Gay London Life | Feb '26 Edition - Magazine - Page 2
In the
know
Reading Queer,
Reading Together
London’s award-winning LGBTQIA+ theatre
company Queer Theatre has announced a
standout line-up of guest playwrights for its
monthly Queer Play Reading Club, delivered
the new season, plays by Chris Bush, Marcelo Dos Santos and Caroline Bird will
Fetish Film Fundraiser
at The Arzner
be read, discussed and explored through relaxed group readings and Q&As with
London’s queer cinema The Arzner
the writers themselves. Hosted at The Railway, the club offers a supportive, low-
is hosting a special fundraiser
pressure space for LGBTQIA+ writers and theatre-lovers alike, with opportunities
screening and Q&A on 19 February
to share new work, receive constructive feedback and engage with contemporary
in support of The Sussex Beacon,
queer playwriting. At a time when safe, creative spaces feel increasingly precious,
the Brighton-based charity that
this is a thoughtful invitation to gather, listen and learn together.
provides specialist care and support
Find out more and book at queertheatre.co.uk
for people living with HIV. The
in partnership with Nick Hern Books. Across
Photo: Frank Fieber
evening begins with pre-drinks at
After Hours at
the National Gallery
6pm before a screening of Pillion
One of London’s most recognisable
that launched the London Fetish Film
cultural institutions will be opening its
Festival and celebrates desire and
doors after dark this February for a rare
identity with humour and heart. After
late-night takeover as part of Art After
the film, there’s an exclusive Q&A
Dark. On 5 February, the National Gallery
with festival curators followed by
will host an exclusive after-hours DJ event
post-screening social time, offering
(pictured), a bold and tender feature
Co-Founders
Steve Gregory
steve@gaylondonlife.co.uk
Chris Colman
chris@gaylondonlife.co.uk
Editorial Contributors
Jason Reid, Taofique Folarin,
Nathaniel Hall, Helen Scott,
Topher Taylor, Adam Williams,
Thomas Magill & Alexis Blake
team@gaylondonlife.co.uk
Design & Photography
Janne Öijer,
Nicolas Chinardet
& Richard Holland
team@gaylondonlife.co.uk
Printed By
Acorn Web Offset
Published by
Phoenix Meadow Ltd
Kemp House,
128 City Road,
London,
EC1V 2NX.
led by Bimini (pictured), inviting guests to experience the gallery in an entirely
a chance to connect with fellow
different way. Taking place once the doors have closed to the public, the
cinema-lovers and supporters of the
event blends music, movement and visual culture, offering a chance to dance
cause. Half of all ticket proceeds will
beneath some of the world’s most famous paintings. The night forms part of
be donated directly to The Sussex
Art After Dark’s wider week-long programme celebrating London’s nightlife
Beacon, helping sustain its vital work
Tel: 020 8064 1757
culture through art, sound and public space, but this one-off moment stands
across the region.
out as a genuinely unusual intersection of high art and queer club energy.
Find out more and book tickets
Tickets are limited, and it’s a rare opportunity to see the National Gallery
at thearzner.com
The Gay London Life name and
brand is used under license from
Phoenix Meadow Ltd.
loosen its tie and stay up past its bedtime.
10 Bermondsey Square, SE1 3UN
More information and tickets at artoflondon.co.uk/artafterdark
Nearest Station: Bermondsey
End of the Rainbow
A new fund has been launched to help Brighton-based LGBTQ+ organisations that have
suffered after previous grants were left unpaid by the Brighton Rainbow Fund. The Restart
Fund is managed by the Pride Community Foundation and uses money raised from ticket
sales to this year’s Brighton Pride. Any affected organisations can apply for a share of the
Restart Fund at pridecommunityfoundation.com before Monday 24th November.
2
Cover: Brew Hunter
Photo by D81Photos
Phoenix Meadow Ltd and Gay
London Life cannot be held
responsible for any unsolicited
manuscripts, illustrations or
photographs.
Inclusion in our images is no
indicator of sexual preference.
