The Higgins Bedford is proud to announce its celebration of LGBT+ History Month 2025, featuring a thought-provoking display and a vibrant Festival Day. This year’s theme, “Activism and Social Change,” will explore the LGBT+ individuals’ crucial role in shaping society and advancing equality for all.
The Higgins Reception Foyer will host a captivating display from Saturday 15 February to Sunday 2 March, showcasing artwork created by Rainbow Bedfordshire’s Queer Craftivism Collective. The exhibition will highlight the diverse forms of activism employed by LGBT+ people throughout history. it will feature information about the upcoming Festival Day and introduce some of the key speakers and contributors, including activists Max Fisher, Alex Baird, Drew Dalton, Lisa Vine, Harun Tulunay, poet Katie O’Pray, and author Jack Fairweather.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the LGBT+ History Month Festival Day on Saturday, February 22, held in the Barbican Studio at The Higgins Bedford. This free event, in partnership with the University of Bedfordshire, Rainbow Bedfordshire and Schools OUT UK will offer a dynamic program of talks, workshops, and a book launch, all centred around the theme of “Activism and Social Change.”
Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture, said, “Bedford Borough Council is proud to support LGBT+ History Month and these important events at The Higgins Bedford. Celebrating the rich history and ongoing contributions of the LGBT+ community is vital to building a more inclusive and understanding society for everyone.”
The Festival Day program includes:
· 11am – Registration and Welcome
· 11.15am – Opening Keynote by Max Fisher, multi-award-winning disability advocate, speaker, scientist, druid, and drag king.
· 12pm – Break
· 12.15pm – “Power in Poetry” with Katie O’Pray
· 1.15pm – Lunch
· 2.15pm – Social Activism Panel discussion chaired by Dr. Alex Baird, University of Bedfordshire, featuring guest activists Drew Dalton, Lisa Vine, and Harun Tulunay.
· 3pm – Break
· 3.15pm – Social Activism Panel discussion, along with question and answers with the audience, chaired by Alex Baird.
· 4pm – “The Prosecutor” Book Launch, featuring the story of Fritz Bauer, a Jewish gay man who sought justice, with author Jack Fairweather. This talk will be available in-person and online.
· 4.30pm – Close
This year’s Festival Day promises to be an inspiring and informative event, bringing together members of the community to celebrate LGBT+ history and explore the ongoing struggle for equality.
These events are supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
LGBT+ History Month, celebrated annually in February, aims to raise awareness of LGBT+ history, celebrate diversity, and recognise the contributions and achievements of LGBT+ people locally, regionally, and nationally. The Higgins Bedford’s celebrations are in partnership with Schools OUT UK, University of Bedfordshire and Rainbow Bedfordshire. Learn more at https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/
The Higgins Bedford can be found on Castle Lane, Bedford, MK40 3XD. just behind the Castle Mound from The Embankment. For further information visit their website at www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk/Home.aspx
