Events in Hackney celebrate national LGBT History Month

Hackney is at the forefront of the fifth Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month, with a host of events taking place in the borough during February.  This annual event, which was officially launched at the Hackney Free and Parochial School in November, celebrates the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, past and present.

The theme of LGBT History Month 2009 is Education and Youth, and Hackney Council, the Hackney Museum, the Hackney Empire, the police, schools and youth clubs are all involved in organising events this year.  In 2008 more than 500 LGBT events took place across the UK.

"Hackney is proud of its diverse communities”, said Councillor Sally Mulready, Hackney Council cabinet adviser on equalities. “History month gives us and our partners an opportunity both to look back at thehistory of the struggle for equalityand celebrate what has already been achieved. Beating discrimination and promoting tolerance requires sustained commitment and enthusiasm. We want to showcase some of the work we are doinghere in Hackney but also tohearconcrete suggestions for what still needs to be done."

LGBT History Month is endorsed by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Department of Health, Ministry of Justice, Citizens Advice Bureau, the TUC, Britain at Work, Amnesty International, Metropolitan Police and Metropolitan Police Authority and Transport for London.

Find out more at LGBT History Month or call 020 8356 7821.

Listings

Whatever your sexual orientation or gender identity, everyone is welcome to attend.  All events are free unless indicated.

Sunday, February 1^st, 7.30-11pm
LGBT History Month Launch Party – live entertainment at the Lion Pub, Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0JX.

Friday, February 6^th – 6.30pm
Book reading – Author Martin Foreman reads and answers questions about his work
CLR James Library, 24-30 Dalston Lane, E8 3AZ.

Thursday, February 19^th – 6-7.30pm
Interactive forum – guest speakers, live entertainment and refreshments at the Hackney Museum, 1 Reading Lane, London E8 1GQ.

Sunday, February 22^nd – 1-4pm
Playwriting Workshop on creating gay characters with producer, director and playwright Chris Preston, head of Hackney-based writing company, Maya Productions.  Tickets: £10. Stoke Newington Library, Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0JS

Thursday, February 26th – 2-4pm
Schools’ Showcase - a community event to showcase and celebrate students’ work from the curriculum in Hackney’s primary and secondary schools.  Assembly Rooms, Hackney Town Hall, entrance on Reading Lane, E8 1EA

Thursday, February 26^th – 5-6.30pm
Community Networking – Information and advice on services available in Hackney  – from civil partnerships to sports clubs and community participation.  Hospitality Room, Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ.

Thursday, February 26^th – 7pm
Finale – Entertainment and refreshments at Hackney’s historic theatre bar, the Marie Lloyd, Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ.

Issued by: Ruth Garland, Communications Adviser, Partnerships, Hackney Council.  Tel: 020 8356 2476 or email: ruth.garland@hackney.gov.uk.

09.02.2009