All love is the same love
Located in London’s heart, a city famed as a melting pot of cultures and characters, The Pink Elephant stands as a beacon of creativity and individuality. With its striking pink logo and an aesthetic that dances between quirky and sophisticated, the luxury event styling brand reflects the city’s embrace of uniqueness.
This February, as London celebrates both LGBTQ+ History Month and Valentine's Day, The Pink Elephant champions the idea that all love is the same love. Guided by its founder Ian Henderson, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, we invite you to celebrate London’s myriad forms of love with a host of trailblazing events.
Launched in 2005, LGBTQ+ History Month lights up February with vibrant celebrations, aiming to elevate LGBTQ+ voices and combat bias. This year's theme, "Under The Scope," spotlights the LGBTQ+ community's significant contributions to medicine and healthcare.
1. British Museum’s ‘Desire, love and identity’ trail
The British Museum beckons with its "Desire, love and identity" trail, offering a free, insightful journey which reveals the fluidity of love and gender across civilisations. Among the highlights is the enigmatic Ain Sakhri Lovers, the oldest known sculpture depicting intimacy without defined genders, and the Warren Cup - a Roman artifact showcasing male lovers, once hidden due to laws against homosexuality. The exhibition invites a reexamination of history through the lens of love and identity, blending ancient narratives with the ongoing story of LGBTQ+ rights.
2. Gay’s The Word bookshop in Bloomsbury
Pay a visit to England's only dedicated LGBTQ+ bookshop, Gay’s The Word, which opened in 1979. More than a bookstore, it's a hub for community, activism, and human rights, famously hosting the "Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners" group. Marked by a plaque honoring co-founder Mark Ashton, this charming, cosy spot continues to inspire.
3. The Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Step into the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, where the essence of London's LGBTQ+ nightlife comes alive. This storied bar, a favourite of Princess Diana and Freddie Mercury, is a cornerstone of the community. Notably, it's the UK's first LGBTQ+ venue to receive Grade II-listed status, celebrating its significant cultural impact. Here, at London’s oldest venue of its kind, the legacy of post-war drag performances endures, offering a dynamic, welcoming space for all.
4. The Science Museum’s “Seeing Things Queerly” trail
Embark on an enlightening, self-led journey through queer history and innovation. Ascend to Level 3’s Flight Gallery to discover a WWII fighter jet piloted by Roberto Cowell, the first British trans woman to undergo gender-affirming surgery. Wander further and marvel at the pioneering work of Nergis Mavalvala - an openly lesbian woman of colour and a ground-breaking astrophysicist. This trail offers a fresh perspective on the contributions and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community within science and technology.
5. Chelsea Physic Garden’s “A Dash of Lavender”
Explore the intertwining of LGBTQ+ identity and the natural world at Chelsea Physic Garden's "A Dash of Lavender." Unveil the queerness in nature through curated trails, exhibitions, and a diverse program of events including botanical poetry readings and comedy nights. Delve into the natural world's defiance of societal norms, from trees that change sex to same-sex animal pairings, and delight in the cultural connections between flowering plants and LGBTQ+ symbolism.
Let The Pink Elephant transform your celebration of love into an extraordinary affair. From intimate gatherings with family and friends to large-scale corporate and wedding events, our bespoke styling packages cover every detail. Indulge in our curated experiences, featuring delectable sharing platters, exquisite wines, tablescaping decor, and exceptional entertainment, including the captivating Drag Queen Crayola. Embrace this month of love and unity with The Pink Elephant.