Hammersmith & Fulham is celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month this February and we need your help.
We know very little about the lives of our LGBTQ+ communities and want to build on our archive of their history in H&F.
All this month, we are inviting residents to come and speak to our archivist and to add to H&F’s documented history by contributing their own story, or a story of a place or event.
Pop by Hammersmith library, each Monday and Tuesday between 3pm and 5pm, to share your story. Or if you’d rather send yours in, please email it to archives@lbhf.gov.uk
To share over the phone please call 020 8753 3850.
Years of history
Our archive currently includes newspaper snippings documenting the extent of the 1980s HIV epidemic and the work of Charing Cross Hospital as one of the first centres in London to offer HIV antibody testing.
The Fulham Chronicle reported on 7 April 1988, that H&F was one of the worst hit boroughs by the epidemic. H&F Council bid for government funding “for more than 80 new posts. They include five specialist senior social workers, 32 home helps, two training officers for AIDS and three housing officers.”
There’s also reports from the Shepherds Bush and Hammersmith Gazette who on 21 May 1987 reported that the council had been “picketed over gay rights row.”
Busy month of events
To mark the month in style we’re hosting a programme of events in our libraries, open to anyone and everyone.
This includes author readings, a drag quiz with West London Queer Project, and Football vs Homophobia’s day of matches.
Find the full list of events here.
Residents aged 25 and younger can also enter H&F Youth Council’s art competition and win up to £75 in high street gift vouchers.
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.
Please email your submissions to support@lbhflearningpartnership.com, or send a PDF of the image via WhatsApp to 07771 576 294.
Closing date for entries is 1 March 2024 and winners will be chosen week commencing 4 March 2024.
