Now, fascinating stories of the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) communities in Yorkshire are set to be explored and shared by three new projects announced today in Barnsley, Doncaster and West Yorkshire.

Thanks to National Lottery players, three groups in Yorkshire will share over £400,000 to undertake projects to record, explore and share the memories, culture and personal experiences of an often marginalized community, as well as celebrating the anniversary of an important milestone in the fight for equality in both law and society as a whole.

[quote=Fiona Spiers, Head of HLF Yorkshire and Humber]"These sorts of stories often go unrecorded, but provide an incredibly important context for the wider history of marginalised communities and movements for social change."[/quote]

Fiona Spiers, Head of HLF Yorkshire and Humber, said: “We are thrilled that, thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to provide this important investment in Yorkshire’s LGBTQ+ heritage. These sorts of stories often go unrecorded, but provide an incredibly important context for the wider history of marginalised communities and movements for social change."

Queer Stories

Yorkshire MESMAC has received initial support of £390,400 for their project to explore the heritage of LGBTQ+ communities in West Yorkshire. Queer Stories will focus on collecting oral history testimonies and material culture, then creating films, artworks and educational resources inspired by the stories and objects. These materials will be presented to encourage people to learn about the heritage through a website, events and workshops.

Hear my Voice

Barnsley MBC has received £10,000 for Hear My Voice: This is my Home, a project focusing on memories and stories from people from Barnsley’s LGBTQ+, disabled and ethnic minority communities. The project aims to give the wider community a better understanding and encourage a sense of empathy and connection to some of those who have been marginalised, or from those who can be some of the most vulnerable people in their communities.

Doncaster Pride

Doncaster Pride has received £10,000 for their project to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act 1967, and explore how attitudes have shifted over the last 50 years, and how legal changes have actually impacted on the LGBTQ+ community.