Sheffield University will be holding a series of talks for LGBT History Month including “Don’t be a drag, just be a priest: clothing and the cult of Cybele in Ancient Rome” (6 Feb), “Discussing the decriminalisation of gay sex” (15 Feb) and “Exploring the recent history of “queer games”” (28 Feb). All talks are free to attend but must be pre-booked. 35 Chapel Walk will be hosting an exhibition throughout LGBT+ History Month (7-22 Feb) entitled Queer Ways of Being exploring the varying aspects of contemporary identity and authentically drawing on queer experience to reflect some the diversity in LGBT+ lives.
The Showroom is presenting a season of films exploring the joy – and heartache – of first love. From nervous stolen glances to tentative touches that crackle with electricity and heartbeats that flutter. Starting with Rafiki on 11 February, which was originally banned in Kenya for its attempts to “legitimize lesbianism”, the film boldly challenges perceptions of Kenyan attitudes to LGBTQ+ communities. The film will feature an extended introduction exploring international queer cinema throughout history, led by Dr. Emmie McFadden, senior lecturer in film studies at Sheffield Hallam University. The Way He Looks on 18 February is a tender, life-affirming story of first love told from a unique perspective of a blind teenager beginning to take charge of his independence. The film explores how someone who has never seen defines their sexual orientation and experiences attraction when sexuality is so often associated with sight.
On 22 February, Circumstance, set in Iran in the unseen world of Iranian youth culture, is the story of two vivacious young girls discovering their burgeoning sexuality whilst struggling with the boundaries placed upon them by the world they were born into.
There will be more film action from LGBT Sheffield who will be hosting back-to-back screenings of LGBT Britain and Pride at the Virgin Money Lounge (14 and 28 Feb). Both screenings will have free popcorn and refreshments.
There will also be another opportunity to see a screening of Pride at the Abbeydale Picture House on 17 February, where they will also be joined by Mike Jackson (LGSM) who is portrayed in the film and Kate Flannery from the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign.
Sandi Toksvig is bringing her brand new, one-woman comedy show to City Hall on 5 February. Expect tall stories, fascinatingly funny facts, silly jokes and some terrible baking from the host of Great British Bake Off, QI and 15to1.
Fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race will not be disappointed this month as we have a trio of the shows’ stars making a visit to the Steel City with season 10 winner, Aquaria at Plug (2 Feb), an evening with Alaska at the Leadmill (24 Feb) and Trixie Mattel’s Skinny Legend Tour at O2 Academy (26 Feb).
For more drag fabulousness, head to Andro and Eve’s latest queer cabaret ‘A Reyt Queer Do, Electric Dreams Edition’ at the Theatre Deli (16 Feb) as they glide on a dry ice cloud back to the 80s, bringing you a party that electric dreams are made of. With performances featuring plenty of fresh talent, hosted by drag king Louis Cyfer and DJ set from Big Joanie’s Chardine Taylor-Stone. There’ll be cake and a beautiful synth-filled soundtrack to get the party started.
Theatre Deli will also be hosting Pink Lemonade (22 Feb), exploring masculinity and lesbianism in black womxn. The event will examine how from childhood through to our most intimate relationships as adults, social, racial and cultural stigmas can impact the way we view ourselves. Performed to a backdrop of verbatim, poetry and sound, the show aims to deconstruct micro-aggressions and seeks to transform the discourse around the fetishism of queer womxn and black and brown bodies.
There’s also a chance to get on yer dancing shoes as Sheffield Lesbian Disco returns to Walkley Community centre (9 Feb) and Horse Meat Disco are bringing their disco vibes to Southbank Warehouse on (2 Feb). That’s your lot for this busy, busy month – although at time of writing several events are still being finalised, so keep an eye on the calendar at equalityhubnetwork.org for full listings and the latest details.
