LGBTQ+ History Month celebrates and remembers key LGBTQ+ figures, movements and events from history. To mark this important month at Touchstone, our brilliant LGBTQ+ Staff Network have organized a range of events for a mix of staff and the public to celebrate LGBTQ+ history and reflect on continued struggles for LGBTQ+ rights. Read on to find out what we’ve been up to, as well as the public events happening across Leeds that anyone can join!

Each year, we organise an internal programme of events to support LGBTQ+ staff and share learning and education about LGBTQ+ history. This month’s programme has been absolutely jam-packed with the following events lined up: 

  • Film screening: United in Anger documentary – Early in February, our staff got together to watch the brilliant documentary United in Anger: A History of Act Up! In a reflective chat after the film, staff discussed the film’s lessons on the history of activism and oppression in LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about the documentary on their website: https://www.unitedinanger.com/.
  • LGBTQ+ History Month Quiz – Men in Health lead, Ali, held a quiz to test staff’s knowledge and share learning about LGBTQ+ History. Unsurprisingly, our knowledgeable staff ended in a three way tie for the winning spot!
  • Talk on Trans History – Staff will be welcoming an external speaker to talk on trans histories.
  • Zine Workshop – LMWS Coproduction Lead, Beth, will be hosting a zine workshop for staff to make zines around the theme of LGBTQ+ History Month and creatively explore what this month means to them.

We are also co-hosting an exciting ‘Living Libraries’ event, where members of the public can come and chat with LGBTQ+ people about their experiences, as well as LGBTQ-inclusive services across Leeds. Organised with our Being You Leeds project and BHA Skyline Leeds, this event will take place on 21st February, 1-4pm. To book your spot at this free event, please visit their Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/820123861547. 

In other LGBTQ+ History Month news…

  • Our Leeds LGBT+ Minds project, part of the LMWS Coproduction Service, are soon planning to launch their co-produced Daisy Chain Zine! The theme for their first issue is ‘Roots’, celebrating LGBTQIA+ history month, and looks packed full of brilliant articles and artwork. To find out more, please visit their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3AWXz0NLbw/.
  • Our friends over at Angels of Freedom Leeds are also hosting an LGBT+ History Month Community Marketplace on 24th February at Leeds Market. Please visit their Facebook event to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/events/6139502332819096/.
  • During HIV Testing Week, a key part of LGBTQ+ History Month, staff over at our Live Well Leeds project got tested at Yorkshire Mesmac. It’s quick, easy and important to get tested and free testing is available from many places in Leeds, Yorkshire and beyond. Visit Mesmac’s website to book a test: https://www.mesmac.co.uk/.

Keep an eye on our social media for more updates with photographs from our events!