This year marks the 20th Anniversary of LGBT+ History Month.
February is LGBT+ History Month, an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements.
In Redbridge we’re proud to have a dedicated time to celebrate and promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the communities we live in.
The theme for LGBT History Month 2025 is Activism and Social Change. Throughout history LGBT+ people have been activists and helped shape and create social change, advancing society for everyone.
This year, we’re working in partnership with Redbridge Rainbow Community, an organisation that works with LGBTQ+ people who live, work, socialise or study in the London Borough of Redbridge, to provide an interesting, enthusing and diverse programme of events. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate LGBT+ History Month in Redbridge!
LGBT+ History Month at Redbridge Libraries
Author Event with Robert Tregoning – Out of the Blue
Join author Robert Tregoning for a very special event about finding the bravery to be yourself and living in ALL the colours of the rainbow!
Wednesday 19 February
Wanstead Library 2pm – 2.50pm
Suitable for ages 4-8 and their families.
Booking essential; tickets are free, or alternatively you can pre-purchase a signed copy of the book!
Oscar Wilde’s Short Stories with Cat & Hutch
To celebrate National Storytelling Week and LGBT+ History Month, join Cat & Hutch in this interactive storytelling of Oscar Wilde’s stories for children.
Suitable for ages 5+
Price: £1
Saturday 1 February:
Gants Hill Library 11am – 11.50am
Goodmayes Library 2pm – 2.50pm
Friday 21 February:
Hainault Library 11am – 11.50am
Redbridge Central Library 2pm – 2.50pm
Author Event with Gareth Peter – My Mummies Built A Treehouse
Join picture book author Gareth Peter for a fun and interactive session based on his colourful and inclusive picture book My Mummies Built A Treehouse. He’ll be reading from his rainbow library of published books, and talking about his writing journey, family and dreams.
Thursday 20 February
Fullwell Cross Library 2pm – 2.50pm
Suitable for ages 4-8 and their families.
Booking essential; tickets are free, or alternatively you can pre-purchase a signed copy of the book!
The discussion will be focused on Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart.
If you would like to read or listen to Young Mungo, you can borrow a copy from your local library. If you have difficulty getting a copy of the book don’t worry – other LGBT+ titles can also be recommended and discussed.
Wednesday 5 February
Redbridge Central Library and online 2pm – 3.15pm
FREE
Book in advance
Rapid Reads Sharing Circle
Love reading and discussing books? Then celebrate LGBT+ History Month with fellow book lovers at our Rapid Reads Sharing Circle. Featuring Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, or you can choose any LGBT+ History Month-appropriate book under 200 pages to discuss and recommend.
Share your thoughts, discover new reads, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
For details or to request a copy of Giovanni’s Room, email: library.information@visionrcl.org.uk
Tuesday 11 February
Redbridge Central Library or online 6pm – 7pm
Suitable for ages 16+
Free. Book in advance or drop in on the day
Laugh-Able Comedy Evening
Award-winning Laugh-Able is back in February to celebrate LGBT+ History Month with an excellent lineup including Maria Bowden, Becky Jade, Ro Dodgson, Dian Cathal and Abigolah Schauman.
With guest MC Rabiah Coon (UK Pun Championship Finalist 2024/2025)
And amazing headliner Stephanie Laing (Leicester Mercury Comedian Of The Year Finalist 2015)
Wednesday 19 February
Wanstead Library 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Suitable for ages 18+
Pay What You Can – Book in advance to guarantee a space.
LGBT+ History Month at Redbridge Museum
Badge making and tour of Redbridge Museum
Celebrate LGBT+ History Month with Redbridge Museum and Redbridge Rainbow Community!
The event will include a tour of the new Museum displays, including items of LGBTQ+ interest and a chance to share your own stories, as well as badge-making and creating t-shirts and poster designs for Redbridge Pride 2025.
Wednesday 5 February
Redbridge Museum 5.30pm – 7.30pm
FREE
LGBT+ History Month visit to the London Museum Docklands
LGBT+ History Month visit to the London Museum Docklands
Join us on visit to London Museum Docklands with Redbridge Rainbow Community and Barking & Dagenham Adult Social Network to mark LGBT+ History Month. This year’s theme is activism and social change. The visit will include a chance to hear from Museum staff, explore the collection and create some of our own objects linked to this year’s theme.
Saturday 22 February
11am – 2pm
FREE
Book in advance
Book collections
Our libraries will have LGBT+ History Month book collection displays for customers wanting to explore the subject. See here for further details and opening times of your local Redbridge Library.
LGBT+ History Month online
Vision RCL also invite you to celebrate LGBT+ History Month using our social media platforms and online services.
Our Virtual Library gives library members access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines plus a wealth of information. All you need to do is search LGBT+ in your chosen platform for a treasury of reading and listening materials. Find out more here for the virtual library at your fingertips and how to sign up!
Recognising LGBT+ history month as an important opportunity to champion inclusion and equality for LGBT+ people, and to celebrate their achievements and accomplishments, Libby offers a selection of books to read during LGBT+ History Month and beyond:
Our entertainment platform Kanopy for films and documentaries has a specially curated LGBTQ Cinema collection of films, including World Cinema, drama, comedy, romance and foreign language, ranging from independent and award winning films and Hollywood blockbusters. Kanopy is free to access and watch with your Redbridge Library card.
