I have been filming a documentary about “The Gateways Club”, famous lesbian Club which used to be situated in a basement in Chelsea. They commissioned me to write a poem about my experience attending it.
Tag Archives: lgbt poetry
Pride in Education
I have been working with the educational publishers Pearsons to promote pride in education and support LGBTQ+ students. This is one of the poems I’ve done for them. Between 20-23 September 2021, they made it into a film with school children speaking the lines.
IMPERIAL COLLEGE HEALTHCARE NHS TRUST
At Imperial College Healthcare,
We are proud of the work we do
For the L.G.B.T.I.N. community.
It’s a balance, of old and new.
Our gender-reassignment clinic,
Makes positive changes to difficult lives.
Enables our clients to be authentic,
To fulfil their potential, and thrive.
Day in day out, from birth to death,
We offer expertise and care.
We strive for excellence in our practice,
Are always ready, always there.
Our HIV clinic offers visitors hope,
Of a life that is healthy and long.
With effective treatment and education,
They become confident and strong.
We give kindness and compassion,
To the needy, sick and frail.
Whatever your gender, race or religion,
Our hospitals do not fail.
So let us Celebrate our Trust today,
It’s aspiration and commitments,
To a service that empowers and enables,
Its staff, volunteers and patients.
Reclaim Pride March
The Reclaim Pride March took place in London on Saturday 24 July. I joined as a living interactive poem called ‘What We Want’.
17:24:31
Remember the London Nail Bomb Attacks?
3 bombs over 3 consecutive April weekends.
Each bomb packed with a thousand nails
Each explosion wounding, maiming…murderous.
Its aim was to incite fear and hatred
In Afro-Caribbean, Bangladeshi and LGBT places.
Targeting people just going about their business.
Ordinary, extraordinary people, like you and me.
In Brixton, people were shopping,
Thinking about what to cook for dinner.
Popping out, to pick up a paper.
Chatting in the street with a neighbour.
In Brick Lane, people were relaxing.
Eating dinner in local restaurants.
Planning their family’s weekend.
Repairing their car.
In Soho, people were Celebrating.
Having a drink en route to the Theatre.
Meeting up for the start of the weekend.
Hanging out, in a safe Gay space.
We commemorate those unfortunate people
In the wrong place, at the wrong time.
The shocked, injured, wounded, dying.
Who showed great fortitude and courage
Those bombs incited acts of individual heroism.
Kindness and generosity between strangers
A public outcry of outrage and horror
Immediate, professional support.
Our diverse Communities enrich society
We were not. Are not. Will not ever be
Diminished by hatred and evil
We stand united in our humanity, and love.