The Higgins Bedford to host festival as part of LGBT+ History Month

The OUTing the Past Festival runs from 11am-4pm on Saturday, February 15 and the day begins with a talk by Viv Woodcock Downey, called A Federation of Gay Games, which explores the history and philosophy of the Gay Games Movement.

Featuring original footage and materials from the 10 games over the last 36 years, the Gay Games Movement has challenged stereotypes of LGBT+ people in sport.

Afterwards, British playwright, performer, author and activist, Rose Collis, presents Forty Years Out: Performing the Archive.

As a witness to many key events in LGBT+ History, including the early Gay Pride marches and the community’s response to the AIDS crisis, Rose shares the untold and forgotten stories of lesbian involvement.

There will also be a Spoken Word Workshop with performance artist, Alice d’Lumiere. Visitors are invited to try some creative speaking, encouraging self-expression through talking, interacting, writing and experimenting with verse and prose. This workshop is free but booking is essential.

Josh Rivers, podcaster of Busy Being Black, will present an audio presentation called Archiving Our Futures which explores the importance of uncovering vital black LGBT+ history and challenges the perception of black people in the community.

Freelance museum professional, Sacha Coward will explore the history of LGBT+ themes and representations in video games.

While Carl Austin-Behan will shares his own incredible personal story - From RAF to Mr Gay UK, Lord Mayor of Manchester to LGBT Advisor.

One of the last serving members of the RAF to be discharged for being openly gay at a time when it was a criminal offense, Carl went on to join the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, and won the titles Mr Gay Manchester and Mr Gay UK.

Visit The Higgins Bedford website here for more details on all of the day’s events.