Sheffield Libraries celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month

LGBTQ+ History Month is celebrated in the UK in February each year, to celebrate the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ people. This year, the theme is #BehindtheLens, showcasing the contributions made by LGBTQ+ people to cinema and film. Once again we have a range of exciting events for you, from film screenings to author talks to our regular Queer Books for Kids bookchat! Read on to find out more.

Film screening: None of the Above

Wednesday 15 February, 6.30pm, free
Carpenter Room, Central Library
Book through Eventbrite

Award-winning trans author Travis Alabanza is in conversation with Reni Eddo-Lodge, in this screening of an event originally held at the British Library in July 2022. Travis will discuss their recently-published memoir, None of the Above, which explores what it means to live outside the gender boundaries imposed on us by society.

In partnership with the British Library and the Living Knowledge Network. Refreshments provided.

A Short History of Queer Women, with author Kirsty Loehr

Monday 20 February, 7pm, free
Carpenter Room, Central Library
Book through Eventbrite

No, they weren't 'just friends'! Queer women have been written out of history since, well, forever. From Anne Bonny and Mary Read who sailed the seas together as pirates, to US football captain Megan Rapinoe declaring 'You can't win a championship without gays on your team', A Short History of Queer Women sets the record straight on women who have loved other women through the ages.

Author Kirsty Loehr will be in conversation with our librarians. Copies of Kirsty's book will be available to buy and have signed, courtesy of Juno Books.

Refreshments provided.

Online bookchat: LGBTQ+ Books for Kids and Teens

Wednesday 22^nd February, 6pm, free
Online via Facebook

Looking for the best in new queer books for kids and teens? Liz and Zoey are back with their top recommendations for all ages, from picture books to Young Adult novels. In partnership with Lambeth Libraries.

The video will premiere on Facebook on Wednesday 22 February at 6pm, and will remain available for you to watch on catch-up at your leisure.

Film screening: No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics

Thursday 23 February, 6.30pm, free
Carpenter Room, Central Library
Book through Eventbrite

The story of the queer comic begins in a period of censorship in the USA, and marginalization even among underground cartoonists. No Straight Lines profiles five pioneers of this fascinating art scene – Alison Bechdel, Howard Cruse, Jennifer Camper, Rupert Kinnard, and Mary Wings – producing commentary on everything from the AIDS crisis and workplace discrimination to the search for love and a good haircut. 

Refreshments provided.

In partnership with Sheffield DocFest.

Sophie Labelle, author and cartoonist

Monday 27 February, 7pm, free

Carpenter Room, Central Library
Book through Eventbrite

Sophie Labelle is a neurodivergent trans cartoonist and novelist from Montréal, in French Canada. She is the author of the webcomic Assigned Male, which has been running since 2014.''The Best of Assigned Male'' was recently published by Hachette UK.

During her talk, she will speak about her art and activism, her artistic process, cyberbullying, community building through art, and growing up trans. This event is suitable for adults, teens and families.

Copies of Sophie's books will be available to buy and have signed. Please be aware that the library cannot take card payments.

Refreshments provided.