An exciting new exhibition comes to Croydon next month to celebrate LGBT+ History Month which takes place across the UK each February. With my graphic design hat on, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the curator Norman Mine (of Norwood JunkAction) to help bring to life the content. Called ‘Liberating Love: A Celebration of Pride Through Resilience and Activism’ the two-week exhibition and associated talks and creative workshops explore the history and impact of Croydon-based queer activists Ray Harvey-Amer and Clare Truscott, through archive photography and personal accounts. However it’s not just about Croydon’s queer history, the curator will present an art installation developed on site, incorporating the history with contemporary portraits of some of Croydon’s LGBTQ+ community, produced through an open call by photographer, Lucasz Izdebski. There will also be contributions from local artist, Mark Goldby. The photoshoot for the portraits takes place this Saturday (25 January), and you can find out more here, if you’d like to be part of it.

Liberating Love takes place at Croydon Urban Room in the Whitgift Centre (by the main entrance next to WH Smiths) from Monday 10 – Sunday 23 February. It is free to attend and open to all.

I caught up with Norman to find out more about the programme.

Croydonist: Why should our readers visit Liberating Love?

Norman: Liberating Love presents an opportunity to explore and question the meaning of love – not just as a feeling or intimate connection, but as an ongoing act of self-discovery, resilience, and activism. In today’s divided and uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to talk about love in its most essential and open form – as something that drives meaningful change, fosters connection and inspires us to protect and uplift one another.

The exhibition questions whether self-love is where the real work begins, like an alchemical process that transforms us from within. It shows that by supporting and protecting others, we also strengthen and heal ourselves. Liberating Love challenges us to embrace queerness not just as an identity but as a broader celebration of humanity, dignity, and the transformative power of love to create a better world.

Croydonist: What are you most looking forward to about it?

Norman: It’s hard to answer this question because there’s so much I’m excited about. From Ray and Clare’s incredible archives of activism and craft to Lukasz’s stunning portraits of Croydon’s Queer community, every part of the programme feels meaningful. The street banners made with you (as 31% Wool) and the inspiring lineup of workshops and talks will bring people together to reflect and connect. But most of all, I’m looking forward to seeing it all come to life because, as always, this is where the magic will take place.

Thanks to Norman Mine for the chat. The Liberating Love talks and workshops take place over the two weekends, in the exhibition space – all are free to attend with no advance booking required. Full listing below.

Sat 15 Feb: 11am – 1pm
WORKSHOP: Lesbians and Their Night Out
Visual artist Stav B, will guide you through the process of quilting – the art of stitching together layers of fabric – while exploring the cultural importance of the night life within the lesbian community. Age recommendation 16+

Sat 15 Feb: 2pm – 4pm
TALK: Clare Truscott on LGBTQ+ Pride and Solidarity
Clare Truscott reflects on her legacy as an activist, sharing stories from the 80s and 90s, from protests to Pride marches.

Sat 22 Feb: 11am – 1pm
WORKSHOP: Badge-Making
Drop in to create your own unique badges with Badge Café, inspired by Ray Harvey-Amer’s collection and using materials such as old books and magazines.

Sat 22 Feb: 2pm – 4pm
GUIDED TOUR: Tea with Norman
Join Curator Norman Mine as he leads a tour of the Liberating Love exhibition, discussing his research in bringing Ray and Clare’s histories to life.

 Sun 23 Feb: 11am – 1pm
WORKSHOP: Drag Photography
Join photographer Christa Holka and drag queen Bourgeoisie to create stunning photographs of participants in drag, using costumes and makeup.

Sun 23 Feb: 2pm – 4pm
WORKSHOP: Trans Experience and the Powerful Legacy of Trans Activism
Claudia Coelho from Queer Croydon leads a celebration in trans history, spotlighting key moments and figures from Croydon’s trans community.

Liberating Love takes place at Croydon Urban Room in the Whitgift Centre from Monday 10 – Sunday 23 February. 

Keep up to date with exhibition news on instagram via Croydon Urban Room, Norwood Junkaction and Culture Croydon.

Images courtesy of Liberating Love, Norwood JunkAction and Clare Truscott. From top: Pride ’89 (treated by the Croydonist); portrait of Norman Mine; Clare Truscott at Pride; portrait of Lucasz Izdebski; Visual artist Stav B; Ben Walters; Christa Holka and drag queen Bourgeoisie; Claudia Coelho; and exhibition logo.

Posted by Julia