Celebrating Black Lesbian History: Queer Britain to host Black History Month panel
– 1 min read
On Sunday, 19 October, Queer Britain will host a landmark event honouring the legacy of Black lesbian activism in the UK. Titled Black History Month Panel: The Black Lesbian Movement in London, the panel will take place at Queer Britain’s museum in King’s Cross, spotlighting the pioneering work of Black lesbian-led projects from the 1980s and 1990s.
The event will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers:
- Femi Otitoju, a veteran activist with over 40 years of experience, was a founding member of the UK’s first Black Lesbian Group. Her extensive contributions include serving on the management committees of the London Lesbian and Gay Centre, the Black Lesbian and Gay Centre, and Stonewall Housing Association. She is currently Chair of Queerwell, an LGBTQ+ mental health charity.
- Sue Lemos, a PhD researcher at the University of Warwick, will share insights from their award-winning work on the London Black Lesbian and Gay Centre. Their research explores the lives and politics of queer and trans Black people and people of colour in Britain from the 1960s to the 1990s.
- Veronica McKenzie, a filmmaker and curator, will discuss her acclaimed documentary Under Your Nose, which chronicles the history of the Black Lesbian and Gay Centre in London. Her work has been showcased at institutions such as the Tate Modern, V&A and BFI, and she led the Haringey Vanguard project, establishing a new queer archive at Bruce Castle Museum.
The panel will delve into historic initiatives such as the Zami conferences and the Black Lesbian Group, celebrating their impact on community building, activism, and cultural representation. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced and the resilience shown by Black lesbians in shaping inclusive queer spaces.
The event is part of Queer Britain’s ongoing commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and preserving LGBTQ+ history. Tickets are available on a 'Pay What You Can' basis, with standard admission priced at £15. The venue is fully accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.
For more details and to book tickets, visit OutSavvy.
Image by Ingrid Pollard.
