LGBT Poet Laureate

Poetry as a Catalyst for Social and Political Change

Welcome

Welcome to the official website of Trudy Howson, who was appointed inaugural LGBT Poet Laureate in 2016.

Trudy performing

"Through this post I am able to celebrate our wonderful community and illuminate our needs, working with councillors, the NHS, Amnesty, Stonewall, Galop and many other LGBT+ organisations, to improve the quality of life for our community."

See What I Offer

Good Morning Britain's 'LGBT+ History Makers'
Good Morning Britain

In June 2023 I did an interview for ITV's Good Morning Britain. 

It was part of their series LGBTQ+ History Makers.

See the video and the poems I performed.

Latest News & Events

A poem for Chelsea Football Club to engender acceptance of diversity and counteract racism, homophobia and misogyny

Performing the first LGBT+ poem on SKY TV

IDAHOT - 2022

I’m your brother and sister,
I’m both Mrs and Mister,
I am Gay, Bi and Transsexual,
I am… myself.

I’m your father and mother,
Husband, auntie, friend and lover,
I’m different…and the same,
I am your family.

I’m black, white, pink… every hue,
Christian, Muslim, Buddhist… Jew,
Skinhead, Goth, Punk, New Romantic,
I am me. I am you.

I’m your district nurse, your teacher,
The boy and girl next door,
Someone in the street,
I am your neighbour.

I’m no better than you, or no worse,
No richer, poorer, blessed or cursed,
Just part of the same Gravitational Wave,
As you are.

Launch of National Hate Crime Awareness Week - 2022

In this week across our nation,
We stand united in our call.
“There is no place for hatred.”
Because hatred hurts us all.

Whatever your ability or religion.
Sexuality, colour of skin.
This battle against hate crime,
Is one we have to win.

Let’s educate the ignorant.
Dispel prejudice and fear.
Promote that Love is a human right,
Be open and be clear.

We can make a difference,
By what we do and say,
Against the intolerance and injustice,
Some people suffer every day.

It’s okay to be different,
Let’s honour who we are.
Make our world a safer place,
For all of us, near and far.

Contact
lgbtpoetlaureate@gmail.com