February is LGBTQ+ History Month and the Royal Borough of Greenwich and partners will come together for a range of inclusive events that all residents can get involved in. From family workshops at our libraries to Charlton Athletic’s first ever Football v Homophobia week, organisations across Royal Greenwich will be showing their support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said, “This February, the council and our partners have an exciting programme of fun and educational events exploring LGBTQ+ History for residents to get involved with.
“This year’s theme is ‘claiming our past, celebrating our present, creating our future.’ It encourages us all to learn more about the invaluable achievements and contributions of LGBTQ+ people to our society.
“From historic figures such as artist Frida Kahlo, scientist Alan Turing and military surgeon James Barry, to those lesser-known but no less important people who’ve worked behind the scenes to make progress possible, let’s celebrate those who have fought and are fighting against prejudice to create a better future.
“This month is a time for both our LGBTQ+ community and allies to think about how far we have come in the fight for equality, but also the work still to be done all year round.”
This year’s activities include:
Sunday January 22 to Saturday 28 January
Charlton Athletic host their first Football v Homophobia week in partnership with the club’s LGBQT+ supporters’ group, the Proud Valiants, the club’s affiliated LGBTQI+ friendly team, Charlton Invicta, and club partner, the University of Greenwich.
Themed matchday: Charlton Women v Lewes at The Oakwood, live on CharltonTV
Themed matchday: Charlton v Bolton Wanderers at The Valley, live on Sky Sports in the UK and CharltonTV outside the UK
Online and in-person events throughout the week from the Proud Valiants in association with Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) on promoting equality and tackling homophobia in football
Presentation to Charlton academy players by the Proud Valiants about the impact of homophobia
Thursday 2 February to Friday 17 February
Mama G returns to libraries for story time. The Britain’s Got Talent star describes herself as ‘a pantomime dame who tells stories about being who you want and loving who you are’.
Thursday 2 February, Greenwich Library, 2pm
Monday 13 February, Blackheath, 10.30am and Eltham Library, 2.30pm
Tuesday 14 February, Woolwich Library, 10.30am and West Greenwich Library, 2.30pm
Thursday 16 February, Thamesmere Library, 10.30am and Plumstead Library, 2.30pm
Friday 17 February, Woolwich Library, 10.30am and Eltham Library, 2.30pm
All month
Reading groups at Royal Greenwich libraries will focus on LGBTQ+ authors.
Weekly craft sessions at all libraries will explore on LGBTQ+ themes.
Follow @METROCharity on Twitter and Instagram to learn more about LGBTQ+ film and cinema through the years and keep your eyes out for their offers of free tickets to the BFI Flare Film Festival.
