A Legacy of Kindness: Telling the Story of The Gender Identity and Research Education Society (GIRES)

Two people at an outdoor event holding a card saying A Legacy of Kindness
Legacy of Kindness Curator E-J Scott (he/they), Museum of Transology with Project Manager Shaan Knan (he/him).

National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £10,000 to £250,000

Date awarded
Location
Leatherhead South
Local Authority
Mole Valley
Applicant
Gender Identity Research and Education Society
Award Given
£77988
Charity GIRES will carry out an oral history and archive project to record and celebrate the UK’s transgender and gender diverse community heritage.

A Legacy of Kindness project will showcase the rich history of Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES) – one of the longest-standing UK charities who are celebrating their 25th anniversary. GIRES, which aims to improve the lives of and advocate for transgender and gender diverse people, has been instrumental in several positive changes to trans rights in the UK. 

The project, which launched to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month 2022, aims to raise awareness of the UK’s transgender community heritage so it is better understood by society. The voices of trans and gender diverse people and their supporters will be captured, aiming to uncover generations of memories. 

The legacy of the project will help to educate and empower British society and the next generation, so that transgender heritage can be celebrated.

Cat Burton (she/her), Chair of GIRES 

A wide range of local and national organisations are involved, including archives and community groups such as Bishopsgate Archive and LGBT+ History Month.

Project activities will include: 

  • oral history training and archiving 
  • podcasts 
  • events 
  • trans awareness workshops  
  • working with volunteers 

The project, which will finish in summer 2023, will document discoveries on a dedicated website for future generations to learn from.

You might also be interested in...

Will you spare a few minutes to share your thoughts and experiences on using our website?

Take part in the survey