City’s first ever online-only LGBT+ history month celebrations

Leeds Museums and Galleries will be taking their annual celebration as part of the OUTing the Past Festival, showcasing hundreds of years of LGBT+ culture and communities.

The city would usually be getting ready to host an annual conference at Leeds City Museum next month, but, due to the current Covid restrictions, the event is taking place online for the first time on Saturday, February 6.

The event will feature five hours of talks covering a number of topics, including exploring the relationship between LGBT+ health and the NHS to negotiating queerness as a Commonwealth immigrant.

Other presentations are set to focus on the life and experience of Michael Dillon, a key figure in trans history, and an exploration of asexuality through time.

The digital event will be held on the video conferencing platform Zoom, with plenty of breaks throughout the day.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equalities, said: “Leeds is a place that proudly embraces diversity, inclusion and progress and recognises the important contribution that the LGBT+ community makes to our city. This is our third year hosting an OUTing the Past event and, although it can’t be the same as in previous years, I’m so proud that the team have found a way to still make it happen.

“I urge people to register for their ticket and spend next Saturday celebrating and learning about LGBT+ history and heritage, from the comfort and safety of their home.”

Councillor Hannah Bithell, Leeds City Council’s LGBT+ Champion, said: “We are extremely proud to have the opportunity to host another OUTing the Past event, albeit in a totally new format.

“The event, held during LGBT+ History Month, provides us with an important opportunity to acknowledge some of the many struggles, sacrifices and triumphs of LGBT+ community in Leeds and beyond. We have some fantastic speakers and presentations lined up and it is set to be a great day of celebration for all.”

Anybody who wants to attend will need to register for a ticket at bit.ly/otpfestival. The team will then get in touch to provide more information about joining.