Next month, Islington and Camden will celebrate the achievements of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual community as part of LGBT History Month.

This time, the focus for the annual event, which starts on February 1, will be religion, belief and philosophy. There will be a variety of events across the two boroughs, ranging from book promotions, talks and quizzes to films and theatre.

The month kicks off with 4000 Days, a play at the Park Theatre, starring Alistair McGowan as a man who wakes from a coma and finds that four thousand days of his memory have been completely erased. He remembers nothing of Paul, his partner, who must fight to bring his memory back.

This year, Islington will be hosting the free launch event of the London National LGBT History Festival at the Town Hall with speakers including Peter Tatchell, Professor Jeffrey Weekes, Roz Kaveney, Angela Eagle and many more.

Islington Central Library will promote a range of LGBT books, with a focus on young people and Islington Museum will host an exhibition exploring the “hidden history” of transgender and “gender non-conforming” people of faith.

Continuing the religious theme, St Pancras Hospital is mounting an exhibition of LGBT art works, many of them on the theme of faith, spirituality, religion and philosophy.

The closing ball, One Night in Heaven, will star Andy Bell, lead singer of legendary band Erasure, as well as many other performances.

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwarz, the council’s equalities champion, said: “Islington has a proud history of fighting for social justice and equality. That’s why I am so excited by LGBT History Month 2016’s theme of religion, belief and philosophy. It fits perfectly with Islington as it encourages tolerance and cooperation throughout our diverse community.”

The History Month was also welcomed by Green Party councillor Caroline Russell, who made headlines last year when she suggested that LGBT history should become part of the school curriculum.

“This work is continuing - and once again, the events and activities on offer during LGBT History Month will hopefully act as a catalyst for celebration, debate and action,” she said.

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