Throughout February, libraries are celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion with a series of LGBT+ History Month events. Here's just a sample of some of activities happening in libraries around the country.

Brighton & Hove Libraries in partnership with New Writing South and Writing Our Legacy are hosting an evening of new writing from LGBT+ Writers of Colour including Joyoti Grech Cato, Lisa Climie-Somers, Suchi Chatterjee and Ameet Vaghela. MC’ed by the wonderful AFLO the poet and followed by a DJ set to get you dancing in your living rooms, this will be a celebration of new writing from diverse voices across Sussex on Thursday 25 February, 7pm. The partnership is also holding a poetry workshop on Sunday 21 February at 3pm. More details on all their activities can be found here.

Lambeth Libraries are hosting a month-long programme of LGBT+ History Month events headlined by lead singer of Skunk Anansie, solo artist, LGBT+ activist and all-around trailblazer, Skin in partnership with Sheffield Libraries.
Where else can you find Lesbian Rom-Coms and a Brixton horror movie? Truth about writers resisting LGBT-Free Zones in Poland today, lawyers ending Homophobic Legislation in the Caribbean, and 1930s gay MPs warning Britain about Nazism’s rise? LGBTQ+ rights in the British Army and the ‘Third Sex’ in early 20th Century Berlin? Gay detective books and real disabled people’s lives during Covid-19? Words and pictures from the archives of Pride, AIDS and more on the borough’s central role in modern LGBTQ+ history? Drag Queen storytime and much more for the kids.

Manchester Libraries are presenting a range of specially commissioned online events and special collections celebrating LGBT+ authors in Manchester and the North West. These include a specially commissioned video for Valentines Day by the wonderful Afshan D’souza-Lodhi performing her poetry and discussing how as a queer Muslim woman, falling in love is a political act and an evening with fantasy and sci-fi writer Paul Magrs celebrating the re-release of his much loved ‘Brenda and Effie’ novels on 19 February at 7pm.

Hertfordshire Library Service present Polari, the award-winning LGBT+ literary salon with Paul Burston and special guests Joelle Taylor, Juno Roche and PJ Samuel on Wednesday 3 February at 7pm.

Lancashire Libraries are publishing their interview with Rebecca Zahabi, author of a young adult novel called The Game Weavers, on 5 February. The novel's hero is Seo, a famous young gamer who is outed by the media and the interview covers the importance of a diverse cast of characters in fiction and the underrepresentation of LGBT people in certain genres.

Essex Libraries are producing a special edition of their podcast, The Only Way is Reading, featuring a surprise guest author! They have also curated booklists for adults, young adults and children that includes e-books and e-audiobooks which can be downloaded from your phone or tablet. 

Norfolk Libraries are giving you the chance to learn more about the LGBTQ+ history collections at Norfolk Heritage Centre in Norwich, how they were established, and who helped them along the way on Thursday 25 February at 6pm. They're broadcasting some of their LGBTQ+ history walking tours on their podcast at the end of the month and will be hosting inclusive story times all month.

Join Redbridge Libraries for an inclusive Story Time with Mama G, where every week in February they'll be sharing stories and songs that celebrate being who you are and loving who you want!

Oxfordshire Libraries will be hosting a Drag Queen Story Hour UK storytime with Aida H Dee on Saturday 13 February at 2pm. They will also post reviews throughout February on their social media accpunts of contemporary LGBT+ books signposting to online resources such as the Stonewall home learning packs and the online talks organised by ‘Outing the past’. They have also curated a LGBT+ collection of eBooks and eAudio titles and LGBT+ book recommendations.

Stockport Libraries are again working with partners to welcome the Outing the Past festival to Stockport on Saturday 27 February. This will be the culmination of a month-long programme of over 30 events and activities for all ages and they are bringing together a talented and diverse array of speakers to share their fascinating insights into LGBTQ+ History. With a mix of fun, serious and educational activities they hope to bring together their beautifully diverse community and showcase local talents. You are warmly invited to join them to experience some rich and diverse conversations.