Camden LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) Forum is in its eleventh year. The theme for its 2013 annual “History Month”, which runs throughout February, is maths, science and engineering, dedicated to the great work of Alan Turing, founder of the modern day computer and severely persecuted for his sexuality. Here volunteer Samantha Hulass explains her involvement in the charity.
February 2013 is LGBT history month. I can see eyes rolling as some people imagine the politically correct brigade rocking into town. Maybe some LGBT people regard it as token and patronizing, while straights see yet another back-slapping exercise for people who are looking for some kind of identity. But both would be completely wrong.
It goes without saying that in order for any of us to understand where we are from and who we are today, we need to learn about the people before us. But more importantly, to live together as a community, we need to appreciate where different groups are coming from as well. 
That is not to say, of course, that all of this month’s events are strictly historical. There have been comedy shows, art exhibitions, and films, as well as lectures: for example, one I attended last week was on Magnus Hirschfeld and the first wave of the LGBT movement in Germany, exploring not only the early science involved (indeed the earliest recorded sex change operations) but also its social context. Another was on what we would now term “the gay scene” in 18th century London, of which I had no idea at all; absolutely fascinating.
But as it’s now mid way through the month, what’s still to come? Well, I’d recommend screenings at the Wiener Library on Thursday 21 Feb of two of the earliest depictions of same-sex attraction in the history of cinema; the “Big Bang” Ball on Friday 22, a science-fiction themed excuse to dress up and have fun, but also a celebration of Alan Turing; a conservation walk on Hampstead Heath on Sunday Feb 24; Objects from the Petrie Museum on Tuesday 26, which explores the LGBT experience in the ancient world; the London Schools “Educate and Celebrate” showcase at Arsenal football club on Thursday 28 addressing homophobic bullying in schools; and the screening of Soul Survivor, also on the Feb 28, about a Catholic priest coming out as gay. Phew.
But this is literally just the proverbial tip of the iceberg: there are so many events going on that I invite everyone to attend at least one, with the promise that they will learn something new and chat to varied, friendly and interesting people, possibly neighbours they have never met.
I know as a straight person, who has lived in Kentish Town most of my life, that I certainly have.
Words: Samantha Hulass. Samantha works as a book-keeper and is a volunteer for Camden LGBT Forum. For a detailed list of events click here.
