What’s on this LGBT History month?

Here is a list of events happening this February to mark LGBT History Month 2018 in Bristol:

Berta Friestadt: A feminist life in theatre
Throughout February
Theatre Collection, Vandyck Building, University of Bristol

An exhibition on the life and work of the lesbian feminist playwright, stage director and teacher Berta Friestadt, MA (1942 – 2009). The University of Bristol Theatre Collection holds the archive of this multi-talented practitioner, whose was interested in the history of women’s theatre and promotion of feminist and LGBT theatre. Notable published works include: Dope Smoking Lesbians Can Never Be Good Teachers (1990) and A Fine Undertaking (1984), set in a funeral parlour, which slyly parodied lesbian rallies.

This event is free and open to everyone.

The Berta Friestadt Archive is held by Bristol University Theatre Collection

LGBT+ History of Bristol
February 7, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Victoria Rooms, University of Bristol

Historic England present LGBT+ history of Bristol. They will be using their newly launched Pride of Place  interactive map. They will be joined by OutStories, to talk through Bristol’s unique and hidden LGBT+ history and heritage. There will be an opportunity to look at  LGBT+ archive material, as well as a chance for questions and discussion. Refreshments will be provided.

This event is free and open to everyone. Register online here.

This shot of the map shows the huge opportunity to learn about LGBT history in England

LGBT+ History Day
10 February, 12:00 – 4:00pm
MShed

Keynote speaker Dr Justin Bengry delivers a thought-provoking talk on the relationship between homosexuality and capitalism. Considering homosexuality was illegal until 51 years ago – Bengry will discusses the power of the Pink Pound, which stretches back further than anyone could imagine.

Jonathan Cooper OBE will address the present day and reflect upon the place of LGBT+ equality in a world where millions are enshrining LGB rights in popular referendums. Ireland and Australia are just two countries that have seen people come together to vote for marriage equality but, as Cooper reflects, Slovenia and Slovakia have recently curtailed LGBT rights in popular referendums.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, Dr Jana Funke will uncover the role of lesbian and bisexual suffragists and suffragettes in the campaign.

What’s more, M Shed are launching a new audio tour by local performance artist, Tom Marshman. The tour, which will be a permanent feature at M Shed, features recovered stories from LGBT people collected over many years.

One of the day’s more lively talks will look at the fabled Amazonians. Cheryl Morgan investigates the truth of the all-female society on the Greek island and finds a story far more interesting than anything Hollywood imagines.
Bristol author Darryl Bullock will also attend to talk about his groundbreaking and critically acclaimed book, David Bowie Made Me Gay, and the journey the research and interviews took him on.

For event times and more details, go to the OutStories website. 

Darryl Bullocks book was reviewed in September in Bristol24/7

A Fantastic Woman
February 10, 8:10pm
Watershed

Bristol Pride return with Queer Vision (in collaboration with Watershed) to screen a preview of A Fantastic Woman. Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2018 Academy Awards, the Chilean film tells the story of Marina (Daniela Vega) a transgender woman struggling with grief after the death of her lover.

Making History – LGBT+ Activism
February 13, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Venue TBC

Invited speakers have a variety of intersecting identities. They will be talking about their personal experiences living with a variety of identities and how this has impacted their role in activism. We will also be reflecting on making history in the LGBT+ movement and where we can go next to reach equality across the spectrum.

This event is free and open to everyone – follow the link for more details.

Treasures from Special Collections for LGBT+ History Month
February 21, 2:00 – 5:00pm
Arts and Social Science Library Special Collections Room, University of Bristol

A display of LGBT+ treasures from the special collection of the University.

This event is free and open to everyone.

Sharing the Messel Magic: Exploring the Work of Oliver Messel
February 21, 5:30 – 7:00pm
Brandt Cinema, Vandyck Building, University of Bristol

Discover the work of Oliver Messel, whose personal archive is held at the University of Bristol Theatre Collection. Messel was an influential costume and set designer in theatre, film and and later in life designed interiors. Messel was a Tony-winner and was nominated for an Academy Award.

Part of the society set of Bright Young Things in the 1920s and ’30s, Messel’s fascinating career also involved enterprising war work and designing houses in the Caribbean for royalty and Hollywood stars.

The talk will be given by Emma Howgill, Cataloguing Archivist for the HLF-funded Sharing the Messel Magic Project.

This event is free and open to everyone. Register online here.

Global LGBT+ Rights and the Power of Your Story by Stuart Milk 
February 22, 6:00 – 7:00pm
Anson Rooms, Bristol Student Union, Richmond Building

Stuart Milk is an international human rights activist and youth advocate. Stuart is the nephew of iconic civil rights leader, Harvey Milk, who was the first openly elected LGBT politician in America – 11 months after his election, he was assassinated by a former colleague. In memory of his uncle, Stuart co-founded the Harvey Milk Foundation which works for civil rights across six continents.

This event is free and open to everyone. Register online here.

Harvey Milk Plaza in San Francisco is named after the strident LGBT activist who worked on the street. Photo credit: Andy Melton

Harvey Milk Plaza in San Francisco is named after the strident LGBT activist who worked in on the street. Credit: Andy Melton

All our LGBT History Month coverage is sponsored by Barcan & Kirby