The University of Westminster brought a series of events supporting this year’s LGBT+ History Month to a close on Wednesday 22 February 2023 with a well-attended and hugely entertaining talk Soho: Saints, Sinners and In-Betweeners by Chris Barlow at Fyvie Hall. The event was in partnership with Westminster LGBT+ Forum, which Chris is Acting-Chair of.
Chris explained the distinctive history of Soho and its emergence as an important location in the cultural, social and sexual geographies of London. He also drew attention to the way in which changing property markets and activities are currently impacting on Soho’s character.
Chris also used his talk to launch the Westminster LGBT+ Forum’s efforts, with the Soho Society, to create a LGBTQ+ Centre in Soho.
The Community Centre is designed to be for everyone, especially those that live in Soho. Westminster LGBT+ Forum are working with the Soho Society, West End Community Trust, AgeUK Westminster and the LGBT+ West End Ward Councillor to explore this idea.
Chris said: “As Soho is regarded as the centre of UK LGBTQ+ lived experience and while celebrating our unique brand of "fabulousness", I share my colleagues' wish that this Community Centre is for all the members of the Soho community.
“It will be a caring sharing space, bringing together the ingredients that make Soho such an amazingly vibrant and diverse place.
“I see this space as being a ‘Welcome to the West End’ in this most culturally vibrant of cities and a place where all our visitors can relax in a safe sober space giving them a flavour of our great world class city. The centre would be a crucially important addition to the many delights of Soho.”
Find out more about the University’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
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