More than 100 people joined the event at Brockwell Hall in Brockwell Park which comes at the end of a month of events to both celebrate and learn more about our borough’s proud LGBTQIA+ history and communities.
They included Lambeth residents, local businesses, community groups and partner organisations. The event also featured dance performances by Homoparody, and information stalls on local support from Black Thrive, Lambeth Links, LGBT Hero and other organisations.
A young person joined with their family and shared their inspiring personal journey, including setting up a trans rights club at their school and shared a message about the need for everyone to be supportive and listen to our LGBTQIA+ young people.
That message of solidarity was also given by a 71-year-old Lambeth resident whose story of activism featuring reminiscences from the ‘elders’ of Lambeth’s Queer community has been exhibited at Lambeth Archives in Brixton throughout Pride Month.
Cllr Martin Abrams, the Leader of Lambeth Council, who spoke at the event, said: “It was brilliant to be able to join so many of Lambeth’s residents and community representatives at our end of pride month reception. Thank you to everyone who attended on Wednesday, and everyone who’s joined Pride Month events in the borough throughout June.
“We’ve made huge progress when it comes to achieving LGBTQIA+ rights, but there’s still much to do and Lambeth Council is committed working alongside our residents in the ongoing fight to achieve equity and justice for all.”
During Pride Month events were held at a range of locations across Lambeth, including at cinemas, libraries, online and council leisure centres. They include Bowling with Pride! at Brixton Rec on June 15 and Clapham Pride on June 27.
A new Rainbow Plaque dedicated to legendary entertainer Paul O’Grady MBE was also unveiled in Lambeth at his former home at Victoria Mansions, South Lambeth Road from 1985 to 1995.
This was at a time that he was a hugely popular on London’s Drag circuit as the legendary ‘Lily Savage’ holding residences at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, The Elephant and Caste, The Market Tavern and The Two Brewers.
