Gay London Life | Aug '25 Edition - Magazine - Page 5
Football in Partnership with Brentford FC
Joe (COO) & Aubrey (Founder & CEO)
4th Birthday Street Party
In the lockdown summer of 2020, Aubrey Crawley
asking, ‘What are you doing about sexual health?’”
hosted a small social gathering in the garden of a
recalls Aubrey. “At first, I thought he was talking
quaint local pub in Chiswick. He had no idea that,
about my personal health — but he was actually
just five years later, this simple meetup would grow
referring to what I was doing to support the sexual
into the West London Queer Project (WLQP)
health of our community.”
— a thriving, National Lottery and Sport Englandfunded social enterprise.
Today, WLQP offers a dynamic range of events
That conversation turned out to be a pivotal
spaces for LGBTQ+ people wasn’t just about fun
— it was also about care, safety, and wellbeing.
workouts to mental health workshops, wellbeing
From that point on, WLQP began reaching out to
events, socials, comedy nights, and drag shows.
sexual health providers to explore how they could
What began as a local connection has blossomed
make information, resources, and testing more
into a vibrant community movement empowering
accessible at events.
Originally from South Africa, Aubrey Crawley
“WLQP
is your
community,
and this
celebration
is for you”
moment. It was a reminder that creating social
and activities, from sporting sessions and fitness
LGBTQ+ people across West London and beyond.
West London Warriors Training Session
in motion for exciting new collaborations, an
Today, sexual health is an integral part of WLQP’s
expanded programme of events, and deeper
broader wellbeing offering. From on-site testing pop-
outreach to underrepresented groups within the
moved to the UK in 1998 and has called West
ups and PrEP information sessions to collaborations
queer community.
London home ever since.
with local NHS clinics and charities, WLQP is helping
“Over the years, I watched as LGBTQ+ venues
Yet no matter how much WLQP grows, its
ensure that health education and support are
heart remains the same: bringing queer people
across West London slowly disappeared — one by
embedded in the fabric of its community events.
together, close to home, in ways that are joyful,
one,” Aubrey reflects. “And now, in 2025, there’s not
“It’s about meeting people where they are,”
a single permanent queer space left. I remember this
says Aubrey. “If someone feels more comfortable
“To everyone who’s joined a Friday Social,
being a regular topic of conversation, something we
picking up a leaflet or getting tested at a community
danced at one of our legendary parties, laughed
all noticed and lamented. But I never imagined I’d be
social than going to a clinic, that’s a win. We want
at a queer comedy night, or simply showed up to
the one to actually do something about it.”
to create spaces where our community feels safe,
connect — thank you,” says Aubrey. “This isn’t just
supported, and seen — in every sense.”
our anniversary — it’s yours too. WLQP is your
WLQP offers a wide variety of events — and
that didn’t happen by accident.
“One of the unexpected positives that came out
As WLQP celebrates its five-year milestone,
the future is full of promise. Plans are already
inclusive, and real.
community, and this celebration is for you. Here’s to
the next five years!”
of Covid was how much people were willing to open
up afterwards,” says Aubrey. “In the early days, even
before we had a name, people would come up to
You’re Invited to WLQP’s 5th Birthday Street Party!
me and share what they missed, or wished existed.
That’s when I realised — this wasn’t just a few
To mark this milestone,
Expect a full day of:
Plus, there’s a very BIG
WLQP is celebrating
Live entertainment
headliner announcement
community-led, shaped by the voices and needs of
five years of community,
Drag performances
coming soon — so keep
the people it serves. The broader event programme
connection, and queer joy
Food & drink stalls
an eye on their socials!
doesn’t just bring people together — it also helps
with a massive street party
Community organisations
— and you’re all welcome!
And so much more!
socials. This was a project.”
From the beginning, WLQP has been deeply
generate income, which in turn funds other forms of
support that may not be commercially viable, but are
vitally important to the wellbeing of the community.
Behind every WLQP event is a deeper purpose
— connection, joy, and care.
“I remember someone approaching me about
six months into hosting our Sunday Socials and
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @westlondonqueerproject
or sign up for updates at wlqp.org
Sunday 31st August, 12pm-9pm, Old Market Place,
Chiswick, W4 2DR. Nearest Station: Turnham Green
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