LGBT History Month 2012

Islington and Camden councils have again joined forces to celebrate Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month 2012, with anti-establishment playwright Joe Orton at the centre of this year's programme.

A four-week long programme of literary, educational and social events that champion equality and promise something for everyone will be running in the two boroughs. Events are open to the LGBT community and friends.

LGBT History Month in Islington starts in dramatic fashion at Islington Museum with a re-enactment of the 1962 trial of Orton and partner Keith Halliwell for library book damage, entitled 'Malicious Justice' (Friday 27 January at 6.30pm).Legal professionals including Cllr Greg Foxsmith will take part in the debate, and members of the audience will be invited to voice their thoughts.

An art exhibition 'Malicious Collage: The Life and Crimes of Joe Orton' - containing the original defaced book jackets will be on display until 25 February at Islington Museum.

Islington libraries are running LGBT book promotions throughout February and Islington's LGBT reading group and Camden's LGBT poetry group will also be holding events and recruiting members during LGBT History Month. The programme closes with a gala night on Friday 24 February at Islington's Assembly Hall.

Cllr Catherine West, Leader of Islington Council, said: "Islington Council is proud to continue our support for the borough's LGBT community via LGBT History Month.  I extend a warm welcome to everyone to join us in celebrating LGBT History Month 2011 in Camden and Islington."

Lou Hart, Director of Camden LGBT Forum adds, "We are delighted to work with councils, organisations and individuals in both Camden and Islington on what is, once again, the largest programme of events in the UK for LGBT History Month. "This year's programme includes art, archeology, human rights, film, theatre and dance and is a dynamic celebration of LGBT culture and history."

For more information, please see this page.