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Come along to the National Maritime Museum this February half term, where the team will be putting on a range of fun creative events for families during LGBTQ+ History Month.

From storytelling and singing workshops to maritime crafts and marvellous history, there's something for all ages at the National Maritime Museum this February.

These activities are part of Out at Sea, a series of events held across Royal Museums Greenwich in celebration of LGBTQ+ history.

* All sessions are FREE with no need to book in advance.

Programme: 
15th February - Drag Aerobics (Drop-in) 
Venue: Rethink Space
Get ready for a maritime-inspired aerobics class with a twist, turn and a shimmy with Dolly Trolley! 

15th February - Drag Queen Storytime (Drop-in) 
Venue: Learning Space
Join H.R.H Aphrodite from our Queer History Club for a fun filled family storytime to remember!

16th February - Queer Pier (Drop-in) 
Venue: Learning Space
Head to the Learning Space to join in with a collaborative art build. Create a space special to you and add it to our pier.

17th February - Polar Explorers' Sea Chests (Drop-in) 
Venue: Learning Space
What did polar explorers wear on their long voyages into the Arctic and Antarctic regions? Come and make your very own paper doll outfits in this drop-in craft session. 

Together you will explore examples of Victorian and Edwardian fashion – both civilian and seafarer clothing – as well as historical and more modern polar gear. 

You will also touch upon the role of drag and cross-dressing within the context of historical polar exploration. You will have a chance to practise your colouring skills with our pre-made paper doll outfits, as well as showcase your creativity and make brand new clothes for the paper doll sailors! 

18th February - Make your own Merfolk  (Drop-in)
Venue: Learning Space
Learn about merfolk myths from around the world in this creative workshop. You'll make your own merfolk using creamy, tactile oil pastels.  

19th February - Pride Peg Dolls  (Drop-in)
Venue: Learning Space
Dress up a tiny peg doll to take home. Make a mini you and express yourself, or create a character and take inspiration from some LGBTQ+ heroes with connections to the Museum and south-east London.

20th February - Ahoy Matey!  (Drop-in)
Venue: Learning Space
Did you know why pirates call each other ‘matey'? In the 17th and 18th centuries pirates would sometimes agree to something called ‘matelotage’ – kind of like a pirate marriage! They would promise to share their treasure and money, and vow to fight side-by-side in battle. Create your own ‘matey’ jigsaw necklace to share with your favourite person, ready to grant you and your matey good luck on land and sea.

21st February - Singing Workshop  (Drop-in)
Venue: Rethink Space
Join in to create your very own improvised a capella song! This performance is led by Trans Voices Young Company facilitators and is interactive and participatory. 

Trans Voices is the UK's first professional trans+ choir launched in 2022. Affiliated with world-leading alternative choir London Contemporary Voices, Trans Voices is a diverse group of over 20 trans+ vocalists.

22nd February - Drag Story Time  (Drop-in)
Venue: Learning Space
We've heard whispers that Maneeta, the renowned pirate drag queen of the ship Dragged Around London, will be making a pit stop at the Museum this year. 

She's passionate about diversity in her crew and we've heard that she absolutely loves to read stories to kids that encourage them to feel accepted and included on board her vessel. We sent a missive to request her attendance, and we were overjoyed that she accepted the invitation. We're hoping that with enough doubloons she might even treat us to a little song... 

23rd February - Polari Zines  (Drop-in)
Venue: Learning Space
Discover the colourful world of Polari, a secret language once used by sailors and the LGBTQ+ community, in this fun, family-friendly workshop. Create your own Polari dictionary zine, match words to their meanings, and invent your own secret language through drawing and play!

* Suitable for all ages