LGBT POET LAUREATE:
This inaugural post was devised by Camden LGBT Forum to promote LGBT poetry in London and the UK. The name of the first LGBT Poet Laureate was officially announced during LGBT History Month, February 2016.
Camden LGBT Forum is a charity that supports local LGBT residents. We recognise that The Arts is a powerful tool to celebrate diversity and promote cohesion amongst our communities. During the last six years our “INCITE” Poetry event has been paving the way for LGBT talent to foster positive change through spoken and written word.
The recipient of the title, “First LGBT Poet Laureate” is Trudy Howson. The term of the appointment is for three years. During this period she will be expected to.
Write poems for nationally and internationally recognised LGBT days and events.
Write, perform and promote poetry that reflects and celebrates the very diverse experience of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people within our society
Raise the profile and accessibility of LGBT poetry
The LGBT Poet Laureate’s poetry will:
Portray the lives and experiences of the LGBT community
Celebrate our style and culture.
Support LGBT people who feel isolated and marginalized within our society
Encourage within our community a sense of self respect and pride
Raise a greater public awareness of the LGBT community
Encourage LGBT people of all ages, nationalities and types, to read, write, watch and listen to poetry.
CONTACT: Camden LGBT Forum 020 73 88 5720
camdenlgbtforum.org.uk
TRUDY HOWSON’S CV/BIOGRAPHY:
Ex actress, ex long-haul traveller Trudy Howson’s poetry explores landscapes, internal and external. She writes about the landscape of the LGBT community with warmth and humour. Her work is topical and inspirational. She is currently developing a living interactive form of poetry.
Trudy has performed her poetry in pubs, clubs, theatres, fields and forests. On Boats, Buses, Local and National Radio and TV. She has performed extensively in India, South East Asia and Burma
Her poetry has been published in The Telegraph, The Times, and The London Review, as well as numerous magazines and online publications.
Trudy wrote a living-interactive poem for The London Olympics called “Going for Gold” which the BBC filmed and used as a trailer in the run up to the event.
For the last 3 years Trudy has been performing her work and hosting INCITE@The Phoenix, a popular monthly LGBT poetry event in an iconic theatrical venue in the West End.
SELECTED CREDITS
Polari Gay Literary Salon on the Southbank
St Pauls Cathedral Poem for launch of ‘No to Hate Crime Week’
Beach Hut Poetry Channel 4 “Homes by the Sea”
“Together” Film for LGBT History Month
“Schwule” International Holocaust Day
Raise The Bar Soho
L’ Escargot Soho
Vauxhall Tavern South London
Two Brewers South London
Out in Brighton Radio
“Banned!” Brighton Town Hall/Library
Roundhouse Radio Queer Quips
The L Word The Poetry Café, WC2
Russia With Love Ku Bar, WC1 / ITN News
The Outlaws London/Norfolk various venues
Kino Teatro Hastings