Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month: Poetry Reading and Q&A Panel Event

As part of our contribution to LGBTQ+ History Month this February, we’re hosting a full day of events celebrating queer history, creativity and activism.

We welcome friend of The Welfare and founder member of Lesbians & Gays Support the Miners, Jonathan Blake and acclaimed poet & activist Simon Maddrell for a poetry session.

Jonathan Blake is an actor and activist who was diagnosed so early in the UK AIDS epidemic that he was named Patient L1 at London Middlesex Hospital and is immortalised in the 2014 film Pride, which tells the true story of the unlikely alliance between LGBTQ+ activists and striking miners during the 1984–85 miners’ strike.

Simon Maddrell is a Manx writer, editor, educator & performer. After 12 years in the corporate sector, he set up an international conservation and development charity in 2002 – running it for 15 years. Simon is a human rights, LGBTQI+ and HIV activist who supports non-profits in advisory and trustee roles.

Here they will read from Patient L1, a verse memoir written by Simon in Jonathan’s voice, as well as other poems by Simon curated for this event.

Following the poetry, Jonathan & Simon will be joined by Emily Sargent, director of When Love Broke the Law’s Jackie, and Berwyn Rowlands, Iris Prize Festival Director for a panel discussion and Q&A.

The Poetry & Q&A Panel Events runs from 5pm – 6.30pm.

The day also includes a two-hour poetry workshop with Simon; a screening of Iris On The Move: When Love Broke The Law – two short LGBTQ+ films from the Iris Prize Film Festival; followed by a break for food and an evening screening of Pride.

Full details of all events taking place across the day can be found on our LGBTQ+ History Month listings page.

MULTI-EVENT SAVINGS:
Book tickets for any two paid events in the programme and receive £1.50 off (automatically discounted at checkout).

Planning to attend everything?
Click here to book the £12 Day Ticket, giving access to all events across the day, subject to availability.