Two virtual events on the theme of 'Body, Mind, Spirit' plus plenty of queer stories from some Hounslow-born stars are to be held to celebrate Hounslow's LGBT+ community this year.

The events are part of the national LGBT+ history month, an annual campaign to tackle prejudice in the community.

The borough events are just some of the many taking part across the country throughout February.

Hounslow Council will host two online panel discussions which will examine the impact of COVID-19 on the community, plus a celebration of the lives of Hounslow's home-grown stars: Freddie Mercury of the band Queen, author E.M. Forster, and BBC broadcaster Clare Balding OBE.

The first will be a panel discussion, hosted in conjunction with the Metro Charity and the Hounslow Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service.

It aims to identify practical actions to support the LGBT+ community's recovery with input from mental health practitioners, charities, and members of the community who attend the event.

The second event, Queer Stories from Hounslow, will be co-hosted by the Gunnersbury Park Museum.

It will celebrate the lives of Hounslow's famous faces and other 'non-conforming' residents who have made their mark.

The evening will be compered by curator Amy Dobson and queer historian Dan Vo, joined by Hounslow Mayor Tony Louki and councillors Katherine Dunne and Richard Eason, as well as friends from local cultural organisations.

Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Communities and Climate Emergency, said: "In these challenging times it's more important than ever that we come together to celebrate the rich tapestry of our community's history as well as its present and future.

"We hope these events can contribute to the struggle against prejudice and support the liberation of the LGBT+ community by recognising the contribution our LGBT+ residents make to the borough and beyond."

The events are:

• COVID-19 Impact and Recovery for LGBTQ+ Community in Hounslow

Location: online. Register on Eventbrite

• Queer Stories from Hounslow

Location: online. Register on Eventbrite

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