Film screenings, exhibitions and discussion groups are being held across Redbridge to celebrate LGBT+ history month.

The council has scheduled a raft of events throughout February to mark the occasion with free activities for all to attend.

Events include a touring exhibition by Eastside Community Heritage in partnership with Redbridge Rainbow Community, which will explore the history of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender rights in the UK.

The event will include personal stories from members of the LGBT+ community.

Dates for the exhibition are as follows, but are flexible so please check library listings online before visiting:

  • Friday 1 to Thursday 7 February: Fullwell Cross Library
  • Saturday 9 to Thursday 14 February: Goodmayes Library
  • Saturday 16 to Thursday 21 February: South Woodford Library & Gym
  • Saturday 23 to Thursday 28 February: Wanstead Library

Another touring exhibition by the same group will explore the mental health in the LGBT+ community and aims to challenge traditional narratives surrounding the topic.

Dates for this exhibition are:

  • Monday 4 to Saturday 9 February: Wanstead Library
  • Wednesday 13 to Tuesday 19 February: Fullwell Cross Library
  • Thursday 21 to Thursday 28 February: Goodmayes Library

On Tuesday February 5, Nick Dobson will lead a session exploring the impact of LGBT+ writers had on UK literature at Wanstead Library from 6pm-8pm. The event is free for all to attend.

On Wednesday February 6, a reading group event will be held at Redbridge Central Library where ‘Giovanni’s Room’ by James Baldwin will be discussed between 6.30pm and 7.45pm.

This is another free event where tea, coffee and cake will be served.

To book for either of these events and for more information, contact Rhonda Brooks on 020 8708 2409 or rhonda.brooks@visionrcl.org.uk.

On Thursday February 7, Paul Flynn will be discussion 30 years of gay Britain at an event at Wanstead library from 6.30pm until 8pm – copies of Paul’s book will be available for purchase and signing on the day.

To book this event, please contact the library directly or book via this link.

On Friday February 8, charity Positive East will be screening their film ’30 years of living with HIV’ in the York Room at Redbridge Central Library from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. There will be a panel discussion following the screening.

Finally, on Tuesday February 26 from 7pm to 9.30pm a workshop where a LGBT+ play will be read and performed by those attending will take place at South Woodford library and gym.

To book for either of these events, please contact Rhonda Brooks on 020 8708 2409 or rhonda.brooks@visionrcl.org.uk.

Until 1967, same sex sexual activity was illegal and many people were imprisoned, ostracised and faced intense discrimination due to their sexual preferences. Despite the legalisation of homosexual acts in 1967, the battle for equality continues today.