A history of LGBT spaces in London - Episode 4: Disappearing spaces

The final episode of our ‘history of LGBT spaces in London’ podcast series, launched to coincide with LGBT+ History Month this February, examines the recent decline in numbers of LGBTQ+ spaces in the capital. Part 1 of this episode sees our digital communications officer, Eliza White, provide an introduction and touch upon the myriad of reasons as to why the number of LGBTQ+ spaces in London is declining. Shaftesbury PLC chief executive, Brian Bickell, then joins UCEM PR and social media manager, Andrew Belt, to provide a real estate perspective on this decline, including what can be done to preserve venues and how the market must adapt to the changing needs of the LGBTQ+ community. In Part 2, having gained research-based insights, thoughts from a CEO of an LGBTQ+ venue and a real estate perspective earlier in the series, Andrew Belt speaks to UCEM Trustees, Misa von Tunzelman (head of corporate affairs and marketing – Europe at Lendlease) and Chris Costigan (university secretary and chief compliance officer at Ravensbourne University London), for a more general perspective on the situation. Misa and Chris share their stories of coming out, both personally and professionally, their thoughts on progressing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in society and what role LGBTQ+ venues in London have played in their lives, as well as their views and hopes on the future of such spaces in the capital. In the final part of the episode, we explore the changing face of LGBTQ+ spaces in the capital, hearing from Dan Westley – the captain of the London Royals Hockey Club – the first openly LGBTQ+ hockey club in the UK. Dan, who is leasing director at Battersea Power Station, shares how the club has grown over its 16-year existence, comments on the burgeoning LGBTQ+ sports club scene in the capital and reflects on its growth in relation the falling number of traditional LGBTQ+ spaces in London. Eliza White then rejoins Andrew Belt for her conclusions on the series.