This publication has been queer-owned for nearly 14 years (ie since the start), and in that time has covered almost every aspect of LGBTQ culture in the borough, from the ongoing developments at the legendary Black Cap to the launch, last year, of Junction Road’s new Queer Comedy Club.
We also make an annual point of celebrating LGBTQ History Month: once again, the borough has pulled out all the stops for this important event which started way back in 2005. Curated by independent charity forum+, the eclectic programme of activities and events celebrates both Camden and Islington’s unique LGBTQ History through art workshops, exhibitions, film screenings, guided walks, history talks, spoken word – plus the odd party or two.
The theme for this year’s LGBT History Month 2024 is Medicine – #UnderTheScope. “It’s a call to celebrate LGBTQ peoples’ contributions to the field of medicine and healthcare,” say the organisers, “both historically and today. Together let’s look ‘under the scope’ and learn about the lived experiences of the LGBT community.”
From celebrating Derek Jarman to an LGBTQ Histories Trail and Loudest Whispers art exhibition, there is a helluva lot to enjoy. A tip? The 2024 programme is fully interactive with clickable links and a printed programme booklet available at LGBT venues, local libraries, community spaces and community centres across Camden and Islington. Here are five of not to miss:
LGBTQ History Month – 5 Camden Highlights
TALK: Lesbian Discussion Group
Join the legendary LDG for a discussion and debate at iconic bookstore Gay’s The Word. LDG has been going for almost 40 years in its physical form with the aim to provide community to women from inside and outside of London. The group continues to thrive due to the friendly and welcoming people that join every week to discuss love, life, and current affairs. Please arrive by 7.45 pm for 8 pm start. No registration is necessary. Wednesday 7th February, 8.00 pm, Gay’s The Word, 66 Marchmont Street, WC1N 1AB
DRAG BINGO: Zodiac
The independently trans-owned venue Zodiac has become a favourite London LGBTQ+ space since it opened on Hampstead Road a few years back. And there’s always a variety of nights to tuck into, including karaoke, open mic, club nights, comedy and cabaret. The super popular Drag Bingo returns to Zodiac with Eileen Eiffell this month with a chance to win a fantastic £75 Bar Tab. Thursday 8th February, 7 pm, Zodiac Bar, 119 Hampstead Road, Camden NW1 3EE
ART: Representing Bloomsbury Exhibition
Learn about the lives and works of Virginia Woolf, Noor Inayat Khan and Bertrand Russell, all who have been commemorated and celebrated through statues and memorials in Bloomsbury. The Representing Bloomsbury exhibition presents new perspectives on the ideas and views of these individuals, some of which can be challenging. Swiss Cottage Gallery NW3, until Thursday 22nd February
WORKSHOP: Mapping Queer Wellbeing Workshop
At Queer Britain (above) Gabriel Hoosain Khan leads a workshop where you’re invited to think about and share your experiences around health, medicine and wellbeing. It’s designed to introduce you to visual art as a medium to express your feelings, thoughts and experiences. You’ll create your own body-map, which visualises your relationship with health and wellbeing. Sunday 11th Feb, Queer Britain, 2 Granary Square Kings Cross, N1C 4BH
PARTY: Central Station’s 33rd Birthday
This is a venue we’ve been swinging by for as long as we can remember, and it’s also been a safe welcoming space to London’s LGBT community for many years, helping raise thousands for HIV/AIDS charities, as well as playing host to LGBT theatre and community groups from footballers to faith groups. So it’s no surprise that it celebrates three and a bit decades this month. To mark the occasion there’s karaoke from Chris Reardon and singer Kelly Wilde doing her thing. Saturday 17th February, 7.30 pm – 11 pm, Central Station, 37 Wharfdale Road, N1 9SD
Peruse the full schedule of events in Camden and Islington and book where necesary here, and across London here. LGBTQ History Month runs Thursday 1st February – Thursday 29th February online and at venues across Camden and Islington and beyond.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this, perhaps you could help us out, too? Kentishtowner is now in its 14th year, but with the demise of our free independent monthly print titles due to advertising revenues, we need your support more than ever to continue delivering cultural stories that celebrate our neighbourhood. Every contribution is invaluable in helping the costs of running the website and the time invested in the research and writing of the articles published. Support Kentishtowner here for less than the price of a coffee – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
