Events

Friday 1st February (running until Thursday 14th February)

11 am – 5 pm

Art Out!

Many LGBT people are put off formal art training or have never exhibited their work but there are some amazing artists out there! Camden LGBT Forum is pleased to present an exhibition of work by LGBT Outsider Artists!

Venue: Novas Art Gallery

Saturday 2nd February

4 pm – 5.30 pm Men’s class

5.30 pm – 7 pm Women’s class

Self defence classes
KB Fitness

London’s crowded streets present a host of potential hazards to those who don’t know basic self-defence strategies and practices. Self defence is more about a state of mind than body strength. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, think ahead and avoid hazardous situations. The classes cater for all shapes, sizes and levels of fitness and are not aerobically demanding. Please do not hesitate if you are unfit, overweight or a complete beginner. Please note: Women’s classes – all bisexual, lesbian, trans and queer women are welcome; Men’s classes – all bisexual, gay, trans and queer men are welcome. There are also mixed classes on 16th February – see later in programme.

Venue: 52 Club

Saturday 2nd February

6pm – 1am

Pamper Yourself?

Million Women Rise This is an event for all lesbian, bisexual, trans and queer women in aid of the Million Women Rise. Why not take a dip in the exclusively booked pool, take some heat in the sauna and then enjoy the films, poetry, comedy, DJs and live music provided for the evening? This is a benefit for Million Women Rise (International Women’s day event against violence against women). Venue: 52 Club Donations £6/ con £3 Sunday 3rd February Doors open 4 pm

4.30pm – 7pm Old Time Drag Wotever World Ray Reynolds shows film clips of well- known drag artists, such as the legendary Regina Fong, and talks about the history of drag in Camden. Please note there may be some alteration in the programme content. Venue: The Horse Hospital

4th – 28th February

1967 and all that! In 1967 male homosexuality was finally decrimi- nalised; a milestone in gay history and a big step towards equality before the law for homosexuals. But how did this come to pass? This display, using material from the Hall-Carpenter Archives of lesbian and gay activism, and press cuttings from the collection of the Lesbian and Gay Newsmedia Archive, puts the campaign for law reform in its historical context, charts the progress of reform proposals through Parliament and illustrates the impact the change in law had on the gay rights movement. Venue: Swiss Cottage Library Please see website: www.camdenlgbtforum.org.uk or phone Swiss Cottage library as this exhibition may also be shown at other libraries during the month.

4th – 28th February

The Materialised LGBT Timeline from 1700 – 2007 Art Installation: Camden LGBT Forum volunteers Camden LGBT Forum volunteers have produced a timeline with a twist! Celebrating key moments in LGBT History, this interactive installation is both inspiring and informative. The Materialised LGBT timeline playfully celebrates the points where L, G, B and T histories converge. It will be in situ during LGBT History Month 2008 at Kentish Town Library, where it will remain for your viewing (and pawing) pleasure as a free featured exhibit. After History Month it will be on display at other libraries in Camden Borough. Venue: Kentish Town Library

Out in Camden IV Speakers Roz Kaveney is a writer and publisher's advisor living and working in London. She has a long history of activism in the LGBT movements going back to the GLF in London, Oxford and Leeds in the early 70s. She was a founding member of Feminists Against Censorship and is a past Deputy Chair of Liberty. Among her books on popular culture are Reading The Vampire Slayer, Teen Dreams and Superheroes! Ali Hili established the first Iraqi gay social group in Baghdad in1991. In 2005 he formed the first LGBT forum group, Iraqi LGBT. He works with many human and gay rights groups including the United Nations, UNHCR, UNAMI, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, OutRage!, ILGHRC, HIVOS and many others. Ali strives to inform people of the plight of LGBT Iraqis and what it means to be LGBT in the ever-changing environment of Iraq. Dennis Carney is the current Vice Chair of the Black Gay Men’s Advisory Group. He works part-time at PACE and is also a part-time lecturer at London’s City Lit. In 2003 and 2006 Dennis received Black LGBT community awards in recognition of his work with Black LGBT com- munities. Dennis also works as freelance trainer, provid- ing a range of high-quality diversity and HIV training, team building and consultancy services to organisations in London and around the UK. Rikki Beadle-Blair wrote the screenplay for the award- winning movie Stonewall. He wrote, directed and fea- tured in the Channel 4 series Metrosexuality. He has also worked extensively for BBC Radio 4, writing and performing his own series of plays. His documentary Roots of Homophobia won the Sony award for Best Radio Feature. His play “Fit” about teen sexuality has just completed a sold-out tour and was played to schools in an outreach prgramme all over the UK. He recently directed the short film Soulijah by John Gordon about a gay former child soldier living in South London.

Monday 4th February

11.30 am – 3 pm Out in Camden IV This is a morning of exciting talks by well-known people from the LGBT communities and an opportunity to browse the stalls set up by LGBT organisations and supporters. Talks will be introduced by Keith Moffitt, the Leader of Camden Council and speakers include: Roz Kaveney (leading author, critic and cultural commenta- tor), Ali Hilli (Iraqi LGBT), Dennis Carney (Chair, Black Gay Mens Advisory Group) and Rikki Beadle-Blair (award-winning writer, performer and director). Venue: Council Chambers, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1H 9JE

Tuesday 5th February

7 pm – 9 pm The World We Have Won Jeffrey Weeks The World We Have Won is a major study of transformations in erotic and intimate life since 1945. Reading from this highly controversial and readable book, Jeffrey Weeks provides a balance sheet of the changes that have transformed our ways of being. Building on many years of innovative research, he analyses the long term trends and more immediate contingencies that have shaped sexuality and intimacy. Venue: Gay’s The Word bookshop

Wednesday 6th February

7.30 pm – 9 pm What do we know of our Lesbian History? (1) Joan Ballington Who are our heroines and role models? This is the first of four weekly Wednesday discussions, facilitated by Joan Ballington, one of the Directors of Gay’s The Word bookshop, for all women who are lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning. The Lesbian Discussion Group has been going for over 15 years and meets every Wednesday evening at the shop. The subjects discussed cover a wide range e.g.: coming out; parenting; lesbians in the media; issues of class, race, gender identity; relationships, etc. They also discuss new books and sometimes have authors in to discuss their work. A fresh mix of women show up each week, so it avoids being cliquey or unfriendly. Venue: Gay’s the Word bookshop

Thursday 7th February

5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Beyond Isis and Osiris: Alternate Sexualities in Ancient Egypt Debbie Challis Open Evening for LGBT History Month at the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology with a talk on sexuality in Ancient Egypt, followed by a discussion and a glass of wine. There is also the opportunity to look around the museum. Venue: The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology

Thursday 7th February

6 pm – 9 pm Film Night: Aimee and Jaguar Wotever World ‘Aimee and Jaguar ’ were the names used by Lilly Wust (housewife, mother and Nazi sympathiser) and Felice Schragenheim (member of the Jewish underground in Berlin during the War). This evening examines their relationship through the BBC documentary Love Story produced by Catrine Clay and first shown in 1997, and the film Aimee and Jaguar made by Max Fäberböck in 1999. Venue: 52 Club

Saturday 9th February

10 am – 5 pm Appointed Persons 1st Aid Course Ruth Preece A one-day course (for up to 12 people) covering basic First Aid. A certificate is available on successful com- pletion. To register please email: ruth.preece@uclh.nhs.uk Venue: 52 Club

Saturday 9th February

10.30 am onwards The Forgotten Ones: A Walk Around Highgate Cemetery with Terry King Ever wondered which LGBT people ‘live’ in Highgate cemetery? Take a stroll with Terry King and find out! Terry is Coordinator of Wandsworth LGBT Forum and a certified guide. Why not bring nightlights or flowers for the forgotten people? Meet at Archway Tube Station Ticket Concourse

Saturday 9th February

Kick off 3 pm The Lily Parr Exhibition Trophy London Lesbian Kickabouts v Paris Arc-En-Ciel 30 years on from her death, lesbians from around the globe come together on the pitch to celebrate the life of the brilliant 1920s English football star, Lily Parr. Parr, who lived with her partner Mary in Preston, was the first woman to be inducted in the UK National Hall of Fame and a footballing genius who lit up the 1920s and 1930s with her antics on and off the field. The FA's ban on women's football in 1921 took her away from the big stage and the stadium crowds but couldn't daunt her influence on the game or her insistence on being paid in Woodbine cigarettes. An internationally-mixed team from London, Lesbian Kickabouts will play a French lesbian team, Paris Arc-En- Ciel, in Lily’s honour, for the Lily Parr Exhibition Trophy. Cameo appearances from Spanish and Danish lesbian teams are also expected. Venue: The Hub, Regents Park (The Zoo end – near Primrose Hill Bridge/Avenue Road).

Saturday 9th February

12 noon – 7 pm Black Gay & Lesbian Expo Outburst The Black Gay & Lesbian Expo will showcase the talents and contributions of the black lesbian and gay community with a day of events including guest hosts, live performances and panel discussions. There will also be exhibitors and vendors from within the urban gay community. Venue to be confirmed – please see www.outburstuk.org or www.camdenlgbtforum.org.uk for update

Monday 11th February

6.30 pm – 9 pm Film Night: The Story Of Brandon Teena Wotever World Brandon Teena, a trans man, was a victim of transphobic hate crime. He was murdered in Nebraska in 1993. This evening examines his life and death through the award- winning (Berlin & Vancouver) documentary The Brandon Teena Story made by directors Susan Muska and Gréta Olafsdóttir, and the film Boys Don’t Cry directed by Kimberly Peirce. At the ‘Oscars’, Hilary Swank was awarded the Academy Award for Best Actress for starring as Brandon Teena in Boys Don’t Cry, a sensitive dramatisation of the savage destruction of Brandon Teena’s dream of living in the world in the way he most wanted. Venue: Kentish Town Library

Tuesday 12th February

6 pm – 9 pm History of Sexual Orientation Legislation: Re- flections and current challenges Age Concern Camden Jeffrey Weeks (author and Professor of Sociology at London South Bank University) and Lindsay River (from Polari ) present talks in an evening for all LGBT people (both men and women, younger and older) who want to learn about and reflect on the ways in which older people contributed to the changes in both attitudes and legislation about sexual orientation in the UK, and how these changes are still influencing the lives of younger generations yoday. Both existing achievements and new challenges will be explored by our speakers. Venue: Henderson Court Resource Centre

Wednesday 13th February

7.30 pm – 9 pm Is coming out always a positive thing? (2) Joan Ballington – Lesbian Discussion Group What are the drawbacks and advantages of ‘coming out’? Should we come out? Will it make the world a better place for us all or are we deluding ourselves? The second of four discussions for all women who are lesbian, bisexual, trans or questioning, hosted by Joan Ballington, Director of Gay’s The Word bookshop. Venue: Gay’s the Word

Thursday 14th February

6.30 pm – 9.30 pm Film Night: Torch Song Trilogy Wotever World Harvey Fierstein's Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway hit was adapted for the screen by Fierstein himself. The three-part plotline con- cerns Arnold Beckoff’s (aka nightclub entertainer ‘Virginia Hamm’s) efforts to find a lasting relationship. In 1971 Arnold’s heart is broken by his bisexual lover (Brian Kerwin). In 1973 Arnold enjoys short-lived happiness with his true love (Matthew Broderick). The final act takes place in 1980: Arnold, still grieving over Broderick's sudden death and struggling to raise the young boy that the couple had adopted, has a long-anticipated showdown with his uncompromising mother, superbly played by Anne Bancroft. Venue: Swiss Cottage Library

Thursday 14th February

7 pm onwards Mother Foucault Spoken Word Burlesque invites all GLAMbassadors to Young Tongues! This is an open-mic slam for young LGBT people aged 16 – 19, to find the queer performance poet of the future! Judging will be the Mother Foucault crew plus special guest. The winner will be awarded a spot at the top UK queer venue Bar Wotever (and be prepared for the performance by international poet Joelle Taylor). Venue: Poetry Cafe Entry: £3 on the door

Thursday 14th February

10 pm – 2 am ‘I only wanna be with you’ Valentine’s night special The Black Cap A celebration of the life and music of Dusty Springfield and an evening for lovers of 60s and 70s pop – and Dusty Springfield in particular! One of the most iconic pop divas of the 60s and 70s, Dusty Springfield is remembered for her incredible range covering blues, soul, rock and pop. With over 26 UK chart hits and songs like ‘Son of Preacher Man’, ‘You don’t have to say you love me’, ‘I close my eyes’ as well as the eponymous ‘I only want to be with you’, she was loved by music fans for her amazing voice and outspoken ways. Early in her career, Springfield created a controversy when she refused to play in front of a segregated crowd in South Africa and was promptly asked by the South African government to leave the country after she played 2 gigs before a mixed crowd. Bisexual or lesbian? Controversy still rages but Dusty is one of the most important figures in LGBT history. Time Themed Music by the Black Cap DJs this evening provides you with the opportunity to bouffant your hair, apply the trademark Dusty boot-black eye liner and get down with the twist and hitchhiker. Or if you just want to smooch on Valentine’s night why not talk dusty to that special someone (or someones?). Venue: The Black Cap Entry: £3 or £2 concession on the door Please note proceeds go to an LGBT charity

Friday 15th February

7 pm – 9 pm Edward Carpenter, Harry Hay and the Radical Faeries: ‘Voices of Protest and Celebration’ John Baker In the years that followed Oscar Wilde’s trial, Edward Carpenter was a lone voice for the gay cause. His writings laid the foundations of gay identity and liberation for the coming century and would remain a solitary beacon of hope for the next 50 years. Radical American activist Harry Hay went on to interpret Carpenter ’s message for a new generation. Founding force behind the Lesbian and Gay Liberation Movement in America, Hay later formed the Radical Faeries as a call for the colourful and subversive edge to be preserved within LGBT life. Venue: Gay’s the Word

Friday 15th February

7.30 pm – 10.30 pm MotherFoucault Spoken Word Burlesque invites all GLAMbassadors to MotherFoucault Valen-whine Special! Come and join the infamous MotherFoucault Spoken word burlesque for an evening of send-up poetry, prose, word magic and chaos! This evening features a Transgenre Special with Gayjeezus, Marlene Dicktricks, Bunny Boiler and more. Venue: Poetry Café Entry: £4 on the door

Saturday 16th February

4 pm – 6 pm Mixed Self Defence Class (All Lesbians, Gay men, Bi-sexuals,Trans people and Queers are welcome) KB Fitness London’s crowded streets present a host of potential hazards to those who don’t know basic self-defence strategies and practices. Self Defence is more about a state of mind than body strength. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, think ahead and avoid hazardous situations. The classes cater for all shapes and sizes and levels of fitness and are not aerobically demanding. Please do not hesitate if you are unfit, overweight or a complete beginner. 5 pm – 7 pm TRANSPLASH Swimming Party ENIGMA Swimming Club Why not come for a dip? MTF / FTM / Trans- gender, partners, LGBT people, friends, families and supporters are all welcome in the exclusively-booked pool. Please note that swimmers may use any changing room and wear beach clothes or swimwear of either gender. Venue: 52 Club ------- There will also be a bar available at the 52 Club from 7pm – 11 pm for all participants of the Mixed Self Defence Class and Transplash swimming events

Sunday 17th February

11 am – 5 pm Go Wild in Camden! London Wildlife Trust London Wildlife Trust facilitate a discussion on the LGBT experiences of green spaces followed by guided tours of Camley Street Natural Park (the internationally acclaimed nature reserve in Camden) and Hampstead Heath. The discussions will highlight the contribution of LGBT people to historical green struggles, focus on LGBT people’s experiences of using open green spaces and consider how these experiences could be made safer or more pleasant. There will also be a discussion on the wildlife habitats and the rich biodiversity of Camden. The guided tours will examine pond life, meadow and woodland environments and focus on how to provide a natural haven for birds, bees, butterflies, amphibians and a rich variety of plant life. Refreshments (and a bus to the Heath) are provided. Please note this event is only open to the first 15 people to arrive. To reserve a place, please email: jsingh@wildlondon.org.uk Venue: Camley Street Natural Park

Wednesday 20th February

7.30 pm – 9 pm Online dating – risks and advantages? (3) Joan Ballington – Lesbian Discussion Group The Third of the weekly discussions examines the rise of online dating. It is facilitated by Joan Ballington, one of the Directors of Gay’s The Word bookshop, and is open to all women who are lesbian, bisexual, trans or questioning. Venue: Gay’s The Word

Wednesday 20th February

Best of the Bars! The Black Cap, The Glass Bar, The Golden Lion and The King William 4 Do you know how much the average giraffe’s heart weighs? Or the name of the news reader who had lesbians chained to her desk? Why not get your mates together into a team, go to your favourite bar and help them to win the Best of the Bars quiz? Questions will be on a variety of topics including Camden Local Knowledge, LGBT History, Trivia and General Knowledge. The top team scores from each venue will be collated by Camden LGBT Forum and the winning team will receive a bottle of champagne! Venues: The Black Cap, The Glass Bar, The Golden Lion and The King William 4

Thursday 21 February

6.30 pm – 9 pm Film Night: Queer Jihad Wotever World This evening examines the queer struggle in the Muslim world. A superb collection of short films on the topic will be shown during this ground-breaking evening organised by Wotever World in collaboration with Imaan. See website for further details. Venue: 52 Club

Friday 22nd February

8 pm – 11 pm Chroma Goes Global! Shaun Levin Readings from the new issue of Chroma, Europe's only queer literary and arts journal. This special issue includes stories and poems translated from Danish, Japanese, Slovenian, French, Polish and Arabic. There'll be readings from some of these works in the original language and in the English translation. Prepare to be transported. There will be some open-mic slots for all you poets! Venue: Poetry Café

Saturday 23rd February

9 pm – 2 am Strictly Bona Ballroom! Transfabulous From absolute beginners to complete show offs - a joint Camden and Islington LGBT History Month event, “Strictly Bona Ballroom” is a 1950s era dance spectacular set in a beautiful Art Deco dance hall. All Hipcats, Daddyos, Squares, Glamour Gals, Teds and Country Cousins are welcome. This fun evening is a chance to step out to DJs and live dance orchestras for Ballroom, Latin, Jive, Line and Country. Why not take the opportunity to pose at the dance hall tables? This evening’s treats include a magician, a beat poet and a complimentary 1950s buffet! Venue: The Camden Centre Entry : £12 or £6 (concessions) on the door A fundraiser for Transfabulous International Festival Of Transgender Arts

Sunday 24th February

5 pm – 7 pm Modern Music Hall Soirée (the best of Wotever) Wotever World Celebrating our LGBT & Q history with Modern Music Hall, Song and Show Tunes, Wotever World presents some of the best queer performers out there at the moment! With Mr Meredith as the Ring Master and Master of Ceremonies, the tunes just keep on flowing (and the lyrics are on the risqué side!). Hilda Eusébio is 'Jack': an unspeakably rude but well-intentioned gentleman who combines stand-up, live performance, ukulele sing-a-long and booty-bounce in an act that will leave you both shaken and stirred. Lazlo Pearlman gives us a taste of 'Madame Pierre's Other Tongue' – a surrealist cabaret about cunning linguists, whilst circus duo Switch do their much loved, highly entertaining number (with a slight Jonny Depp theme): "King Cry Baby". Last but not least, the simply marvellous Claire Benjamin revives a dainty selection of songs by 'Englishman of the Golden era' Noël Coward, restoring them to their original glory (since their more recent covers by modern pop and rock artists). Venue: Horse Hospital Entry: £3 on the door

Monday 25th February – 1st March

Trans Men: Our Lives fTm London fTm London is one of the UK's largest social, support and information groups run by and for trans guys. Members include those who are female-to-male identified transgender, questioning, transsexual and genderqueer. This year, fTm London is delighted to be celebrating its 10th birthday, a decade of support- ing the fTm community. To help mark this anniversary, fTm London gave single- use cameras to past and present attendees of the group, inviting them - without restriction - to take photographic portraits of their lives. fTm London is proud to share some of these images in the exhibition, 'Trans Men: Our Lives'. Please note the exhibition is launched on Monday 25th February and ends on 1st March. Venue: Swiss Cottage Library Foyer

Tuesday 26th February

6 pm – 9.30 pm Older Gay Men’s Cabaret Older Gay Men’s Group An evening to celebrate the contribution that older gay men have made to the LGBT community throughout the decades. The event will also publicise the project ‘Opening Doors: Supporting Older LGBT Communities in Central London’. Entertainment is provided by Sheila Blige (drag artiste) and the London Gay Men’s Chorus. Venue: Henderson Court Entry: £3 on the door

Wednesday 27th February

7.30 pm – 9 pm Is it true that lesbian relationships don’t last as long as those of gay men or straight people? (4) Joan Ballington – Lesbian Discussion Group The fourth and final discussion group examines the longevity of lesbian relationships and the dynamic between women in love. Facilitated by Joan Ballington, a Director of Gay’s The Word bookshop, the discussion is open to all women who are lesbian, bisexual, trans or questioning. Venue: Gay’s the Word bookshop

Thursday 28th February

6.30 pm – 9 pm

Film Night: LGBT Shorts
Wotever World

A second chance to see a variety of LGBT & Q short films which have been screened over the last year at Film Wotever. They include short films featuring queer genderbenders, lesbian gymnasts, gay dogs and much much more.

For full details go to: www.camdenlgbtforum.org.uk

Venue: Swiss Cottage Library

Thursday 28th February

9 pm – 2 am

Middle Eastern Dance Night extravaganza!

This evening is a benefit set up on behalf of IRAQI LGBT by Camden LGBT Forum to help fund safe houses for LGBT people who have become victims of hate crime in Iraq. Come and hear the founder of IRAQI LGBT, Ali Hilli, explain what is happening and then dance to DJs Rockit, Nikki Lucas and Ali Hilli or boggle at the amaz- ing belly dance of Snake Boy! Venue: The Golden Lion Please note, as this is a benefit evening there will be a £5 charge on the door