The exhibitions you must see this LGBT+ History Month
From celebrations of queer communities to deep-dives into LGBTQ+ artists, plan a visit to one or more of these brilliant exhibitions this Pride Month.
February is officially LGBT+ History Month in the UK, an annual celebration of the community's rich history and achievements, helping these stories to be preserved for future generations. It was founded in 2004, following the repeal of Section 28.
To help you plan what to see during LGBT+ History Month, we've selected some of the best exhibitions that you can visit to celebrate, experience incredible work by LGBTQ+ artists, and explore their histories.
From a celebration of London's longest-running LGBTQ+ community groups, to the story of an artistic and romantic duo who were important figures in modern British art, scroll down to see our top picks. Plus, find more to explore in our full exhibition and events listings.
And don't forget to pack your National Art Pass for great benefits at lots of these venues.
Discover LGBTQ+ exhibitions with an Art Pass
Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy
To mark 100 years since Beryl Cook's birth, dive into the life and legacy of the self-taught British painter at the Box in Plymouth – a city whose everyday life was joyfully captured by Cook through exuberant scenes of its cafés, clubs, bingo halls and social gatherings. And, her works are celebrated for their representation of queer communities.
Don't miss the opportunity to see Bingo (1984) by Cook displayed for the first time, a work that the Box acquired for their public collection with Art Fund support. And did you know? Every person who puchases a National Art Pass makes acquisitions like this possible.
Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s
Step into the Blitz, the legendary stomping ground for the New Romantics. While never explicitly a queer nightclub, this vibrant space welcomed the LGBTQ+ community and its key cultural figures, including Boy George, Marlilyn and Stephen Jones.In just two years, this testbed for 80s British subculture transformed pop culture and nurtured a generation of creatives into global superstars.
[uz], [uz], [uz]: Artists from Working-Class Backgrounds
Drawing its title from a poem about class divides by Leeds-born Tony Harrison, this exhibition spotlights working-class modern and contemporary artists connected to Yorkshire. The works on display span a range of mediums, from painting and sculpture to photography and film, and the exhibition celebrates the intersectional experiences of the artists, including artists from the LGBTQ+ community.
Dean Raymond Gooch: Bottoms
Discover an award-winning photographer, printmaker and researcher from Sunderland. Dean Raymond Gooch's exhibition highlights gay identity and communities through photographs and prints inspired by pop art, advertising and fashion. His bold and theatrical images celebrate and stand in solidarity with the queer community when it is continuing to face experiences of homophobia, discrimination and violence.
Please note: this exhibition is taking place at the Northern Gallery of Contemporary Art, around the corner from the National Glass Centre.
Pride and Place: Voices from Harrow’s LGBTQIA+ Community
Dive into the important work and history of the North West London Lesbian and Gay Group. Founded in 1971, it has dedicated over 50 years building and nurturing its community. This small but might exhibition champions its rich history and work, and spotlights stories of friendship, resilience, solidarity and activism.