February is LGBT+ History Month in the UK, which celebrates LGBTQ+ lives in their full diversity. Each year, Schools OUT sets a different theme and this year it’s Behind the Lens, celebrating LGBTQ+ people’s contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. You are encouraged to look ‘Behind the Lens’ and listen to LGBTQ+ lived experience.
LGBT+ History Month reading
Libraries will have specially curated stock displays throughout the month. Pop into your local library to take a look and borrow a book, there’s something for all ages. You can also browse the online Brighton & Hove Library catalogue to see carefully selected collections to borrow, or download an eBook or eAudiobook from BorrowBox.
LGBT+ History Month events
A programme of cultural activities will be taking place curated in partnership with the Ledward Centre, Early Childhood Project, Socially Engaged Art Salon (SEAS) and Queer Heritage South/Queer in Brighton. Events have been made possible with funding from the Brighton & Hove Libraries Legacy Fund, which is managed by Sussex Community Foundation.
Portraits of Wisdom photographic exhibition
This exhibition – till Saturday, February 11 in Jubilee Library foyer gallery – is a joint project between the Ledward Centre, their Older LGBTQ+ Persons meet up group and photographer Stella Michaels.
The Identity Project – Portrait of a Community exhibition
The Identity Project by award-winning photographer and Brighton resident Chris Jepson explores what it means to identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community today. The exhibition, which runs from Monday, February 6 – Saturday, February 25 at Jubilee Library – features an updated collection of 90 portraits of the Brighton & Hove LGBTQ+ community.
This collection of the diverse faces of the people of Brighton & Hove’s LGBTQ+ community aims to challenge the stereotypes and assumptions of perceived identity and hopes to give visibility to marginalised LGBTQ+ people, promoting a diverse and inclusive community. For more info on The Identity Project, CLICK HERE
Our Spaces: Queerness & Nightlife
Join the Socially Engaged Art Salon (SEAS) at Jubilee Library on Saturday, February 18 from 11am – 3pm for a poetry reading hosted by drag queen Alex Fincher. Drop in to hear LGBTQ, Bipoc Poets reading their original poems about partying, going out and dancing.
Take part in a silent disco, hosted by Reyseb Trajano, featuring a specially selected LGBTQ+ playlist. You’ll be guided to dance your way from Jubilee Library through the Ledward Centre to see the exhibition Our Spaces: Queerness & Nightlife & Brighton and back again.
Free event and open to all. Drop in on the day or to secure your silent disco space book in advance via Eventbrite.
Film screening in Jubilee Library conference room
On Sunday, February 19 from 2pm, Jubilee Library continues its season of Sunday afternoon films with a specially chosen classic musical fantasy suitable for all ages. Free event, just drop in.
Brighton LGBTIQ+ History Club: Library Edition
Brighton LGBTIQ+ History Club returns for its first event of 2023 on Sunday, February 26 from 2.30 – 4.30pm. They’ll be celebrating LGBT+ History Month and exploring all things queers and books! Head along and explore and discuss books and libraries, and the spaces the queer community has claimed and inhabited.
The event is free but bookable in advance via Eventbrite. Spaces are limited, and always sell out.
Storytime
Throughout February, libraries are sharing stories that promote equality and celebrate diversity at their regular Storytime Sessions for pre-school children and their families.
Sessions take place every Monday at Jubilee Library and every Wednesday at Hove Library. All sessions start at 10.15am. Free event, just drop in.
You must be logged in to post a comment.