LGBTQ+ history month
February is UK LGBTQ+ history month, an annual observance of LGBT+ history and celebration of the culture.
We will partner with local community groups to offer a diverse programme of events celebrating the history, achievements, and contributions of the borough’s LGBTQ+ communities in February 2025 and beyond through our LGBT+ micro-grants programme.
This year’s theme Activism and Social Change. Two of the historical figures chosen as part of the national campaign have a connection to Lewisham. Octavia Hill was one of the three founders of the National Trust. She campaigned strongly against the loss of open spaces for poor Londoners. When plans were announced to build over Hilly Fields, Octavia Hill was instrumental in helping local people set up a campaign and raise funds to save the land as a public park.
Olaudah Equiano was an 18th-century writer and abolitionist, known for his autobiography detailing both when he was enslaved and his role in the abolitionist movement.
There are memorials to Equiano across the borough and a sculpture in Telegraph Hill commemorating the abolitionist was unveiled in 2008. This page will be updated with events happening across the borough.
Grant funded events
Bijou Stories celebrates Gay Sweatshop, a theatre company significant in 70s and 80s activism. Join us on 22nd February at 1.30pm at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin St, Deptford SE8 4RJ. Free tickets from OutSavvy. Readings of Any Woman Can and Mister X by a non-professional cast, followed by a discussion on the company's legacy. More details.
Too Crip, Too Queer
CRIPtic Arts explores the intersection of disabled and LGBTQ communities. The event includes a writing workshop, open mic, and reading from a queer disabled poet. It discusses the shared culture and activism of "queer crips" and how their work reflects and changes the world. Joins us on Monday 26 February, 6pm-pm. Location: Hybrid - in-person at Deptford Lounge Meeting Room 1 and 2. The event will also be streamed online. Booking information to be confirmed.
LGBTQ+ History Month Archive Weekend
Triangle LGBTQ+ Cultural Centre hosts workshops on queer icons on Saturday 1 February, Sunday 2 February, and Saturday 8 February. Workshops: 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm. Event: 7pm - 11pm at 34 Watson's Street, Deptford, SE8 4AU. Create zines, write poetry, and craft while celebrating LGBTQ+ history and activism.
Wear Your Pride
Proud to be me I stand tall in my identity invites the local LGBTQ+ community to a creative clothing workshop. Join us on Friday 15 February at The Fellowship Inn, Randlesdown Rd, London SE6 3BT. Transform clothing into personal art, emphasizing self-expression, activism, and creativity. Time and ticket info to be confirmed.
Don't Die Alone, Lucas Cook! Book Launch, Q&A and Drag Show
George Lester's hybrid book launch and drag show on Thursday 27 February at 7.30pm at The Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford, SE6 4RU. Features a Q&A with LGBTQ+ authors on the significance of LGBTQ+ books and activism, followed by a drag show performance. Ticket details to be confirmed.
Lewisham Council has also funded an invite-only event with Lewisham Youth Theatre. The Rainbow Criteria is a youth-led accreditation recognizing public spaces committed to being safe environments for LGBTQIA+ young people. LYT’s Youth Board will lead a social action campaign to make Lewisham more LGBTQIA+ youth-friendly. On Friday 21 February 2025, the Members' Committee will award the Rainbow Criteria to successful organizations.
Library events
In addition to grant-funded events, our libraries will be hosting a series of activities ranging from film screenings to poetry evenings.
Reading group at Catford Library
Discussing The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde at 11am on Friday 7 February
Queering history with DeptFOLK, Deptford Lounge
Framed around unearthing and fabricating local queer history and traditions, DeptFOLK invite library users to a series of creative writing and performance workshops. Sessions take place at 6pm on Fridays, 7, 14, 21 February.
A LGBT+ History Month celebration, Deptford Lounge
Join DeptFOLK for a LGBT+ History Month celebration at the library at 2pm on Saturday 22 February. Our very own town crier will guide us through readings, performances, Morris dancing and merriment. This is a sharing event that rounds up creative workshops held throughout February which explore local history, queerness and folk tradition.
Poetry in the library: LGBT+ History Month, Catford Library
Join us for an evening of poetry readings from Troy Cabida and Sanah Ahsan at 6.30pm on Thursday 27 February.
But I'm a Cheerleader (1999) Screening: LGBT+ History Month, Deptford Lounge
Deptford Library Cinema Club presents another film in the foyer! Join us for a free screening of Jaimie Babbit’s cult LGBTQIA+ classic, But I’m a Cheerleader. The film will be projected onto the big screen in Deptford Library’s front foyer. The screening will take place on Thursday 27 February at 7pm.