For LGBTQ History Month 2024, a guided tour of Brighton’s LGBTQ spaces – past, present, and future.

Date and time – Mon, 19th Feb 2024 14:30 – 16:00 – no sign-up required, just meet at the location!

 Location – Old Steine Gardens (by the fountain) – 55 Old Steine, Brighton BN1 1NH

 About

Brighton has a long history of association with sex and sexualities, and from the mid 20th century it became known as ‘gay and lesbian’ (and now LGBTQ) hotspot. As more LGBTQ people came to the city they made use of existing spaces for socialising, sex, activism, and community-building – and started to create their own spaces too.

This 90 minute guided walk around central Brighton will introduce you to the oldest and the newest LGBTQ spaces in the city. You’ll visit sites of

  • early discreet gay bars,
  • ‘cottages’ used for public sex,
  • women’s and lesbian activism,
  • clubbing and partying,
  • and remembering those lost to HIV/AIDS.

Along the way you’ll learn about the differences in Brighton’s LGBTQ spaces over the past century, recent changes in their use, and the real concerns over their future.

The walk will end at The Ledward Centre – Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community and cultural centre – where you’ll meet one of the team and hear about this new space and its role in the city’s future.

Your guides are lecturers and researchers from the University of Brighton, each specialising in LGBTQ issues:

Speakers