The vital support system was celebrated for its groundbreaking legacy in the LGBTQIA community
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY JOEL RYDER
On Sunday (18 February), Studio Voltaire and the London LGBT+ Forums’ Network, in collaboration with Mayor Sadiq Khan, unveiled a new Rainbow Plaque in Peckham to celebrate the impactful history of the Black Lesbian & Gay Centre (BLGC).
Established in Haringey in 1985, the BLGC emerged as a pioneering support system for Black queer communities during the 80s. Their commitment to combating homophobia and racism led to the provision of essential services, including: counselling, helplines, a library, newsletters, social and cultural events, and community resources.
After extensive fundraising efforts, the BLGC found a permanent home in Peckham in 1992, now marked by the newly unveiled Rainbow Plaque. The centre, groundbreaking in its inclusivity and outreach, closed its doors in 1995, leaving a lasting legacy as the first of its kind in Europe and an enduring inspiration for contemporary LGBTQIA communities.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted to see a Rainbow Plaque unveiled in Peckham in honour of the Black Lesbian & Gay Centre. The centre played a pioneering role in our capital’s history, providing support and inspiration to our LGBTQIA communities. London is a beacon of inclusivity and diversity around the world, but more needs to be done to ensure our public spaces reflect this. I’ll continue to do what I can to celebrate London’s different communities as we build a fairer, more equal city for everyone.”
Filmmaker and director, Veronica Mckenzie, added: “This plaque recognises the existence of the UK’s black queer community going back over 40 years, and the hard work and dedication in ensuring this history is preserved and highlighted for the younger generations.”
The Rainbow Plaque is part of the national Rainbow Plaques initiative, spearheaded by the London LGBT+ Forums’ Network and Studio Voltaire. This project aims to unearth hidden LGBTQIA heritage, emphasising the importance of queer visibility in public spaces. Supported by the Mayor of London’s Commission for Diversity In The Public Realm, Wandsworth Oasis, Peckhamplex, and Network Rail, this installation in Peckham marks the third of five plaques across London, preserving and commemorating the city’s rich LGBTQIA history.
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