Today we’re marking the start of LGBTQ+ History Month, taking place every February in the UK.
To celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ+) lives in their full diversity, we’ll be flying the inclusive rainbow flags from Hove Town Hall, Brighton Town Hall and at the Jubilee Library.
LGBTQ+ History Month provides education and insight into the issues that the LGBTQ+ community face by highlighting specific histories, important events and milestones, alongside the people that have made change possible.
This year’s theme, Under the Scope, celebrates the invaluable contribution of LGBTQ+ people to the field of medicine and healthcare both historically and today.
It aims to showcase the amazing work of LGBTQ+ staff across the NHS and other healthcare settings, especially during the pandemic, while shining a light on the history of the community’s complicated experience of receiving healthcare which has left LGBTQ+ people still facing health inequalities even today.
At a time when the LGBTQ+ community is experiencing a rise in hate crime we are also encouraged to look ‘Under the Scope’ and listen to LGBTQ+ peoples’ authentic lived experiences.
Visit your local library during February to discover specially curated LGBTQ+ History Month stock collections and displays.
You can also browse the online Brighton & Hove Library catalogue and choose a book to borrow, or an eBook to download with BorrowBox, there’s something for all ages.
Our libraries are hosting a rich programme of cultural activities through the month, curated in partnership with Queer Heritage South/Queer in Brighton, Socially Engaged Art Salon (SEAS) and urbanflo.
All events and exhibitions are free, but please consider supporting the work of our libraries with a suggested donation of £3.
The Queer Beach
A mixed media exhibition curated by the Socially Engaged Art Salon
Monday 29 January to Sunday 11 February, Jubilee Library foyer gallery
The Queer Beach project explores the strong connection between queer people and culture and the seaside - between a fringe, sometimes marginal community, and this frontier space. It cruises to nearby beaches and sails to faraway places. Featuring painting, collage, photography and film by 30 artists who were invited by SEAS or answered their open call.
You’ll be able to read newly commissioned writing by local historian Alf Le Flohic and author Helen Trevorrow or take a selfie as part of the California Dreaming interactive installation.
Works from the exhibition can be viewed on the SEAS website. This exhibition has been made possible with support of the Rainbow Fund.
We’re here… exhibition
Monday 5 February to Saturday 2 March, Jubilee Library window gallery
Monday 12 February to Saturday 2 March, Jubilee Library foyer gallery
We’re Here…is a special portfolio of artwork, poetry and photography produced by LGBTQI+ creatives.
The exhibition brings together retrospective group collections from Writing Our Legacy, Otherwise Engaged and PRONOUNced, alongside new work by individuals from a cross-section of ages, nationalities, cultures, abilities and lived experiences - creatively presenting their personal perspectives.
The Queer Beach social gathering with the Socially Engaged Art Salon
11.30am to 1pm, Jubilee Library foyer gallery and community space
Join SEAS for an introduction to The Queer Beach exhibition. Take part in a photoshoot at the California Dreaming installation where a professional photographer will take your photo on the imaginary sunny beach.
Authors Andreas Philippopoulos-Mihalopoulos, Andrew Kay and Helen Trevorrow will read from their books featuring the seaside. Readings will be followed by a Q&A when authors will discuss their ideal queer beach.
Free, drop in on the day.
Love Makes a Family
10am to 12 noon, Hove Library children’s area
Kick off your half term with us at Hove Library to celebrate all kinds of families. Draw or write about your family using our family portrait templates, then take your portrait with you, or hang it up in our family gallery!
Our family portrait resource will also be made available across all libraries during half term.
All ages welcome (children under 9 must be supervised). Free, drop in on the day.
Brighton LGBTIQ+ History Club: Neil Bartlett in conversation with Nathan Evans
2pm to 4pm, Jubilee Library
For their first event of 2024, Brighton LGBTIQ+ History Club is joined by New Writing South to celebrate History Month and all things queers and books! With two very special guests taking us on a journey through queer literature and queer history. Neil Bartlett and Nathan Evans will discuss publishing, writing novels, and queer past, present and future.
Spaces are limited, and always sell out. Please book your ticket in advance on Ticketsource.
Meet the Author: Robert Tregoning. An event for invited primary schools
Jubilee Library children’s area
Local primary school children will join us for this special event with children’s author Robert Tregoning, whose books help children and adults alike to accept and celebrate all that makes us uniquely ourselves!
To mark the LGBTQ+ History Month, Brighton & Hove City Council’s LGBTQ+ Workers Forum will be running film evenings throughout the month at the Ledward Centre, screening classic films from the BFI catalogue.
For more information, contact our LGBTQ Workers Forum via e-mail LGBTQWorkersForum@brighton-hove.gov.uk or follow them on their social media.
Councillor Leslie Pumm, chair of the Equalities, Community Safety & Human Rights Committee, said: “I am very proud to support our city’s annual participation in celebrating the LGBTQ+ History Month and wish to thank all staff, community organisations and the wonderful artists, writers and historians who contributed to this year’s vibrant cultural offer.
“It’s especially exciting to be celebrating this occasion this year as we never had more LGBTQ+ visibility among elected members, making a mark on our city’s history books with the most diverse representation so far.
“For so long LGBTQ+ people’s history remained hidden, so it’s incredibly important to have a dedicated opportunity for our LGBTQ+ communities to share their rich and diverse history and reclaim their past.
“I invite everyone to come together and explore the captivating exhibitions our libraries prepared with their partners or participate in an event dedicated to celebrating LGBT+ history and art.”
We want to make sure that everyone can benefit from the library service.
If you love our libraries and wish to lend your support to their services, consider donating online to our Legacy Fund or making a cash donation in any library.
Brighton & Hove Libraries Legacy Fund, managed by Sussex Community Foundation, supports our events and activities across the city.