Chris Barlow (Chair, Westminster LGBT Forum) presents a personal account of the life and characters of Soho for LGBT+ History Month 2023.
About the speaker
Chris Barlow is a gallerist, art consultant and cultural explorer who has lived and worked in London for over 45 years.
In 2012 he created 'Outings in Art' to keep members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community connected and curious through a programme of social/cultural events.
In March 2022 Chris became Chair-Elect of Westminster LGBT Forum.
Chris is a Fellow of RSA, an associate member of BAFTA and has spent most of his life as a Cultural Explorer following the many inspiring paths that culture has taken him down.
Chris writes: "I first came across Soho more than 5o years ago as a young student wandering the streets of London trying to make sense of this huge and fascinating city.
"Despite its size and population, the city was really a set of contiguous villages each one having its own character. None more so than Soho, the beating heart of Bohemian Life in this grand ever-changing metropolis. A bewitching network of streets and dark corners where everybody and everything was not only welcomed but positively celebrated.
"Time has inevitably changed the physical character of Soho, but nothing can dampen its siren cry to the disruptors and creatives who continue to feed the energy of this blessed streets."
Further information
'Soho' talk is an opening event of a 12-month-long programme: 'Celebrating Queer Creativity-Westminster and beyond'.
This event will take place at Westminster's Regent St campus in Fyvie Hall, and you can also join online.
The link to the event will be sent after registration, closer to the date of the event. The organiser will contact you with instructions on how to redeem your ticket and access the event.
