Musician and activist Tom Robinson will be leading a day of celebration at The National Festival of LGBT History in Manchester on Saturday.
The 65-year-old, who had UK Chart success with 1978 hit Glad To Be Gay, will discuss LGBT history with an audience at the People’s History Museum in Spinningfields.
Robinson’s talk is one of several that will feature from leading campaigners and scholars, including Susan Stryker and Peter Tatchell, celebrating three centuries of LGBT history.
Cheryl Morgan will discuss the life-story of Michael Dillon, the first person to undergo female-to-male gender transition surgery.
And Jane Traies will tell the histories of dozens of women aged between 60 and 90-years-old.
Audiences can also enjoy live performances of productions Happily Ever After and Mister Stokes, while the 80-plus strong Manchester Lesbian and Gay Chorus will entertain visitors.
After protest single Glad to Be Gay reached the top 20, Robinson had more chart success with 1980s hits 2-4-6-8 Motorway and War Baby and he released his 14th album Only the Now last year.
Robinson, who presents three shows a week on BBC Radio 6Music, has also produced a number of critically acclaimed LGBT radio documentaries.
His activism has seen him work with the London Gay Switchboard, Amnesty International, OutRage! and Rock Against Racism.
The eight-hour long festival will kick off at 10am, with Robinson’s talk at 2pm. The day is free of charge, although visitors are asked to make a donation in order to keep future events affordable.
For more information on the festival, visit www.lgbthistoryfestival.org.
Image courtesy of BBC, via YouTube, with thanks.
