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Celebrating LGBTQIA+ History Month 2025: Activism and Social Change

Councillor Emma Sweeney

Hello,

I am Councillor Emma Sweeney, a member of the Place and HR Committees. We mark LGBTQIA+ History Month and its Activism and Social Change theme this February. Throughout history, in the UK and beyond, LGBTQIA+ people have played an outsize and often unsung role in shaping society, pushing for progress, and driving change for the better. From powerful protests and poignant art to grassroots education and living openly, the LGBTQIA+ community’s activism has paved the way for greater equality and understanding—not just for themselves but for all of us.

Activism takes many forms. It’s the voices raised at rallies, the creative expressions through theatre, film, and dance, and the quiet but resolute act of living authentically. It also takes the form of efforts to educate and build bridges, the power of literature and poetry, and even the everyday conversations that challenge prejudice. These diverse approaches remind us that social change is for everyone and that collective action is a catalyst for a brighter future. We shouldn’t remain complacent, however. We recognise that there are many in the LGBTQIA+ community still facing marginalisation here in the UK and abroad and that the history of social change shows us that raising our voices and continued activism is still necessary, now and in the future.

A pin badge in the style of a megaphone, with the flag of the LGBTQ+ community on it.
The official 2025 UK LGBTQIA+ History Month badge

Here in Westminster and across London, many events are happening which connect with LGBTQIA+ History Month’s themes and celebrate this legacy of activism and social change. From community art projects and film screenings to panel discussions and workshops, there are many ways to get involved, reflect, and honour the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community this month and beyond.

Below is a selection of events from around Westminster and London, from local organisations like the Westminster LGBTQIA+ Forum – take a look! If you’re local to Queen’s Park, Westminster and have an idea for which you’d like our support, get in touch! We have community pop-up grants and other ways we can help. Email communications@queensparkcommunitycouncil.gov.uk or head over to our Pop Up Grants page.

Events

  1. Word-Benders QTBPOC Poetry Workshop
    1. Date: Tuesday 11th February
    2. Time: 6–7.30 pm GMT
    3. Where: Online
    4. “Join Gayathiri Kamalakanthan @unembarrassable for a Word-Benders online poetry workshop, where participants will read and reflect together on work by trans & queer poets of colour.”
    5. https://www.outsavvy.com/event/24694/word-benders-qtbpoc-poetry-workshop
  2. Westminster LGBTQIA+ Forum: Signposts on the Road to Equality: LGBTQIA+ Rights and Highlights from Westminster City Archives
    1. Date: Wednesday, 12th February
    2. Time: 5:00–7:00 pm
    3. Where: Westminster City Archives, 10 St Ann’s Street, London, SW1P 2DF
    4. “Discover the struggles and triumphs of LGBTQIA+ rights through Philip’s engaging talk, “Signposts on the Road to Equality.” Highlights include trans rights, personal insights, and treasures from Westminster City Archives, bringing to light histories often pushed to the margins.”
    5. https://www.outsavvy.com/event/24628/signposts-on-the-road-to-equality-lgbt-rights-and-highlights-from-westminster-city-archives
  3. The African Centre: Writing Club for Black LGBTQIA+ Writers
    1. Date: Saturday, 15th February
    2. Time:  3 – 5 pm
    3. Where: The Africa Centre, 66 Great Suffolk Street London SE1 0BL
    4. Aude Konan, an award-winning novelist and screenwriter, returns for another writing session to create a space where attendees can tap into their creativity.”
    5. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-club-for-black-lgbtq-writers-tickets-1214695590209
  4. The Arts Project – Activism & Social Change with Un Chant D’Amour
    1. Date: Saturday, 22nd February
    2. Time:  1:15 – 4:45 pm
    3. Where: St. Pancras Hospital, 4 Saint Pancras Way London NW1 0PE
    4. “A screening of Jean Genets Un Chant D’Amour and a panel discussion led by University of Westminster’s Pippa Catterall.”
    5. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/activism-social-change-with-un-chant-damour-tickets-1119720777989

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