Joe Orton Centre stage for 2012 LGBT History Month

       Joe Orton in Islington in 1964

The literary legacy of controversial playwright and anti-establishment figure Joe Orton takes centre stage at this year's Islington LGBT History Month (February).

Islington and Camden councils have joined forces again to celebrate this year's Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month 2012.

Camden’s LGBT Forum has organised a four-week long programme in both boroughs featuring literary, educational and social events that champion equality and make sure the LGBT community takes its rightful place in the history books.

LGBT History Month starts with a pre-launch at Islington Museum when the Orton/Halliwell book damage case will be 'retried' in front of a modern-day audience in a re-enactment entitled 'Malicious Justice' (Friday 27 January at 6.30pm).

Now in its 7th year in the UK, LGBT History Month has charted the struggle for equality in mainstream society.

Art exhibition 'Malicious Collage: The Life and Crimes of Joe Orton' - containing the original defaced book jackets brought together for the first time - continues until 25 February at Islington Museum.

Psychoanalyst Don Campbell is 'In conversation with' writer and critic John Lahr (author of Joe Orton biography 'Prick up Your Ears') on 9 February at 7pm.

Islington libraries are running LGBT book promotions throughout February and Islington's LGBT reading group and Camden's LGBT poetry group will also be holding events and recruiting members during LGBT History Month.