Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure are proud to host 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.
Throughout February Vision RCL services dedicate time to celebrate and promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the Redbridge community. In support of the celebrations Redbridge Council will also be raising the LGBT+ flag at Redbridge Town Hall in Ilford.
Redbridge Libraries are the main contributor and coordinator of the programme, this year events include an exhibition, creative workshops, a comedy night and an advice session with local group Positive East
You can also join Redbridge Libraries online with an LGBT themed book chat, social media platforms and Virtual Library in celebration of this year’s theme Politics in Art: `The Arc is long’ The theme references art in the national curriculum and is an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of LGBT+ activists and artists.
Redbridge Museum are offering a children’s craft activity, Brilliant Badges – a mix of craft and activism creating peaceful protest badges from home. The Museum are also collecting stories from LGBTQ+ Redbridge community, from anyone who lives or have lived in Redbridge, identify as LGBTQ+, and have photos, films, clothes, items or memories to share.
The Redbridge Schools Library Service have curated a special collection of recommended reads for LGBT+ History Month including well-known authors such as Jacqueline Wilson, Bali Rai and firm favourite of Redbridge children, Malorie Blackman. Books from the collection can be borrowed from Vision’s fantastic Virtual and physical Libraries which give library members free access to thousands of books, audiobooks and magazines.
Library members can also watch films and documentaries through Vision’s entertainment platform Kanopy which includes a specially curated LGBTQ collection of films, including World Cinema, drama, comedy, romance and foreign language, ranging from independent and award-winning films and Hollywood blockbusters.
For more information on LGBT+ History Month visit the LGBT+ History Month page.