LGBT+ History Month to kick off at The Higgins Bedford in February

February is LGBT+ History Month and The Higgins Bedford is holding a virtual evening of poetry, prose and personal recollections with LGBT+ Poet Laureate Trudy Howson.

On Monday 1st February, Trudy Howson will explore the experiences of the LGBT+ community from the 1970s up to the present time. Trudy will share poetry and stories highlighting the political campaigns that have affected the LGBT+ community, including the emergence of C.H.E. (Campaign for Homosexual Equality) and G.L.F. (Gay Liberation Front), early and ongoing Gay Pride Celebrations in the UK, the impact of HIV/AIDS, and the ongoing struggle against Hate Crime. Trudy will also focus on the challenges the LGBT+ community has faced in gaining acceptance, equality and respect within mainstream society.

As part of the evening, Trudy would like to invite local poets and spoken word artists to share a poem inspired by their own personal experiences of being part of the LGBT+ community in an Open Mic Night. If you would like to read and share a poem on the evening, please email lydia.saul@bedford.gov.uk to find out more or to join the line-up.

Councillor Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, said: "It's great to see The Higgins Bedford continues to mark LGBT+ History Month virtually. This event will promote education and awareness around the struggles and achievements of the LGBT+ community by sharing the stories and poems of both LGBT+ Poet Laureate, Trudy Howson, and local poets and spoken word artists. I would strongly encourage anyone interested in finding out more about the LGBT+ community to attend."

The event, 'An LGBT+ Life: How it was, How it is' will run from 7pm to 8:30pm and will be free to view. Further details on how to access the zoom link to view this event will be available shortly on The Higgins Bedford website at www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk.

In addition to this online launch, The Higgins Bedford have an exciting programme of virtual events and content to celebrate LGBT+ History Month, including the annual OUTing the Past Festival on Saturday 20th February. Please keep an eye on The Higgins Bedford website for upcoming details at www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk.