LGBT+ History Month: Cultural events in London in February 2023

People across the UK will be celebrating LGBT+ History month, with events ranging from parties to poetry readings.

This year’s theme is Behind the Lens, celebrating LGBTQ filmmakers, so expect lots of film nights and marathons, too.

A number of cultural events are happening in London this month. Find out how you can celebrate below.

LGBT+ History Month events in London

The new faces of LGBTQ+ London: in pictures

Patti Harrison at Soho Theatre

Trans comedian Patti Harrison is currently performing at Soho Theatre, in a comedy show featuring her signature absurdist humour, song parodies and unhinged PowerPoints.

TV fans may recognise her from Netflix comedy I Think You Should Leave, BBC’s Shrill, and Together Together with Ed Helms.

Until February 18, 9.15pm. Tickets can be bought from Soho Theatre.

Kissed by a Flame

A romantic tragedy for our times, Kissed by a Flame is inspired by events from Simon Perrott’s life, bringing an honest and heart-wrenching reflection on queer love to Islington.

Offering a window into the final months of that once-in-a-lifetime kind of love, audiences will explore the sentimental and bittersweet soundtrack of Jamie and Teddy’s lives together.

The Pleasance, February 1-11. Tickets can be purchased from Pleasance Theatre.

Desire in the Archive, an anti-Valentine’s Day evening

Billed as “an anti-Valentine’s Day evening”, Desire in the Archive will feature life drawing with the East London Stripper Collective, performances from drag artists Bolly-Illusion and Saya Tikka, new and historical poetry readings from SL Grange, and poetry from Aimée Lê.

Bishopsgate Institute, February 10,  7pm-10pm. Tickets are £10 and can be bought online.

Radical Readers Discuss: Fabulosa!: The Story of Polari

Brixton’s Radical Reading Group is reading Fabulosa! The Story of Polari, Britain’s Secret Gay Language, by Paul Baker.

Polari is a language that was used by gay men in the first half of the 20th century, and was thrust into the mainstream on the BBC radio show Round the Horne.

Brixton Library, February 10, 7pm-8.30pm. Tickets are free but can be reserved on Eventbrite.

LGBTQ landmarks listed by Historic England

Lambeth LGBTQ+ Zine fair

A Zine fair will take place in Brixton Tate Library, featuring a number of stalls plus a communal table for guests to sell their own zines.

There will also be badge-making and a fundraiser for Brixton Library’s own Zine Library.

Brixton Tate Library, February 11, noon to 4.30pm. Tickets are free but can be reserved on Eventbrite.

Queer Britain: The First Year of our Museum, a talk by Marta Lomza

Marta Lomza, head of collections and curator at Queer Britain, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ museum, will talk about the first year of the museum.

She will discuss how the museum has connected with communities and their ambitions for the future.

Queer Britain, February 17, 1pm-2pm. Tickets are free but can be reserved on Eventbrite.

For more events, visit the LGBT+ History Month site.