Celebrate LGBT+ History Month in Lewisham

The 2025 theme is Activism and Social Change. Two historical figures chosen as part of the national campaign have ties to Lewisham. Octavia Hill, one of the three founders of the National Trust, campaigned to protect open spaces for working-class Londoners and played a key role in saving Hilly Fields as a public park. Olaudah Equiano, an 18th-century writer and abolitionist, is best known for his autobiography detailing his experiences of enslavement and his role in the abolitionist movement. Memorials to Equiano can be found across the borough, including a sculpture in Telegraph Hill.

This year’s grant-funded events offer a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ history and culture through theatre, literature, creativity and activism. The programme begins on Saturday 1 February, Sunday 2 February and Saturday 8 February with Triangle LGBTQ+ Cultural Centre’s workshops, where participants can honour queer icons by creating zines, writing poetry and crafting. On Saturday 15 February, Wear Your Pride at The Fellowship Inn invites the community to a creative clothing workshop, using fashion as a form of activism. With a diverse range of events, this year’s programme promises an inspiring and meaningful tribute to LGBTQ+ heritage.

Alongside these events, local libraries will host a variety of activities. Catford Library’s reading group will discuss The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde at 11am on Friday 7 February. DeptFOLK invites library users to creative writing and performance workshops at Deptford Lounge on Fridays 7 February, 14 February and 21 February at 6pm, followed by an LGBTQ+ History Month celebration there on Saturday 22 February at 2pm. Poetry readings from Troy Cabida and Sanah Ahsan will take place at Catford Library on Thursday 27 February at 6.30pm, while Deptford Library Cinema Club presents a free screening of But I'm a Cheerleader at 7pm the same evening.

Join us in celebrating and stay tuned for updates on events happening across the borough.