Brighton LGBTIQ+ History Club returns on Sunday, November 26 for an afternoon of stories, talks, and local(ish) heritage! For this end of November edition, they will be meeting at Brighton Museum to remember local friends and explore and discuss stories from HIV activists, historians, and researchers.
Harry Hillery will be sharing pictures and stories from his remembrance project: the Brighton AIDS Memorial. Harry moved to Brighton in 1988, leaving his London closet to set up a queer friendly café in the North Laine. At the time the HIV/AIDS epidemic was impacting the city, so Harry became involved in the community’s response by taking calls on the Sussex AIDS Centre Helpline, volunteering as a care and support buddy, and helping with fundraising.
More recently, Harry completed a Creative Writing Masters at the University of Brighton, during which he worked with the Terrence Higgins Trust to capture stories and ephemera from the pandemic period. This experience identified a clear need for a remembrance project where stories could be shared and made accessible to future generations. As a result, the Brighton AIDS Memorial was established in April 2021.
The second speaker for the afternoon is award-winning, local photographer Chris Jepson who has, over the past 30 years, worked for almost every LGBTQ+ publication you can name – and a few you probably can’t! Chris’ ‘eclectic’ CV also includes a PhD in Chemistry, HIV research, dancing and more!
Brighton LGBTIQ+ History Club is free, but spaces are limited, so booking is essential. Tickets are selling fast at this link.
The event is a sober space, tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Brighton Museum is wheelchair accessible. If you have any accessibility needs you would like to discuss ahead of the event, email info@queerinbrighton.co.uk.
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, Brighton, BN1 1EE.