Islington's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual, History (LGBT) Month got of to a great start with the launch party, which more than 100 people attended. The celebration of LGBT History continues with the 'heritage trail'. This is guided walks through the heart of London's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual history, which started in Islington with the first ever gay rights demonstration at Highbury Corner in 1970.<br> <br>The first Gay Pride march followed in 1971 after a multitude of ground breaking community organisations, including the Gay Liberation Front and Friend, GALOP*, LAGER**, Stonewall and Switchboard, all sought equality for LGBT people. Many of these organisations were located in Islington and as part of the walking tour, people can find out where they were based, what they did and how they helped bring about change for LGBT people.<br> <br>Director of Proud Heritage, Jack Gilbert, who worked with Islington Council to set up the tour said: "Islington has one of the most illustrious gay history in the country. Many of the events that took place here continue to have a national significance. We really encourage people to come along and find out more. <br> <br>"I am also pulling together people's personal memories of about gay and lesbian life over the last three or four decades. I would like to hear from anyone who would like to share some of them with me so that they can be preserved for future generations."<br> <br>You are invited to send a reporter/photographer any of the following events<br> <br>The Heritage Trail Goes East - 10 February, begins at 2pm <br> <br>From Highbury Corner walkers will go to Highbury Fields, the site of first gay rights demonstration and onto Upper St where the first Pride march was held and Sisterwrite book shop was located. <br> <br>People will head to the Town Hall, significant because of the support given by former Islington councillors in 1970s. The walk will pass the site of the first London Friend office, which campaigned for Homosexual Equality. Walkers will head east over Essex Road towards former Ram Bar in Noel Road and to Graham Street where the Fallen Angel, now Dove Regent was located. If time allows walkers will catch a bus to Cowcross St to the site of a former London Lesbian Gay Centre.<br> <br>Heritage Trail Goes West - 18 February, begins at 1pm<br> <br>This walk also starts at Highbury Corner and heads to Highbury Fields, Upper St past the Town Hall, then down to Islington Green where the former Carved Red Lion was. Walkers will continue to the Business Design and N1 centres where the former Paradise Club were based. The next stop will be Caledonian Road where the former Traffic, London Friend, and Houseman's bookshop was located then onto Pentonville Road and Central Station where the former Scala, Bell and Prince Albert clubs and bars were.<br> <br>People taking part in either walk should meet in the forecourt of Highbury and Islington underground station near a banner with the words 'Walking Proud Islington'. As part of the walks, there will be a chance to stop off at local pubs and bars for refreshments.<br> <br>Other events this weekend<br> <br>Love makes you free - 11 February at 3pm, Central Station, Wharfdale Road, Kings Cross, N1 9SE<br> <br>Gay transgender holocaust survivor, Janni Kowalski will share his experiences in Warsaw, Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. He will talk about the Jewish family who adopted him and of how his sexuality became a weapon in his personal resistance.<br><br><br><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009