H&F is celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month this February with a programme of free events in our libraries and beyond.
Everyone is welcome, find out more below.
Drag Quiz with West London Queer Project
Thursday 29 February, 7:30pm to 10pm
Fulham Library, 598 Fulham Road, SW6 5NX
February is LGBTQ+ History Month, so what's the best way to celebrate?
By joining a pop quiz, hosted by the fabulous drag queen Beary Poppins. And you can learn more about LGBTQ+ History Month while you’re at it.
Book your individual and group tickets, and find out more about the evening, through West London Queer Project’s website.
Discounted tickets for tables of 5 are available and if you're coming on your own or part of a smaller team, the organisers will help pair you up with another team.
Enter H&F Youth Council’s art competition
To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, H&F’s Youth Council is hosting a borough-wide art competition open to all residents aged 25 and younger.
All you have to do is create an original piece in any form, portraying anything that you feel contributes to LGBTQIA+ identities, communities and history.
Three winning entries, as judged by the Youth Council, will receive a high street gift card, £75 for first place, £50 for second place, and £25 for third place.
Please email your submissions to support@lbhflearningpartnership.com, or send a PDF of the image via Whatsapp to 07771 576294.
Closing date for entries is 1 March 2024 and winners will be chosen week commencing 4 March 2024.
If you have any further questions, please email us at support@lbhflearningpartnership.com
Add your LGBTQ+ story to our archive
Every Monday and Tuesday, 3pm to 5pm (excluding 12 and 13 February)
Hammersmith Library, Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7AT
We know very little about the lives of LGBTQ+ communities in the borough. Come and speak to our archivist and add to H&F’s documented history by contributing your own story, or a story of a place or event to our archives.
If you would rather send your story in, please email it to archives@lbhf.gov.uk, or to share over the phone please call 020 8753 3850.
H&F’s libraries will also be celebrating the month with displays featuring some of our LGBTQ+ archival material. If you would like to learn more about our LGBTQ+ history at your own pace, pop into our Hammersmith, Shepherds Bush, and Fulham libraries.
Or flick through our ebook ‘Hear My Voice: Stories of Coming Out’, created from past H&F library LGBTQ+ celebrations.
Past events
Women's History Month 2024 events that have now passed.
Lessons in Love and Other Crimes with Elizabeth Chakrabarty
Wednesday 28 February, 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Shepherds Bush Library, 6 Wood Lane, W12 7BF
Join interdisciplinary writer Elizabeth Chakrabarty for a reading and Q&A from her debut novel, Lessons in Love and Other Crimes (longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize 2022, shortlisted for the Polari First Book Prize 2022).
The novel explores queer love, loneliness and the insidious nature of hate. Perfect for fans of Louise Doughty, Bernardine Evaristo, Claudia Rankine and Sophie Ward.
A story you won’t be able to get out of your head” – Cosmopolitan
Book your free place by emailing ShepherdsBushLibrary@lbhf.gov.uk
Football vs Homophobia
Saturday 24 February, 10am to 5pm
Grasshoppers Rugby Football Club, Syon Lane, Isleworth, TW7 5PN
Why not check out Football vs Homophobia’s day of matches at Grasshoppers Rugby Football Club?
Come and support teams from across London raising awareness and challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. Staff from H&F Council will be taking part.
The six-a-side mini league is being supported by H&F Council and hosted by Chelsea Football Club, Fulham Football Club, QPR Football Club, West London Queer Project and Brentford Football Club.
In Defence of the Act with Effie Black
Thursday 22 February, 6pm to 7pm
Hammersmith Library, Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7AT
London-based author Effie Black joined residents for a reading and Q&A on her debut novel In Defence of the Act.
The audience heard about her character Jessica Miller, who is fascinated by the somewhat perplexing tendency of humans to end their own lives and who is coming to terms with her own relationships and reflecting on what it means to be queer.
Specialised LGBTQ+ support
There’s lot of organisations in London who can offer guidance, support and help to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Check out the below to find one that’s right for you:
-
Spectra CIC – specialising in support for transgender communities
- Families Together London
- London LGBTQ+ Community Centre
- Black and Brown Rainbow – specialising in support for Black and Brown LGBTQ+ residents
- Opening Doors – who specialise in support for members of the LGBTQ+ community over 50.
For younger residents, also check out:
If you’re looking for health and wellbeing support for LGBTQ+ residents, visit:
If you know a member of the LGBTQ+ community from a migrant or refugee background who is looking for support. You can direct them to:
Or learn more about the UK’s Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG) charity.
For support around LGBTQ+ identity and faith, useful charities include:
- Keshet LGBTQ who support Jewish residents
- One Body One Faith who support Christian residents
- Naz and Matt Foundation who support residents of all faiths.
We also have a telephone line that residents can call for information, support and referral services for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Or for help for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced abuse of violence, please contact Galop.