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.
![Two people at an outdoor event holding a card saying A Legacy of Kindness](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/A%20Legacy%20of%20Kindness%20celebrating%20transgender%20heritage.jpg.webp?itok=U5IwRrBC)
Projects
A Legacy of Kindness: Telling the Story of The Gender Identity and Research Education Society (GIRES)
Charity GIRES will carry out an oral history and archive project to record and celebrate the UK’s transgender and gender diverse community heritage.
![Three musicians perform](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/Culture%20Asia%20Heritage%20Fund.jpg.webp?itok=Kzf6Glaj)
News
Smaller grants making a big difference for Scottish communities
![Dynamic Collections: behind the scenes at Pitt Rivers](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/pitt-rivers.jpg.webp?itok=k4_9K2Ay)
Videos
Dynamic Collections: behind the scenes at Pitt Rivers
Publications
Understanding how we can be a more inclusive and equitable funder
![In Plain Sight poster Colourful handmade poster for the In Plain Sight project. Rainbows, flowers and an eye decorated with LGBTQ+ colours can be seen](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/In%20Plain%20Sight%20main%20image%20web.jpg.webp?itok=oNEhvqo9)
Projects
In Plain Sight: A Story of Gwen Lally
This Bradford-based project will explore the history and traditions of Gwen Lally – a queer historical figure and the first woman pageant producer in England
![LGBTQ+ projects that mean the most to us Two women at queer exhibition](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/photobooth-jass.jpg.webp?itok=fmqYtFMC)
Stories
LGBTQ+ projects that mean the most to us
![Wear it Out: The Culture and Heritage of LGBT* Dress in Sussex, 1917-2017 Outfits on display](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/queerlooks_install_heritage_fund%20credit%20Tessa%20Hallmann_0.jpg.webp?itok=DtP-mH9h)
Projects
Wear it out: The culture and heritage of LGBTQ+ dress in Sussex, 1917-2017
This cultural heritage project explored how some people from LGBTQ+ communities have historically used clothing to express identity. It focused on Sussex in the time period 1917-2017.
![Saving LGBTQ+ stories before they are lost forever Pride march 1974](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/Gay-Pride-March-1974_0.jpg.webp?itok=hPTriF-Z)
Stories
Saving LGBTQ+ stories before they are lost forever
![Pride! Prevention! Protection! Let’s Talk About Sex Old photo showing large billboard with the words "AIDS: don't die of ignorance"](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/ignorance_0.jpg.webp?itok=DbopLlZc)
Projects
Pride! Prevention! Protection! 30 years of safer sex
LGBT Foundation recorded the memories of people involved in and affected by safer sex campaigns from the 1980s to the present day.
![Portrait of Andrew White Director or Wales](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/Andrew_White_Director_of_Wales_0.jpg.webp?itok=L7JNtaeB)
Blogs
A year as Director of Wales: lockdowns, Pride and inclusion
![Dr Alan Butler](/sites/default/files/styles/hlf_xlarge/public/media/imgs/alanbutler954.png.webp?itok=yqxx9zZw)
Blogs
A space in the archives for LGBTQ+ heritage
Projects
Hands on Heritage
The Hands on Heritage project at Amgueddfa Cymru–National Museum Wales’ enabled young people from diverse backgrounds to have an impact on the collections.