an associate artist with Improbable Theatre Co, and is an occasional guest with the Comedy Store Players. She is also a director, writing/theatre workshop leader, and a Buddhist. She is married to the writer Shelley Silas.

3. Marcus Morgan
Marcus Morgan has been one of the UK's leading bisexual activists for over sixteen years. He was a keynote speaker on biphobia at UNISON's LGBT conference. Between 2000 and 2003 Marcus produced an online comic book entitled Jake the Rake. He was given a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to the Bisexual community in 2002. Marcus is one of the organisers of BiCon, the UK bisexual conference/ convention.

4. David Henry
David is the co-founder of the Queer Youth Network which was voted best gay youth group in this year's Pink Paper awards. David is also qualified youth worker and part time journalist. He self-defines as mixed race and gender-queer, and has been campaigning since he was 15 years old. He takes inspiration from the writings of radical civil rights activist of a similar name Henry David Thoreau, and is a committed supporter of the current new wave of queer rights movements.

LGBT History Month programme:

Throughout February
Swiss Cottage Library and Kentish Town Library will feature books with a LGBT theme.

Monday 02 February
6.30 - 8.30pm
Our Forum Needs You
Camden LGBT Forum will be holding this event to recruit and advise on all volunteering opportunities with the forum and volunteers for training which will start on Tuesday 10th February specifically for outreach and casework volunteers.
For further details contact Liz Willows at the forum
Venue: 52 Club

Tuesday 03 February
(Running until Saturday 28 February) Tuesday to Friday 1-5pm Saturday 11-2pm Legacy - by Andrew Prior. Hawara mummy inspired portraits.
This exhibition comprises a series of portraits inspired by the mummy portraits of Hawara. The artist, Andrew Prior, has created portraits of both friends and acquaintances and of ancient world figures (such as Hadrian and Antinous) in the Hawara style.
Venue: Petrie Museum

Tuesday 03 February
11.30-3 pm
Out in Camden V
Come and listen to talks by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans ‘celebrities’. There will be the opportunity to browse the stalls set up by LGBT organisations and supporters and question the speakers. Talks will be introduced by Camden Councillor Ben Rawlings and speakers this year include: Peter Tatchell, Stella Duffy, Marcus Morgan and David Henry. Refreshments available.
Venue: Council Chambers, Camden Town Hall,

Wednesday 04 February
8-9pm
Joan Ballington – Lesbian Discussion Group The Lesbian Discussion Group evening has been going for over 15 years and meets every Wednesday at Gays The Word Bookshop.  This is the first of four weekly discussions during History month and kicks off with the sometimes taboo topic of inter-generational relationships. All women who are lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning are welcome.
Venue: Gay’s The Word

Thursday 05 February
6-8pm
Nights at the Museum:
A talk by Dr Debbie Challis on the reception of the Greek poet Sappho in art and literature during the nineteenth century. Katherine Harris Bradley and her niece Edith Emma Cooper wrote passionate lover letters to each other under the pseudonym(s) Michael Field. Their early poetry was influenced by Sappho’s works and there will be readings of ‘Michael Field’ and translations of Sappho by John Addington Symonds.
Venue: Petrie Museum

Saturday 07 February
10-5pm
Schools OUT Conference
This conference is for everyone interested in the issues around young LGBT people and education. It is also the opportunity to gain an update on all the exciting things happening round the country in primary schools thanks to the No Outsiders Project. For example, there will be a DVD presentation on Football and tackling gender stereotyping and homophobia; followed by a presentation from an LGBT youth group from Calderdale on coming out (by their group Galyic who meet weekly) and tackling homophobic bullying plus a presentation from the London LGBT Youth Council.
Venue: Drill Hall Theatre

Saturday 07 February
10.30am
Molly, Musical and Other ‘Off the hook’ Characters Guided Walk with Terry King
Venue: Meet at Covent Garden Tube

Saturday 07 February
3-5pm
Transgender Film & Discussion: 20 centimetros + Film Short Erin Sky Bone Erin will present an overview of each film. She is the convenor of the London Transgender Film Club (www.myspace.com/londontransgenderfilmclub)
Venue: 52 Club

5-7pm
TRANSPLASH Swimming Party
ENIGMA Swimming Club
Transgender, partners, LGBT people, friends, families and supporters are all welcome in the exclusively-booked pool. Please note that swimmers may use any changing room and wear beach clothes or swimwear of either gender.
Venue: 52 Club

Sunday 08 February
2-5pm
Pink Seniors’ not so strictly ballroom
This event is open to all older LGBT community members and guests to help celebrate your part in making LGBT History. Come and dance ballroom or join in a reel or two with Age Concern’s Opening Doors in Central London.
For further information please contact Nick Maxwell or Debbie Neil at Age Concern Camden on 020 7239 0419 or 020 7239 0409.
Venue: Cecil Sharp House

Tuesday 10 February
6-9pm
“Homes fit for Homos”
This talk explores some of the dimensions of gay home life in the post war period – from the perceived need for caution and discretion to some flamboyant attempts at living differently. For further information, please contact the Age Concern Opening Doors in Central London, Development Coordinators: Nick Maxwell on 020 7230 0419 or Debbie Neil on 020 7239 0409.
Venue: Henderson Court Resource Centre

Wednesday 11 February
8pm
Inter-Borough Battle of the Bars
This year’s competition involves bars in Camden, Hackney, Westminster and Islington. Questions will be on a variety of topics including LGBT History, Trivia and General Knowledge.
Venues: Blush Bar (Hackney), Edward VI (Islington), King William IV (Camden) the Quebec (Westminster)

8-9pm
Nature or nurture? Joan Ballington - Lesbian Discussion Group Tonight’s discussion focuses on what makes people gay or lesbian.
All women who are lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning are welcome.
Venue: Gay’s The Word

Thursday 12 February
7pm
The Amazing Mrs Shufflewick:
The Life of Rex Jameson
Patrick Newley (Author and Speaker)
Patrick Newley, who managed Jameson's later career, examines the life of the man who was lionised by comedians such as Bob Monkhouse, Barry Cryer, Danny La Rue and Barry Humphries.
Venue: Gays The Word

Thursday 12 February
7-9pm
Film Night: Butch Jamie
Erin Sky Bone
Erin will present an overview of each film. She is the convenor of the London Transgender Film Club (www.myspace.com/londontransgenderfilmclub).
Venue: 52 Club

Friday 13 February
9pm - 2am
Anti Valentine’s Night
Dance to DJ Damian or see female artist Kelly Wilde, at the Anti- Valentine’s night at the popular Camden venue, the Black Cap.
Admission Free until 10.30pm £3.00 after
Venue: Black Cap

Saturday 14 February
10.30pm onwards
Welcome Party for the Lily Parr Exhibition Trophy football teams Thinking of going to the Lily Parr Exhibition football match tomorrow? Why not come and meets the teams, share a drink with friends or dance to the Black Cap’s resident DJ’s.
Cost £4 on the door
Admission Free until 10.30pm £4.00 after
Venue: Black Cap

Sunday 15 February
The Lily Parr Exhibition Trophy
Kick Off 3.30pm
In Regents Park, on 15 February 2009, teams from England, USA and France will convene to honour Lily Parr and the heroic women who battled on against the ban on women playing football.
Venue: The Hub, Regents Park
(The Zoo end – Near Primrose Hill Bridge/Avenue Road)

Tuesday 17 February
7.30 - 9.30pm
TransLondon meeting
TransLondon is a discussion/support group, that meets in Camden, for all members of the ‘trans’ community, whatever their gender identity (or identities) and whatever stage in their ‘transition’ they have reached (if at all). All members must themselves be trans-identified or ‘questioning’. Following the meeting, there will be the opportunity to share a drink with others in a local bar. For further information see www.translondon.org
Venue: Gays The Word

Wednesday 18 February
8-9pm
Reflex homophobia: confusing someone’s dislike of our abilities with dislike of our sexual orientation. Joan Ballington – Lesbian Discussion Group All women who are lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning are welcome.
Venue: Gay’s The Word

Thursday 19 February
7.30pm
Poetry Evening: Voices
For an evening of spoken poetry from some well-loved poets, come down to the Poetry Café for an evening facilitated by fellow poet Liz Willows.
£5.00 on the door
Venue: Poetry Café

Friday 20 February
7-9pm
Film Night: Bear cub
Erin Sky Bone
Erin will present an overview of each film. She is the convenor of the London Transgender Film Club. (www.myspace.com/londontransgenderfilmclub)
Venue: 52 Club

Saturday 21 February
10-5 pm
Appointed Persons 1st Aid Course Ruth Preece A one-day course (for up to 12 people) covering basic First Aid. A certificate is available on successful completion. To register please email: ruth.preece@uclh.nhs.uk
Venue: 52 Club

Sunday 22 February
12 – 4pm
GoWild in Camden II LondonWildlife Trust Join us for a fascinating insight into a natural world of transgendered fish, virgin births, hermaphrodite organisms and same sex animal relationships. The presentation will be followed by a guided walk exploring Camden’s rich biodiversity.
Wear sturdy shoes and wrap up warm!
Venue: Camley Street Natural Park

Monday 23 February
7pm
London and the Culture of Homosexuality 1885-1914 Matt Cook (Author and Speaker) Exploring the nature of male homosexuality in London from the criminalisation of all "acts of gross indecency" between men in 1885 to the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.
Venue: Gay’s The word

Wednesday 25 February
8-9pm
Joan Ballington - Lesbian Discussion Group The last lesbian discussion group of LGBT History Month 2009 is focused on lesbian sexual health. All women who are lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning are welcome.
Venue: Gay’s The Word

8-11pm
Word Out II – an LGBT Open Mic’ Poetry Night Back by popular demand, Camden LGBT Forum are pleased to host a second open mic’ evening for all you practising, budding and world-weary poets. The evening will be facilitated by published poet Liz Willows so bring along your poetry and be inspired!
Admission Free
Venue: Poetry Café

Thursday 26 February
6-8pm
Nights at the Museum 2: Antinous: Gay Icon?
Join us for a talk by John J. Johnston on Antinous and sexuality in Roman Egypt and a talk by Cathie Bryan on the continuing reception of Antinous as a gay icon in more recent times.
Venue: Petrie Museum

7.30-9.00pm
Trans History and why it’s important
Trans Feminism Discussion Group
Trans people have often played important roles in the women's and gay / queer rights movements throughout modern history, and this continues to today. Join us to discuss our history and how we can reclaim it.
Venue: Gay’s The Word

Friday 27 February
7-9pm
Film Night: Madame Sata
Erin Sky Bone
Directed by Karim Ainouz ' Madame
Erin will present an overview of each film. She is the convenor of the London Transgender Film Club (www.myspace.com/londontransgenderfilmclub.)
Venue: 52 Club

Saturday 28 February
Mystery Closing Night Gala
Tonight there will be an event which may be modern music hall, dance or performance. Be assured it will be exciting. For further information, look out for the Camden LGBT Forum flyer, or go to our website: www.camdenlgbtforum.org.uk.
Venue: To be confirmed