About us
Our commitment to
inclusivity
About the Committee
Our committee is a vibrant and dedicated team passionate about fostering inclusivity, amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices, and building a stronger community in Westminster. From advocacy to academia, arts, and mental health, our members bring diverse expertise and perspectives to create meaningful change. With leaders like Professor Pippa Poppy Catterall, a distinguished historian and policy expert, and Shaun Wallace, a researcher in the field of UK Afrodiasporan arts and heritage legacy, the team is rich with talent and drive.
Whether you are interested in arts, history, advocacy, or creating safe spaces for all, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Together, we can continue to grow an active, welcoming, and impactful community. Please use the contact form, available from the headlines, or email us at wlgbtcf@gmail.com.
Co-Chairs:
Pippa Poppy Catterall (she/her) has been co-chair of Westminster LGBT+ Forum since 2023. She is also Professor of History and Policy at the University of Westminster, Chair of the George Lansbury Memorial Trust and a trustee of the Heritage of London Trust.
Shaun Wallace (he/him) created a social enterprise, Arc of Triumph in 2018, to continue his work in the field of UK Afrodiasporan arts and heritage legacy, and contribute to digital and physical conversations, surrounding Queer Black and People of Colour in the UK. Recent projects include ‘Three Camden Stories’ a celebratory reflection on the untold lives of three interwar black gay men for Camden Black History Season 2023, and Archiving/ances.try an online platform commemorating hidden histories.
Committee Members:
Megan Dixon's (she/her) interest in happy communities has been a theme through her studies and career. Now working for Savills Property Management, in Westminster, she is Co-Chair of the divisional LGBTQ+ Network helping to grow the inclusive culture within the company and for customers at each managed destination. Her role at the Westminster LGBTQ+ Forum has been to help reignite it as an active, welcoming community group.
Patrick Larvie (he/him) is a newly retired social scientist and non profit leader. Patrick served as Board Chair for Asylum Access, Treasurer and Secretary for WyoFile (a non-profit media group) and was active with the Coalition for Positive Sexuality and Act-Up. Patrick lives in Westminster with his husband Ken and their 14 year old rescue Chihuahua, Lucy.
Rajat Shah (he/him) serves as the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Officer at the University of Westminster, where he collaborates closely with colleagues and students to foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity. With a background that includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA), he has worked across the Ed-tech, media, and entertainment industries before transitioning to higher education. In addition to his professional roles, Rajat is passionate about wellbeing and is a certified meditation facilitator.
Syed Masud ( He/him): Finance professional with two master’s degrees and a rich background in hospitality. Former restaurant entrepreneur with a passion for service and people. Kind, empathetic, and a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Combines analytical expertise with real-world experience to drive inclusive, people-centered solutions across diverse business environments.
Support staff:
Lorenzo Belenguer (he/they) is a nonbinary visual artist and LGBTQ+ activist exploring identity, power, and ecology through a minimalist, socially engaged lens. Based in Westminster, he is Events and Policy Lead at the Westminster LGBT+ Forum and holds an MA in Philosophy & AI. He has exhibited at the British Museum and Tate Modern.
The Westminster LGBT+ Forum is a caring, sharing constituted group run by volunteers and a dedicated committee. Our aim is to connect and support members and allies of the wider LGBTQIA+ community through shared lobbying, social and cultural events as well as sign posting to partner organisations providing wellbeing support.
The Westminster LGBT+ Forum is free to join and welcomes all members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community who live, work, visit, or simply have a connection to Westminster. Becoming a member is easy—anyone can join by subscribing to our newsletter. Since 2012, the Forum has played a vital role in the life of the borough, offering a platform to address the social, cultural, and wellbeing concerns of LGBTQ+ people in Westminster.
Our core values
Advocacy
Equal Opportunities
Inclusivity
Representation
Events
Wellbeing Support
Community Support
What our members are saying
"The Forum has given me a vibrant sense of community and acceptance."
"It's more than a group—it's a family where everyone is welcome."
“Finding the Forum was like coming home; it has empowered me to embrace my identity.”
