We Were There!
A Black LGBTQ+ History Month celebration of film, lived experience, conversation and community
Building on the success of our LGBT+ History Month event in February, Melanin Vybz and Project Harvey, return to the beautiful Union Chapel for Black History Month 2026 with We Were There ! - an afternoon celebrating the lives, stories and experiences of older Black LGBTQ+ people.
We will screen two short films produced by Melanin Vybz: Ebony - I Remember, which looks back at the life and legacy of a Black drag performer from an earlier generation of London's LGBTQ+ scene, and Harvey - aka Octavia Edenbridge, a funny and poignant story exploring identity, ageing and visibility through the unforgettable Harvey.
Following the films, four older Black LGBTQ+ men and women will take part in a facilitated conversation about their lived experiences, looking back at where we've come from, reflecting on where we are today, and sharing our hopes for the generations that follow.
Using six questions as starting points, members of Melanin Vybz will share their stories before we open the conversation to our guests. You are welcome to listen, reflect or add your own experiences.
We Were There is about remembering that Black LGBTQ+ people were not absent from history. We were living it. We were creating it. We were there.
And no Melanin Vybz gathering would be complete without Jeffrey Pickering's legendary Rum Punch, accompanied by a selection of patties.
Come for the films. Stay for the conversation, food, laughter and community.
Sunday 25 October 2026
Union Chapel, London (Rear Sunday School)
Compton Avenue
Presented by Melanin Vybz and Project Harvey