Investing in LGBTQ+ heritage

Investing in LGBTQ+ heritage

Heritage has a crucial role to play in contributing to a flourishing, more equitable and inclusive society.

That's why 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.

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.

Burnley LGBT Heritage Project

Projects

Burnley LGBT Heritage Project

The Burnley LGBT Heritage Project focused on capturing the hidden histories of LGBT+ communities to explore the life stories, experiences and memories of people living in the area.

Example of polari in action

Projects

Bona Eek - The Polari Project

The Bona Eek project focused on rediscovering and documenting the largely lost language of Polari, examining its origins and its influence in contemporary language and life in LGBT+ communities and beyond.

Stephen Barlow yn gwenu at y camera, gwisgo crys glas
Stephen Barlow, Rheolwr Datblygu CDL Cymru

Blogs

Why do we celebrate LGBT heritage?

HLF Wales Development Manager Stephen Barlow reflects on the importance of celebrating his community's heritage

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