The Pride Progress flag flying outside Woolwich Town Hall

Published: Thursday, 1st February 2024

February is LGBTQ+ History Month and the Royal Borough of Greenwich and partners will come together for a range of inclusive events that all residents can get involved in.

From family activities at our libraries to Charlton Athletic’s Football v Homophobia match weekend, organisations across the borough will be showing their support for the LGBTQ+ community.  

Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said, “Throughout February, the Council and our partners have an exciting programme of events for residents. 

“The Council is committed to ensuring that Royal Greenwich is a welcoming and inclusive place for all, and that no one faces discrimination. Part of this, is listening to and learning from the stories, history and lived experience of others.” 

“This year, we’re focussing on the theme, ‘Under the Scope’, in celebration of the contribution of LGBTQ+ people to medicine and health care. From historic figures to the heroes working in our NHS today, this month is a time to celebrate the contribution our LGBTQ+ community make to medicine and beyond.” 

This year’s schedule includes: 

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 February 

Charlton and its Community Trust will host the club's annual Football v Homophobia games. 

The matches are being put on in partnership with the Proud Valiants, the club’s LGBTQ+ supporters’ group, Charlton Invicta, the club’s affiliated LGBTQ+ inclusive team, and club partner the University of Greenwich. 

This year’s themed matchdays will take place around the Addick's men’s first-team fixture against Derby County at The Valley on Saturday and Charlton’s women’s first-team game against Lewes at The Oakwood on Sunday. 

The club will also share the story of their LGBTQ+ inclusive team, Charlton Invicta across their social media channels, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in football. 

Monday 12 February to Friday 23 February 

Mama G returns to libraries for story time. The Britain’s Got Talent star describes herself as ‘a pantomime dame who tells stories about being who you want and loving who you are’. 

  • Monday 12 February, Charlton Library, 10.30am and Woolwich Centre, 2pm 

  • Wednesday 21 February, Blackheath Library, 10.30am and Greenwich Centre, 2pm 

  • Thursday 22 February, Eltham Centre, 10.30am and New Eltham Library, 2pm 

  • Friday 23 February, West Greenwich Library, 10.30am and Plumstead Library, 2pm 

All month 

  • Displays at Royal Greenwich libraries will focus on LGBTQ+ authors, doctors, nurses, carers, activists, inventors and artists. 

  • Reading groups at Royal Greenwich libraries will focus on LGBTQ+ authors. 

  • Weekly craft sessions at all libraries will explore the theme of #UnderTheScope, celebrating the contribution LGBTQ+ people make to the field of medicine and healthcare. 

For an up-to-date schedule including further events visit royalgreenwich.gov.uk/lgbtq-history-month 

Follow @royal_greenwich, @METROCharity, @greenwichlibs and @CAFCTrust to stay up to date with LGBTQ+ History Month activities. 

Find out about more about services and support offered by METRO at www.metrocharity.org.uk 

Find out more about Charlton Athletic’s Football v Homophobia games at www.charltonafc.com/news/football-v-homophobia-matchday-details