Lambeth LGBTQ+ Change Makers: Julian Hows

Lambeth has long been the home of radicals, reformers and innovators – people who changed history by campaigning, protesting, making things better in other people’s lives.

We follow Lambeth taking part in Pride, sharing the stories of people in the LGBTQ+ community who have been – and still are – active in helping to make Lambeth a borough of equity and justice.

1970s Lambeth was full of slum blocks slated for demolition or renovation, with no plans to create homes for young, single people. Julian Hows was one of the squatters who started housing co-ops that are still in business and an LGBTQ+ community that is still growing.

Community of young LGBTQ+ activists

“I came out at 14 when I was kicked out of school as a ‘corrupting influence’. From that squat in Railton Road we started what I believe was the first gay center in London.

“That young Lambeth LGBTQ community organized Pride marches until the mid-80s. It was all community activism – protesting against Ian Paisley and James Anderton of Manchester Police, hailing the Anti-Nazi League.

“I took over the Ritzy for the first all-night gay movie marathon. We took over the Town Hall for dances and fundraisers.

Squats and cooperatives that create homes for people

“We formed a housing co-operative, sold £1 shares and started negotiating with Lambeth Council to buy properties. There were squats in Vauxhall, Somerleyton Road, Bonneville Square – all creating housing for young singles who were not prioritized for shared housing.

The road ahead

“Diversity and inclusion goes a long way and liberties can be taken so easily. While schoolchildren questioning their sexuality are treated like political footballs, we must never rest.”