Our Stories, Our History: LGBTQ+ Voices Across Merton and Beyond

Long before LGBTQ+ lives were recognised in archives, laws, or textbooks, our history was carried through stories — shared in kitchens, clubs, marches, and moments of quiet connection. These traditions have kept LGBTQ+ history alive at times when it was too often erased or ignored.

In celebration of this powerful legacy, this LGBTQ+ History Month, we invite you to an evening of storytelling, reflection, and community. Three storytellers will share their personal experiences of LGBTQ+ history in Merton and beyond, celebrating resilience, identity, and the voices that continue to shape our collective past, present, and future.

Join us from 7:00 PM to hear from three powerful speakers:

• Ali Said
  Reflecting on growing up gay in the Middle East within a mixed-race family, Ali explores the impact of religious censorship and the internal struggle of hiding his own sensuality.
• Patrick Lyster-Todd
  Patrick shares what it was like to be gay in the British military during the 1980s.
• Bryan Murphy
  A personal account of growing up gay in Hawaii and how place and culture shaped identity.

Hosted by Merton Plus’ very own Lauren Murphy (no relation!).

We’ll also be joined by Sarah Gould from the Merton United project, part of the borough’s Cultural Impact Programme. Together, we’ll explore plans for a new commemorative plaque celebrating an LGBTQ+ individual with strong links to Merton.

To help spark discussion, our very own Harry Platts will present seven potential nominees:

• Havelock Ellis (1859–1939) – Victorian sexologist educated in Mitcham
• Clement Harris (1871–1897) – Composer born in Wimbledon
• Hetty King (1883–1972) – Male impersonator who lived near and performed at New Wimbledon Theatre
• Helen Jacobs (1908–1997) – Wimbledon tennis champion and trailblazer of the 1930s
• Mike Holden (1946–1977) – Actor and Chair of the Wimbledon Area Gay Society during the 1970s
• Ron Peck (1948–2022) – Filmmaker behind the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ film Nighthawks, born in Merton Park
• Vanity Milan (born 1991) – Star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, born in Mitcham

Audience members will be invited to speak in support of any of these nominees — or to champion someone entirely different. If you know of someone we’ve missed, please share their name with us via this form []. Nominees may be living or deceased, as long as they have a meaningful connection to Merton and the LGBTQ+ community.

Location: Wimbledon Library
Entrance: Please use the side entrance on Compton Road. The main High Street doors will be closed. Look for the sign above the door that reads “Art Space.”

Your ticket includes a selection of crispy snacks, biscuits, and a range of soft and alcoholic drinks.

We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of shared stories, local history, and collective pride. 💜

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Host or Publisher MertonPlus