Relive the Magic: our LGBTQ+ History Month Celebration

On Saturday 21 February, we celebrated LGBTQ+ History Month and brought 12 hours of Queer London Magic to life!

Across the city, we supported various queer venues, partnered with 2 queer bakeries, and raised a pint (or two🍺) with Portobello Brewery.

So many of you came together for a fantastic day of queer art, culture, community and joy. 🏳️‍⚧️💖 

Check out highlights from the day:

Zine Workshop

We kicked off the day with a zine workshop with Toe press - got creative, met lovely people, and enjoyed a pastry and coffee ☕🥐

The Vagina Museum & Queer Britain

Next, we headed over to two of London's cultural spaces. At The Vagina Museum we explored the free 'Lesbian Surfaces' Exhibition, a stunning showcase of work from UAL MA Fine Art students. From there, we made our way to Queer Britain for a guided tour through the UK's first dedicated LGBTQ+ museum.

Drag Brunch

At CSM Platform Bar we held the ultimate Drag Brunch with Bonk The Queen and Ru Pauls drag royalty, Pasty Kween 🤩.

Guests enjoyed a breakfast spread from Baxter Story. The room was buzzing with a queer-owned business bake sale 🌈🧁, glitter artists ✨, on-site STI testing, and the Love Lounge from disability charity Enhance the UK.

QueerSwap

 At our Queer Clothes Swap, run by QueerSwap, a non-profit community organisation, students rummaged through hidden gems, swapped styles, and gave pre-loved pieces a brand new home. 👗✨

Match Making

The Dark Artists brought the laughs with immersive theatre and their iconic Queer Cupid Matchmaking 💘. Some found love, some found a drinking buddy, everyone had a cracking time. 🎭✨

We wrapped up a jam-packed day at the Phoenix Arts Club, where a dazzling cabaret show and after party brought together comedy, fire, aerial, drag and musical theatre.

Amazing feedback

We loved hearing from our students about their experience. Here's what some of them had to say:

"The support from the community was wonderful to experience, please continue to support queer owned small businesses"

"The staff were so friendly and helpful and made us feel so welcome!!"

"Yes, felt very well looked after and it was well organised with all details and updates in advance. Carley and her team are always wonderful hosts."