Investing in LGBTQ+ heritage
That's why we inclusion, access and participation is one of the four investment principles that guide our grant decision making.
Since 1994 we've invested over £12million across the UK in sharing stories of LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other identities) heritage, creativity, activism and much more.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has increased loneliness and social isolation for many of us, including younger people and some LGBTQ+ people. It has never been more important to have reminders of the power of heritage in our relationships with each other, connecting past and present and strengthening our local communities.
Liz Ellis, Heritage Fund Policy Project Manager for inclusion
Here are some of the inspirational LGBTQ+ heritage projects we've been proud to fund. And if you've got an idea for a project, we'd love to hear from you.
The terms we use
At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we use the acronym LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer). The ‘+’ represents people who identify as non-binary, intersex, asexual and other identities.
We use these acronyms because we believe they are widely understood. Identities can be complex and intersectional, and we are also aware that for many these terms may feel inadequate or limiting. We keep the language we use constantly under review.
Blogs
Queer Heritage South: what we’ve learned about running LGBTQ+ heritage projects
![Two people preparing for a party hosted by Homotopia. Two people preparing for a party. One person is having a temporary transfer applied to their face.](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/nml_mike_parry_6_1.jpg.webp?itok=nRXV5uRj)
Projects
The Power of Holly Johnson
This project aims to explore the rich history and lasting influence of Holly Johnson and the LGBTQ+ community on the cultural fabric of Liverpool.
![People wear colourful clothes and hold banners and rainbow flags at Isle of Wight Pride.](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/isle_of_wight_pride._credit_hector_manchego.jpg.webp?itok=j9Q4cGaV)
Stories
LGBTQ+ heritage organisations share their advice on how to run great projects
Projects
Out On An Island: 100 years of Isle of Wight LGBTQ+ oral histories
StoneCrabs Theatre collaborated with the community on the island’s first LGBTQ+ oral history project.
Projects
Wild Mind LGBTQ+ natural heritage wellbeing workshops
The Wild Mind Project is restoring a neglected green space in Brighton through nature programmes for the young LGBTQ+ community.
Projects
Pride In Self, Pride In Place: the NHS and LGBTQ+ culture on the Isle of Wight
StoneCrabs Theatre is gathering oral histories to uncover the role of the NHS in the Isle of Wight’s LGBTQ+ culture between 1980 and 2000.
Projects
I Me Us Boundless: sharing stories of transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people in Cumbria
Through the collection of stories, this project will document the lived experiences of transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people in Cumbria.
![Leaders of the project pose for a group photo](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/microsoftteams-image_2.png.webp?itok=T0Lsck_M)
Projects
Creating Northern Ireland’s LGBTQ+ heritage archive
A collaborative effort will record and share Northern Ireland’s modern LGBTQ+ history.
![Two people holding a Pride flag](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/230629_tmi_pride-nrm_di_039.jpg.webp?itok=EChRFS-u)
Projects
People, Pride and Progress: recording the histories of LGBTQ+ railway workers
Through the collection of real-life stories, this project aims to spotlight the LGBTQ+ community’s contribution to the railways for the first time.
Projects
Black heritage, performance and Shakespeare in Scotland
Inspired by the untold history of Black performance in Scotland, this project celebrates modern black LGBTQ+ performance and widens understanding and engagement with Black Scottish heritage.
![A person standing in front of a glass display of pride flags, t-shirts, leaflets and other memorabilia in a glass case](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/Mark%20at%20the%20Wales%20is%20Proud%20exhibition.jpg.webp?itok=dVTkM9f5)
Stories
Wales is Proud: a look into a national LGBTQ+ collection
![It's OK 2 B U signs part of Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme Image of people standing in a line in a countryside setting holding signs reading It's OK 2 B U](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/2bu%20its%20ok%202%20b%20u%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=v8oUcWXB)
Blogs