Saturday 16th February, 11am till 4pm
Keynote Speaker: Stuart Milk – Global LGBT Rights Activist, Veteran Campaigner and Nephew of Harvey Milk
February marks the beginning of LGBT History Month and the theme this year is Peace, Reconciliation and Activism. As part of LGBT History Month, The Higgins Bedford is very excited to be a hub venue for the OUTing the Past Festival for the second year running.
From 11am till 4pm at The Higgins Bedford there will be stall holders with information on LGBT History, as well as LGBT rights, support and activism. Confirmed stalls include Schools Out UK, Q Youth Bedford and the Terrence Higgins Trust.
At 11.30am Stuart Milk, co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation, veteran campaigner and LGBT human rights activist will speak about his work and continuing the work of his uncle.
In 2009, Stuart successfully led the campaign for the establishment of the now annual Harvey Milk Day state holiday in California, and he accepted the highest civilian honour in the US, the Medal of Freedom, on behalf of his uncle from President Obama. Stuart Milk has worked alongside hundreds of youth and grass roots activists.
The day continues with a dynamic range of speakers, with talks on the hidden histories of Victorian activists, the history of sex education in the UK, trans-rights activism and finally the mythology of mermaids. Lunch will also be provided.
Cllr Sarah- Jayne Gallagher said “For the second year in row, The Higgins Bedford is a hub venue for the OUTing the Past Festival. The nationwide festival is going to towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, and we are delighted that it is returning to our local museum and art gallery.”
OUTing The Past Festival is free to attend. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Booking via thehiggins@bedford.gov.uk or on 01234 718618. Further programme details are available at www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk
