February is here, and with it comes a month of vibrant LGBTQ+ events in Sheffield – all in celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month!
The city is hosting a range of activities spanning social gatherings, educational events, cultural celebrations and much more. Whether you’re looking to explore queer history, engage in community-building activities or simply enjoy a night of music, Sheffield has something to offer for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
SAYiT’s annual series of events to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month includes My Mind on Paper (Wed 19 Feb) at Central Library, an LGBTQ+ readers and writers panel and a captivating Visual Tour of Sheffield’s Queer History (Tue 25 Feb) at Weston Park Museum, inviting participants to uncover hidden LGBTQ+ stories that have shaped the city’s rich history.
Celebrating the life and impact of one of the LGBTQ+ community’s most iconic figures, Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope (Thu 27 Feb) at the Foundry is a special performance honouring the late, great Quentin Crisp. Known for his unapologetic attitude and trailblazing contributions to queer culture, Crisp’s life and legacy will be explored in this evocative show. Expect stories that focus on his contributions to the freedom and self-expression of the LGBTQ+ community, offering a poignant look at the man who became a symbol of resilience and individuality.
For those interested in the intersection of technology and relationships, The Love Fix: A Conversation with Rachel Thompson (Thu 13 Feb) at Juno Books explores the impact of dating apps on intimacy and self-esteem, especially within marginalised communities. Meanwhile, Jake Hall – Shoulder to Shoulder (Wed 5 Feb) at Central Library examines themes of connection and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community. At No & Other Stories (Tue 11 Feb) at Juno Books, Kirsty Logan will discuss her latest short story collection, blending love, lust and desire across time and place.
The Over 50s LGBTQ+ Group (Thu 13 Feb) at Weston Park Museum invites older LGBTQ+ individuals to gather in a relaxed, dementia- and neurodivergent-friendly environment, providing a peer support space led by members of the LGBTQ+ community. For those looking to get active, the Foundry Fit: Grapefruit HIIT Class (Mon 10 Feb) at Sheffield Students’ Union offers a fun and energising high-intensity workout tailored for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate health and fitness.
If you’re a neurodivergent queer individual or an ally, the Neurospicy Queer Boardgames (Sun 23 Feb) event at Mandala Cafe provides a welcoming and inclusive space to play board games, enjoy drinks, and meet new people. Meanwhile, Rainbow Minds (every Wed), a weekly group hosted by Sheffield Mind at the Wellbeing Centre, offers a supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals to focus on mental health, connect with others, and relax.
There’s plenty happening on stage and screen this month. Curzon Cinema hosts a special Galentine’s Day screening of the iconic Thelma and Louise (Thu 13 Feb), a film that celebrates friendship, freedom, and rebellion. Comedy fans can enjoy Sophie Duker – But Daddy I Love Her (Sun 16 Feb) at Leadmill, where the Taskmaster champion delivers her witty take on sex, race, and absurdity.
The QUACKS (Wed 19 Feb) stand-up workshop at Showroom provides a beginner-friendly space for LGBTQ+, women, femmes and allies to try their hand at comedy and build confidence. Head to Wig & Pen for Tom Short – Nothing Special (Wed 19 Feb), where the comedian offers a darkly humorous and existential take on stand-up, with support acts Jack Wood, Zoe Cousins, and Andy Lane. Angela Bra is the MC.
Leadmill also hosts Lady Maisery with O’Hooley and Tidow (Wed 26 Feb), a spectacular performance to celebrate International Women’s Day early. These two powerhouse acts of the English folk scene will take the stage with songs of solidarity, love and empowerment.
For singalongs and queer anthems, catch Emma Maezin’s Dragoke (every Thu) at Maggie Mays or her Drag Karaoke performances (Sat 15 & Fri 21 Feb) at the Ball Inn. To keep dancing, Sassy Saturdays with DJ Brooke (22 Feb) at Malin Bridge Inn promises a night of music and laughter.
For those looking to party, Grapefruit: LGBTQ+ Club Night (Fri 14 & 28 Feb) at Sheffield Students’ Union offers a high-energy atmosphere with chart-topping hits, queer anthems and disco vibes.
Gut Level also has a packed schedule of parties, including ARMPIT w/ Wes Baggaley (Sat 15 Feb), where you can enjoy a thrilling mix of techno, electro, post-punk, and wave. Gut Level Presents: K Means, Diessa, Korra (Sat 1 Feb) offers everything from footwork and jungle to ambient and grime, while Machine Soul Third Birthday – Part 1 (Fri 7 Feb) celebrates music, community, and culture.
That’s your lot for this month! Check out the latest event announcements at facebook.com/sheffieldlgbtevents.
