Islington to celebrate LGBT history month

February is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) month, and as in previous years, Islington will be teaming up with Camden Council to show its support, with a programme of events aimed at promoting equality. A major focus of this year's event is anti-establishment playwright Joe Orton, who spent much of his life in Islington.

LGBT history month comprises 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.

The programme started in dramatic fashion at Islington Museum on Friday, with a re-enactment of the 1962 trial of Orton and partner Keith Halliwell for library book damage, entitled 'Malicious Justice' . The books famously defaced by Orton and his partner-in-crime were all taken from Islington libraries, many still used locally today including Central Library in Lower Holloway.

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 on what's on in LGBT month in Islington, go here.