Every February, LGBTQ+ History Month invites us to honour the people, movements and ideas that have shaped queer life in the UK and beyond. The 2026 national theme - Science and Innovation - celebrates LGBTQ+ pioneers whose creativity and refusal to accept limits have transformed society. From groundbreaking researchers to community organisers building new ways of living and caring for one another, this theme reminds us that innovation is cultural as much as it is technological.
At Kingston, we’re marking the month with events that centre community and collective learning. Each one offers a different way to explore how queer people have always pushed boundaries, through art, activism and joy!
This year we're also collaborating with Roehampton University and St Mary's to provide 50 free tickets to GLITTERBOMB exclusively for Kingston students! Yet another night of chaotic fun, drag performances, and tonnes of glitter. Scroll for more details, and grab the tickets while you still can!
Below is the full KSU programme, followed by a short list of major London‑wide LGBTQ+ History Month events for anyone who wants to explore further.
🌈 Kingston Students’ Union Events
3 February, 17:30-20:00 Kingston Hill, KHBS1007 We open the month with Moonlight, a film that reshaped queer cinema. Free snacks provided!
10 February, 15:00-18:00 Old London Road Café Zines have long been tools of queer innovation: DIY publishing, community knowledge‑sharing and creative resistance. Join us for an afternoon of collage, cut‑and‑paste and fun drinks in a vibey space.
16th February, 14:00-15:30 Knight's Park KPTK402 Hosted by KSU and the University's LGBTQ+ Staff Network and facilitated by Jaime Young, join us in a reflective, non‑debate space exploring how colonial histories shaped today’s norms around gender and sexuality. Participants will examine pre‑colonial understandings, imposed binaries and their ongoing impact, ending with blackout poetry and collage.
19 February, 12:00-15:00 PR Union Social Space Raising funds for African Rainbow Family, a grassroots organisation supporting LGBTIQ+ refugees and people seeking asylum. Get some baked goods knowing you're supporting an excellent cause.
27th February (external event; 50 free KSU tickets) Join St Mary's University and Roehampton University in a big LGBTQ+ bash! Hosted at Roehampton, KSU is offering 50 free tickets to this party! Grab one before they run out! Expect drag queens, glitter and lots of dancing.
🌆 Major LGBTQ+ History Month Events in London
(External events - not run by KSU)
Love Letters Exhibition – The National Archives, Kew
A free exhibition showcasing 500 years of queer love, longing and communication. Particularly interesting are those letters that reveal the ingenuity people used to express themselves under censorship.
Science & Innovation‑themed talks, panels and workshops across London
Many museums, libraries and cultural institutions are hosting events exploring LGBTQ+ contributions to science, medicine, technology and creative innovation throughout February.