Please arrive at 10:30 for tea/coffee and a chance to chat with other people before we start at 11:00.

LGBTQ+ History Month aims to put LGBTQ+ people back into the history books by showing how we have always been present in society and have been vital contributors to human progress, whether our status has been acknowledged historically or not. It also gives people the opportunity to see a timeline of changes that have occurred throughout the course of history, allowing people to reflect on what more can be done to protect people's rights.

LGBTQ+ History Month raises awareness and educates the wider population about matters that affect the LGBTQ+ community. It can help everyone to work towards improving institutions and educational facilities so that all are safe places for LGBTQ+ people.

It can also highlight the need for funding to support charities and organisations that campaign for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as bringing to light government policy changes that need to take place to support equality.

LGBTQ+ History Month promotes the welfare of our community and the idea that all who belong to the community can contribute to society, lead fulfilled lives and be included in the workplace.

This years aim is to spotlight those identities in our beautiful diverse rainbow, who's voice we seldom hear.

Amongst our line up of speakers, we have:

Owen Hurcum the former Mayor of the city of Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales. Hurcum's debut book entitled Don't Ask About my Genitals : An Introductory Manifesto to Trans and Non-Binary Equality was published in May 2022.

Eyes Open. A regional steering group who raise awareness of HIV and support World Aids Day, thanks to financial and other support from CNTW, Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside.

Northumberland Pride. A county wide charity set up to raise awareness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT+) culture and heritage. In practice, they provide safe spaces to break down barriers, promote inclusion and support across Northumberland. Their vision is to celebrate LGBT+ life with allies through events, project work and the delivery of services.

Angela Brudenell states that she is "41 years old (ouch) and would say I am from the generation where there wasn’t really any information about being bisexual which as you can imagine was tough growing up". She has two sons who are 21 and 16. Her partner is also bisexual as well as being non binary. They are very much a rainbow household.

James Haslam – Creator of Elberace. Entertainer. Speaker. James will be talking to us about his experience of being marginalised as a neurodiverse gay man.

Ken Jarrold CBE- Ken is teh Chair of teh CNTW NHS Foundation Trust. He will be speaking to us about his life experiences as an older gay man.

James Hecker - James is a speciality doctor in old age psychiatry/dementia and will be talking to us about being LGBT+ and elderly. James is also an advocate for better physical health care in mental health.

Michael T Ogilvie - Michael is a local home grown talent with an amazing voice (and a new single) who will close the conference with one of his sets.

Registrations are closed

LGBTQ History Month