The legacy of iconic broadcaster Jackie Forster will be honoured on 26 February
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY JENNY POTTER
London’s latest Rainbow Plaque will be unveiled in Westminster on 26 February to honour the lesbian journalist, broadcaster, actor and activist Jackie Forster. Rainbow Plaques is an ongoing programme led by Studio Voltaire and the London LGBT+ Forums’ Network, supported by the Mayor of London, aiming to amplify hidden or lost LGBTQIA history in public spaces.
Jackie Forster, also known as Jacqueline MacKenzie, was a pioneer throughout her career. She was one of the few well-known lesbians in mainstream broadcasting in the 1970s, and was known for her sharp wit. She “came out” in 1969 when she joined the Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE).
Later on in her career, she wrote for the first lesbian magazine in Britain, Arena Three, and co-founded the social group and lesbian publication Sappho. She would later be a member of the Greater London Council’s Women’s Committee, become a curator for the Lesbian Archive, and set up Daytime Dykes.
The plaque will be installed at Forster’s former home on Warwick Avenue. Previous Rainbow Plaques have celebrated LGBTQIA icons like Oscar Wilde and places like the Black Lesbian & Gay Centre in Peckham.
Speaking on this new Rainbow Plaque, The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It’s fantastic to see a new rainbow plaque unveiled in Warwick Avenue to celebrate the life of Jackie Forster. These plaques honour the huge contribution that our LGBTQIA+ communities have made, and continue to make, to life in our capital, so it is fitting that we remember Jackie’s significant role in promoting and championing LGBTQIA+ rights. Our diversity is what makes London the greatest city in the world, and we will continue to ensure that everyone feels represented in our public spaces, as we continue to build a fairer and safer London for everyone.”
Jackie’s plaque was selected from public nominations by the Rainbow Plaque panel. This Rainbow Plaque is supported by The Mayor of London’s Untold Stories Fund as part of his Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm, with additional support from Wandsworth Oasis.
Anne Lacey, Forster’s partner, said: “This is a fitting tribute to a wonderful woman and a great character in the history of LGBTQIA+ rights. Jackie spent the last half of her life working unceasingly for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. From the day she ‘came out’ at Speakers’ Corner in 1969, she fought for the celebration of the word lesbian.”
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