LGBTQ+ Events in Glasgow, 2021 🌈
Updated: Jul 28, 2021
Sophie Hutton: Tour Research, Development and Admin Assistant
LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour
We know we're biased to share our own event but it's our blog hehe! Walking Tours in Scotland's, 'LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour' is running for a second consecutive year (with an updated route) following its previous success! Set aside a warm August afternoon (one and a half hours), to learn about the queer people, marches and venues that have shaped Glasgow into a progressive and vibrant space, with Walking Tours in Scotland, a queer owned business!
Learn about the lesbian archive collection, the illustrious drag queen, Ms Betty Hutton, LGBTQ+ politicians and the policies that promoted ‘The Rainbow Europe Index’ to name Scotland, ‘the most progressive' location for LGBTQ+ equality, based on criteria measuring same-sex marriage, visibility for transgender and intersex people and other factors. The tour will conclude at Bonjour Café, a queer owned cooperative and safe space, where you can relax or connect with new people. This tour will operate simultaneously with Glasgow Pride and 10% of the profits will be donated to an LGBTQ+ charity!
Where: Meet outside City Chambers, George Square
When: 14th August to 4th September, Saturdays at 2pm
Cost: £12pp
Pride Glasgow was initially established in 2004, under an alternative name, as a promotion of self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals and is the largest annual pride observance in Scotland. In 2019, over ten thousand individuals marched from Kelvingrove Park to George Square and one year later, as a response to enforced lockdowns, Pride Glasgow collaborated with other activist groups in a ‘Global Pride’, with around fifty seven million people in attendance (virtually). This year, 'mardigla' is one of only three marches that haven’t been postponed in the United Kingdom!
Where: Clyde Place
When: 4th September
Cost: To Be Confirmed
Alternatively, Free Pride Glasgow, asserts ‘pride should be accessible to all’. Workshops and panels (including ‘trans and non binary writers in Scotland’ and 'a brief history of Scottish LGBTQ+ sex workers') will be available online (browse through the programme to decide what to attend) or visit the ‘garden party’, featuring Sgàire Woods, TAAHLIAH and others.
Where: Online/Various Locations
When: 5th August to 8th August
Cost: Free
Scottish Queer International Film Festival
The Scottish Queer International Film Festival was formed with the intention of contributing to the discussion (and production) of queer film, in Scotland. Starting with a ‘one off’ screening in 2015, The Scottish Queer International Film Festival has grown significantly, holding annual events enabling you to view informative, unique films that you may have otherwise missed!
Where: Centre for Contemporary Arts, Sauchiehall Street
When: 6th October to 10th October
Cost: To Be Confirmed
Portraits of an LGBTI+ Generation
Tiu Makkonen, a Finnish photographer who has lived and worked in Scotland for ten years, has collaborated alongside filmmakers Graeme Roger and Ania Urbanowska on a multimedia exhibition: a series of ten portraits and short films of an LGBTI+ Generation. These portraits provide a sense of the varied and rich lives of the LGBTI+ elders living in Scotland, who were interviewed and photographed in a location that was meaningful to them.
Where: Gallery of Modern Art, Queen Street
When: 26th June to 29th August
Cost: Free (Book a time slot in advance)
Flo Brooks' practice encompasses painting, sculpture, collage, publishing and social engagement. Each work in the exhibition depicts the queer landscape of South West England (where Flo Brooks grew up), including the rural archetypes, marginalisation and isolation. Each work within the exhibition depicts figures and scenarios which, together, develop a critical narrative of 'sense of place' and 'queer experience' in the United Kingdom.
Where: Tramway, Albert Drive
When: 7th August to 4th October
Cost: Free
Miz Cracker, a fan favourite from RuPaul's Drag Race, is hosting a comedy evening alongside other franchise favourites including Thorgy Thor, Rock M Sakura and Lawrence Chaney. Upgrade your ticket, to meet Cracker, Rock and Thorgy one hour earlier. If you love drag queens, (and having a giggle) you will love this evening!
Where: The Glee Club, Renfrew Street
When: 25th August
Cost: £30/£60
