Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month in Birmingham
09 February 2023
Taking place across the UK every February, LGBTQ+ History Month is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and future aspirations in reaching total equality and recognition.
From intimate talks and tours to theatre shows and extravagant drag performances around the nation, this month is a chance for us all to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, learn about the inspiring history of civil rights and gay rights movements, and raise awareness of ongoing issues faced.
This year’s theme is ‘’#BehindTheLens’’, a celebration of queer contribution to cinema, with screenings, exhibitions, museum tours and talks taking place across the UK.
Birmingham’s rich cultural history
Being one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK, Birmingham has a rich LGBTQ+ history.
Did you know that in 1967, The Sexual Offences Act decriminalised sex ‘in private’ between men over the age of 21? This paved the way for the influential LGBT nightclub scene. In the same year Birmingham’s oldest and most iconic gay club, ‘The Nightingale Club’, opened.
Since it was established, the club has played an integral role in building a safe and open community where everyone can be themselves without fear or prejudice. Over the years, it has become a safe space for many LGBTQ+ communities across the region.
In 1976, the Birmingham Lesbian and Gay Community Centre – the first LGBT community centre to be established in the UK was opened. The centre paved the way for the establishment of similar centres in London and Manchester in the 1980s.
The city also held its first Birmingham Pride in 1997. This has become one of the most important LGBTQ+ festivals in the UK, attracting thousands of people of all backgrounds to the heart of the Gay Village, where celebrations are held.
You can learn more about the city’s incredible LGBTQ+ history here.
Events in Birmingham
Whether you want to learn about the history of the LGBTQ+ community or meet new people, we have detailed all of the free events happening in our District and the wider city centre this month.
Inclusive Gathering Birmingham (IGB) is a diverse LGBTQIA+ affirming church for all based in Birmingham’s Gay Village.
On February 12, 19 and 26, IGB will meet upstairs at The Loft, situated in Birmingham city centre’s Gay Village.
At their first gathering on 5 February, IGB marked the start of LGBT+ History Month by sharing stories, dreams and ideas from the past, present & future of Queer Christian Faith.
Open Minds Birmingham – gathering at The Warehouse Cafe and Bar Cooperative, 22 February, 18:00 – 20:00
The Open Minds Project is a small volunteer-run organisation that creates safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people with Punjabi or South Asian heritage.
This meeting will allow you to talk about your experiences of ‘looking for love’. Whether you’re dating, single or in an intimate relationship, you can join in on the conversation.
Birmingham: Stem, LGBTQ & You – free networking conference in Birmingham, 24 February, 9:00 – 17:30
Taking place on 24 February, this free networking event aims to help those within the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines find a queer community.
Expect talks by people with a range of STEM backgrounds, focusing on their experiences of being LGBTQ+ and the intersection with their chosen field.
We’d love to see how you’re celebrating LGBTQ+ month! Please share your pictures with us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
