Celebrating East London’s history for LGBTQ+ History Month
Celebrating East London’s history for LGBTQ+ History Month
Written by ELBA’s EquiBalance Programme Manager, Samie John and Education Project Manager, Hayley Turner-McIntyre
The theme for this year’s LGBTQ+ History Month is Claim our Past, Celebrate our Present, Create our Future. The East London community’s accomplishments cultivating diversity within our community are truly commendable and deserving of celebration, and its role in the Past, Present and Future of LGBTQ+ communities is substantial. Here we have examined how this theme resonates for ELBA and for East London:
Claim our Past
British, Islington-based comedian and raconteur Kenneth Williams was best known for his acting in the popular Carry On movies, but he should also be remembered for introducing the secret slang Polari into mainstream culture through the comedy show Julian and Sandy. Polari served multiple purposes: it was a tool for secrecy in a time when homosexuality was criminalised, a means of expressing identity, and a source of humour and camaraderie that helped to bond communities. Speakers often adopted regional accents, particularly London’s East End or Cockney tones, while some incorporated French phrases to add a cosmopolitan flair. Given ELBA’s long-standing presence in the East End, this linguistic and cultural connection reflects the vibrant and diverse communities we have supported for many years.
Celebrate our Present
Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, also known as Lady Phyll, is an intersectional activist and co-founder and CEO of UK Black Pride, which is now known as the world’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration. In response to heightened hostility against the LGBTQ+ community, Black Pride has since provided a sense of community and a safe space for London residents, collectively striving together for a more equal and inclusive society.
Create our Future
At ELBA, we support the LGBTQ+ community through social mobility initiatives, particularly our employment-led program, Equibalance, which promotes inclusivity for underrepresented LGBTQ+ students. We empower young people with mentorship, tailored workshops, and inclusive work placements.
This LGBTQ+ History Month, we honour the resilience and achievements of the community, using history to inspire change.
How We Support LGBTQ+ Students
🌈 **Inclusive Leadership Development – Connecting students with LGBTQ+ mentors.
🏳️⚧️ **Representation & Visibility – Highlighting LGBTQ+ role models in leadership.
💼 **Inclusive Work Placements- Partnering with equity-driven employers for supportive workplace experiences.
Why This Matters
At ELBA we are committed to fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers faced by the LGBTQ+ community in East London. Recognising the challenges of discrimination and underrepresentation, we strive to create opportunities for growth, empowerment, and career advancement. Through mentorship, skills development, and professional networking, ELBA supports LGBTQ+ individuals in building the confidence, knowledge, and tools needed to thrive in the workplace and beyond. By championing diversity and inclusion, we aim to ensure that all young people, regardless of their background or identity, have the opportunity to become future business leaders and active contributors to society.
For more mental health resources for children and young people in Islington, visit the Islington CAMHS NCL Waiting Room.
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