Top 5: LGBT history month 2014

1. Sochi 2014

Hailed as London’s first “rapid-response protest piece” against Russia’s anti-gay legislation, Sochi 2014 offers verbatim testimony from Russian LGBT people, gay activists and media commentators. Exploring the historical and political background of homophobia in Russia, the play by Tess Berry-Hart suggests solutions for the future and explores what we can do about this important issue. 100% of profits from all performances will be donated to Spectrum, a leading Russian human rights organisation. Feb 4th-28th The Hope Theatre, 11 Upper Street, Islington. Tickets £10–£14.

2. Phoenix Arts Club presents: Dr Sketchy

Everyone enjoys a spot of life drawing, surely? Dr. Sketchy aims to make it, er, fun, offering up a selection of London’s finest “burlesque performers, bizarre circus acts, and rippling hunks of man-flesh” for you to peruse with your pencil. Mix all that with lashings of booze, comedy, music, poetry and a sprinkling of cabaret performances and it looks set to be a decidedly colourful evening of “artistic” expression. Hold onto your paintbrushes. Feb 8th, 5:30pm–8:30pm. Phoenix Arts Club. For booking call: 0207 836 1077

3. Camden LGBT Forum and the British Museum present: Films inspired by LGBT music

The British Museum, one of the jewels in Camden’s cultural crown, is helping to celebrate the month with a selection of films inspired by LGBT music. Nigel Harris, Acting Director of the Camden LGBT forum, will be providing an introduction to each film, which include Mirror Mirror, an “audio-visual ethnography of London’s queer Club Wotever,” as well as T’Ain’t Nobody’s Bizness, which explores the queer blues divas of the 1920s. All films are free, but require a ticket for entry. Feb 16th, 10:45am – 5:30pm. The British Museum. For booking call: 020 323 8000.

4. Q-Lab presents: The Music that Makes Us

The Camden Queer Oratory Laboratory (Q-Lab for short) is a speakers’ bureau aimed at developing the public speaking skills of LGBT people and allies who live, work or study in Camden. This month, in collaboration with the Roundhouse, they’ll be hosting a panel discussion featuring prominent LGBTQI individuals and activists, exploring how music has influenced their identities, shaped their sense of self and transformed their lives. Feb 9th. 1pm–4pm. The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH

5. Kenneth Halliwell: Collage

Islington Museum presents the work of Kenneth Halliwell, who was imprisoned alongside his younger partner, Joe Orton, in the 60s for the theft and malicious damage to Islington Public Library books. Showcasing a newly-obtained original work by Halliwell alongside a selection of surviving doctored covers and new works by Islington residents, the exhibition explores the collagist’s talent and eventful life, before his murder of Orton and suicide. Feb 7th-Mar 1st. Islington Museum, 245 St John Street EC1V 4NB