The Camden LGBT Forum and Queer Tours of London are teaming up for a party to honor the life of George Michael.

 

Michael died at his home in Goring-on-Thames on December 25, 2016. He was 53 and died of natural causes.

 

The “Sexual Freedom Party” is being planned for April 8 on Hampstead Heath, a popular London park known for its gay cruising area. At times, Michael would frequent the area, and was picked up by police at least once for doing so. He later explained in interviews that he "enjoyed occasional anonymous sex."

 

He released the single "Outside" about his experience.

 

The event will also help recognize the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK in 1967. 

 

The organizers explained the Michael was a very public example of the struggles many gay men faced (and still face). "His sexuality was used to both criminalise and humiliate him; sadly despite his and many others who have bravely fought back this still goes on for so many of us," they said in a statement. "So we want to use this celebration of one of the LGBTQIA+ community’s finest to continue to challenge the barriers that still remain."

 

“No longer with us but with presence stronger than ever, we gather at the world famous cruising area on Hampstead Heath, to 'Go Outside’ in honour of George Michael," added Queer Tours of London organizer Nell Andrew. "It will be a celebration of how he too back control after a very nasty public outing and turned it into a celebration of sexuality and sexual freedoms with the song 'Outside' and his every statement and action following this episode said screw the judgement of others."

 

So if you're in London and interested, you can get more information here.