Events

Liberating Love

10th - 23rd Feb 2025 - Croydon Town Centre

Liberating Love
Liberating Love

A Celebration of Pride Through Resilience and Activism

To mark LGBT+ History Month, look out for banners appearing around Croydon Town Centre from Mon 10 Feb, featuring powerful quotes on love, pride and protest.

Exhibition

Tues 11 – Sun 23 Feb
Croydon Urban Room

This two week exhibition explores how love drives activism, resilience, and transformation through the journeys of Croydon activists Ray Harvey-Amer and Clare Truscott.

Featuring archive photography, personal accounts, striking portraits, talks, and workshops, it delves into their legacy and the power of love, art, and community action, to inspire change.

Talks & Workshops

Sat 15 Feb

11am – 1pm
WORKSHOP: Lesbians and Their Night Out

Through the process of quilting, visual artist Stav B will explore the cultural importance of night life within the lesbian community, and its significance as a form of self-expression and sexual freedom. Age recommendation 16+

2pm – 4pm
TALK: Clare Truscott on LGBTQ+ Pride and Solidarity

Clare Truscott reflects on her legacy as an activist, sharing stories from the 80s and 90s. From protests to Pride marches, she explores the power of solidarity, community resilience, and how we can support one another today.

Stav B
Clare Truscott

Sat 22 Feb

11am – 1pm
WORKSHOP: Badge-Making

Join Badge Café to create unique badges inspired by Ray Harvey-Amer’s collection. Craft badges that blend art, politics, and personal expression with old books, magazines, and more. Explore how these small objects become powerful symbols in a welcoming, relaxed space. All materials provided—stay for five minutes or hours! Families are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

2pm – 4pm
GUIDED TOUR: Tea with Norman

Join Norman as he leads a tour of the exhibition, discussing his research and key collaborations in bringing Ray and Clare’s histories to life. He’ll explore how the exhibition became a learning process, highlighting creativity, collaboration, and intersectionality. Participants are invited to share their experiences in this open discussion.

Badge Café
Norman Mine

Sun 23 Feb

11am – 1pm
WORKSHOP: Drag Photography

Join photographer Christa Holka and drag queen Bourgeoisie for a fun and creative workshop. Christa will introduce studio photography basics, with cameras and lighting for participants to use. Bourgeoisie will guide you through dragging up, emphasizing creativity and fun. Together, they’ll help you create stunning photographs of participants in drag, using costumes and makeup.

2pm – 4pm
WORKSHOP: Trans Experience and the Powerful Legacy of Trans Activism

Claudia Coelho from Queer Croydon leads a celebration in trans history, spotlighting key moments and figures from Croydon’s trans community. Through discussions and activities, we’ll explore topics from supporting trans youth, amplifying trans voices and advocating for equality.  

Christa Holka and Bourgeoisie
Claudia Coelho

Curation and art by Norman Mine, with artistic contribution from Mark Goldby, design by 31% Wool and support from Croydon Council

Celebrating LGBT+ History Month

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