A rainbow of events

By Louise Hale

1 February

Rainbow flags will be flying high for the four-week Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month, which kicks off this week and runs until early March.

Now in its sixth year, the annual UK-wide event will take a different twist with Tower Hamlets and Hackney councils joining hands to showcase a colourful array of things to do across the two boroughs in museums, libraries and the arts – the key theme this year.

Residents can look forward to more than 30 events in this neck of the woods exploring the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, past and present.

Whether it’s talks, screenings or exhibitions, there is something for everyone at libraries and Ideas Stores.

Literacy wonder Stella Duffy – who has penned 11 novels – will be a key gay writer on an authors’ discussion panel debating gay identity and homophobia at Idea Store Whitechapel.

Stella has been involved with the history month since it began and believes it is a great tool to educate young gay people about the struggle and achievements of those before them.

“With this event as our aid we can always work to make things better. It pays homage to gay and straight people who struggled in years gone by to make coming ‘out’ better for gay people,” she said.

“It’s a thank you and a message to gay people to be brave, step up and be proud. We have to cover all corners, whether it’s addressing the homophobic problems in schools or the pensioners in care homes too scared to come out, and with this fun and exciting event we can achieve that.”

The writer, whose latest offering The Room of Lost Things was nominated for the Orange Prize and won the Stonewall Award 2008, will be joined by author Max Schaefer and host Paul Burston, author of Shameless, on Thursday, February 18 at 7pm.

Multi-award-winning presenter and performer Amy Lamé will be the star host at the main event – a celebration of LGBT History Month at the Rich Mix Centre on Tuesday, February 16 at 6pm where the audience will be treated to free entertainment and food.

Lesbian and gay parents’ support group Rainbow Parents will host its second birthday party on Sunday, February 7 from 12-2pm at Positive East Stepney in Mile End Road. Refreshments and entertainment is free.

Wordsmiths can head to the Lesbian Love/Hate Letters session on Wednesday, February 24 at the Women’s Library at London Metropolitan University in Old Castle Street, Aldgate at 7pm.

Theatre-goers can marvel over Half Moon’s new show Begin/End – a play for teenagers aged 14 and over, that looks at two friends who struggle with their identities and feelings. It opens at the Half Moon Theatre in White Horse Road, E1 on Wednesday, February 3, before going on national tour.

Nearby at the Rich Mix in Bethnal Green Road, E1 from March 2, residents can enjoy award-winning play Moonfleece, which explores the politics of race, sexuality and money.

Tower Hamlets deputy council leader Joshua Peck said: “We have a long and proud tradition of championing our diverse community in Tower Hamlets – and standing up to discrimination where this raises its head – and we hope that as many people as possible join in with this special celebration.”

Proud Heritage and River Cultures have launched Walk Proud, an exciting project to collect memories of LGBT life in east London.

The lives of gay people in the borough has gone largely unrecorded in archives and museums. Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, organisers are keen to hear from people who wish to change that.

If you want to volunteer and help the project piece an untold history together contact eastlondon@proudheritage.org

For those who prefer the click of the camera, you can revel in Out in Time, an exhibition which depicts the LGBT history of the East End.

It will be touring Tower Hamlets during February. Catch it at Idea Store Canary Wharf on Sunday, February 7; Idea Store Whitechapel on Monday, February 15 for three days; and Idea Store Chrisp Street on Sunday, February 28.

Cllr Peck added: “The events will enable participants to learn more about fascinating issues – and have fun. They will also act as a sounding board for feedback from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.”

For more information about the event or to get a listings booklet, see our events section. You can also contact Mohammed Choudhury on mohammed.choudhury@towerhamlets.gov.uk or on 020 7364 4979.