All-star cast leads celebration for LGBT Humanists 45th anniversary
Publisher: In-Sight Publishing
Publisher Founding: September 1, 2014
Publisher Location: Fort Langley, Township of Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Publication: Freethought Newswire
Original Link: https://humanists.uk/2024/06/06/all-star-cast-leads-celebration-for-lgbt-humanists-45th-anniversary/
Publication Date: June 6, 2024
Organization: Humanists UK
Organization Description: Humanists UK is the operating name of the British Humanist Association. We are a charitable company (no. 228781), formed in 1896 and incorporated in 1928, and registered in England and Wales. Our governing document is our Articles of Association, which can be viewed here.
Humanists UK and Conway Hall are excited to announce Lead Me Into Temptation, Please – a festival of creativity, embracing LGBT freedom of expression, and a rich history of LGBT activists and artists escaping and transcending religious oppression.
This exciting one-day summer fair is the flagship event of Humanist Heritage: Doers, Dreamers, Place Makers, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Celebrating 45 years of LGBT Humanists with performances, workshops, archives, and art, everyone is invited to come along for the ride.
What: Lead Me Into Temptation, Please
When: Saturday 13 July, 12:00-21:00
Where: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL
London’s historic humanist landmark venue, Conway Hall, will be transformed – with market stalls, performances, film screenings, a cafe, a bar, a DJ, and workshops, as well as an exhibition of materials from both organisations’ archives and contemporary art. Highlights include cabaret superstar David Hoyle and Rupaul’s Drag Race UK’s Black Peppa.
Born of Mary
Taking a lead from LGBT Humanists – founded in response to Mary Whitehouse’s prosecution of the ‘blasphemous’ Gay News in the 1970s – this fair invites us all to reflect on religiously-motivated discrimination, historically and today, and to express ourselves in spite of it. Since 1979, LGBT Humanists have forged friendships, fought injustices, and – importantly – had fun. So rather than the prayer, ‘lead us not into temptation’, the fair is a day of radical joy, asking: Lead Me Into Temptation, Please!
Our all-star lineup
Kicking off at midday, the fair features a show stopping lineup of performers, creatives, and facilitators. These include: Black Peppa, David Hoyle, Beth Watson, Carrot, Claire Mead, CN Lester, EM Parry, Housmans Bookshop, London Humanist Choir, Mahatma Khandi & the Khandi Shop, Orlando, Prinx Silver, River Manning, Rachael Field, SL Grange, Theophina Gabriel, Tomara Garrod, and more!
Book your tickets today on the Conway Hall website (only £3, thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund) Visitors are welcome to come for some or all of the day.
During the day
- Screen print their own Lead Me Into Temptation, Please! t-shirt with artist River Manning;
- Create zines, badges, and poetry over a series of creative workshops;
- Watch a special screening of the short film Saintmaking, depicting the canonisation of Derek Jarman by the London Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence;
- Browse the wares of artists and sellers, including Housmans radical bookshop;
- Explore the landmark exhibition Picturing Nonconformity: LGBT Humanist Heritage.
In the evening
The Main Hall will be transformed into a performance space, featuring artists including:
- The evening’s host, Carrot, ‘everyone’s favourite drag vegetable’;
- David Hoyle, the first English ‘saint’ to be ‘canonised’ by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence since the ceremony in 1991 for artist and activist Derek Jarman;
- Black Peppa, Rupaul’s Drag Race UK star, who spoke openly on the show about her struggles with homophobia in religious contexts throughout her upbringing;
- London Humanist Choir, the UK’s foremost non-religious choir, who will be singing a repertoire of LGBT classics, from Queen to Elton John;
- Mahatma Khandi and the Khandi Shop, an iconic drag troupe who will be strutting their stuff to the likes of numbers from Sister Act;
- Orlando, drag performer and cultural historian from the University of Oxford, whose research-led work has been featured in major institutions like the National Gallery, Tate, and the V&A.
Nick Baldwin, Coordinator of LGBT Humanists, commented:
‘Our aims as LGBT Humanists over 45 years have remained consistent: to promote an understanding of humanism amongst the LGBT community and to protect and promote the human rights of the whole LGBT community. This fabulous fair shines a light on our work and spurs us onwards to protect and promote in the years ahead. Come and be inspired!’
Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK and former chair of LGBT Humanists, said:
‘Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this major event shines a national spotlight on the role of humanists in driving positive change for LGBT people. Join us as we honour, celebrate, and reflect on a history of humanist activism that has made our society kinder, more tolerant, and rational.’
Holly Elson, Head of Programmes at Conway Hall, added:
‘We are delighted to partner with Humanists UK for this celebration which highlights the incredible contributions of LGBT humanists through history, as well as the vital and vibrant role the LGBT community continues to play in championing creativity, activism, and positive social change.’
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Heritage Project Officer, Cas Bradbeer at cas@humanists.uk or phone 020 7993 9996.
About Humanists UK
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.
About Humanist Heritage
In 2021, Humanists UK celebrated its 125th anniversary with a renewed focus on its history. The Humanist Heritage website is a rich web resource that uncovers the untold story of humanism in the UK – a story of people, groups, objects, places, movements, publications, and ideas. Since January 2023, Humanist Heritage has been funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Read more about the history of humanism in the UK on Humanist Heritage.
About Conway Hall
Conway Hall is Where Ethics Matter. Our charity curates, supports and facilitates people and ideas that make ethics matter in the world. With a landmark venue, and over 100 years of championing independent voices promoting equality, social justice, and a better life for all – we call that ETHICS – Conway Hall is the place for those driven by the same passion for change. As part of our programme, we host talks, concerts, exhibitions, courses, performances and community events – in person and online.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Using money raised by the National Lottery, we inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk
Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund
Since The National Lottery began in 1994, National Lottery players have raised over £46 billion for projects and more than 670,000 grants have been awarded across the UK – the equivalent of more than 240 lottery grants in every UK postcode district. More than £30 million raised each week goes to good causes across the UK.
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