LGBT History Month Workshop - Polari, the Secret Queer Language

On Thursday 12th February join forum+ for an interactive workshop to celebrate LGBT History Month.

'How bona to vada your dolly old eek!'

In the decades before decriminalisation, gay and queer men spoke ‘Polari’ - a secret gay slang which was a patchwork language of Italian, Romany, Yiddish, Cockney Rhyming Slang, backslang and acronyms. By speaking Polari these men could ‘hide in plain sight’ - socialising, cottaging and cruising without fear of arrest or attack.

Polari is a playful, mischievous and sexy language, but also one that was spoken out of necessity. In this workshop, taught by Dan de la Motte, learn the ‘rules’ of the language, decipher words and phrases, and make up your own sentences and mini-scenes for others to work out. LGBT History Month Workshop - Polari, the Secret Queer Language is for the LGBT community, for ages 18+ and free to join. Pre booking is essential with no walk-ins admitted on the evening.

Dan de la Motte is a performer, and independent creative practitioner specialising in queer comedic performance and heritage. Recent work includes; Too Much Pills & Liquor (The Divine) On Railton Road (Museum of the Home) Live To Tell: (A Proposal For) The Madonna Jukebox Musical (Camden People’s Theatre & Omnibus Theatre).

St Luke’s Community Centre is a vibrant modern community centre in South Islington providing events and services for local people. forum+ is proud to join with our friends at St Luke’s and collaborate for cookery class .

forum+ is a small independent charity working to improve the lives of LGBT people in Camden and Islington. LGBT History Month Zine Workshop is part of Camden & Islington LGBT Month 2026. For more information email [email protected]

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher forum+