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Trans Lives 2025: Continuing to endure the UK’s hostile environment

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Trans Lives 2025: Continuing to endure the UK’s hostile environment

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In December 2024 and January 2025, TransActual asked trans people in the UK to take part in a survey, building on the findings of The Trans Lives Survey 2021: Enduring the UK’s Hostile Environment. We asked them about their experiences at home, work, out and about in their communities, online and in healthcare settings. We also asked them about media transphobia and about their access to identity documents that reflect who they are.

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Trans Lives 2025: Continuing to endure the UK’s hostile environment – TransActual

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In December 2024 and January 2025, TransActual asked trans people in the UK to take part in a survey, building on the findings of The Trans Lives Survey 2021: Enduring the UK’s Hostile Environment. We asked them about their experiences at home, work, out and about in their communities, online and in healthcare settings. We also asked them about media transphobia and about their access to identity documents that reflect who they are.

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QueerAF: 58 UK public libraries have parenting books encouraging ‘desistance’ and detransitioning

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QueerAF: 58 UK public libraries have parenting books encouraging ‘desistance’ and detransitioning

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An anti-trans book that encourages ‘desistance’, the practice of ‘reverting back to a cisgender identity’, is available in 58 public libraries in the UK, a QueerAF investigation has uncovered. The book encourages parents to put children in anti-affirmation medical and educational spaces, and to cut off loved ones who support their child's transition. Meanwhile, a UK government library has removed a book encouraging psychiatrists to work on the basis that Trans+ children are being “indoctrinated”, pending an investigation.

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58 UK public libraries have parenting books with advice to encourage children to detransition

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An anti-trans book that encourages ‘desistance’, the practice of ‘reverting back to a cisgender identity’, is available to parents all across the UK

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This guide to interpreting LGBTQIA+ heritage is aimed at interpreters working in any heritage setting, with any budget and level of experience.

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Heritage Interpretation: Best Practices and Insights

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Essential strategies and best practices for effective heritage interpretation that resonates with visitors and preserves cultural significance.

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QueerAF - the ultimate toolkit to shut down lies about Trans+ People

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QueerAF - the ultimate toolkit to shut down lies about Trans+ People

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For Trans+ History Week, QueerAF has produced the intiative's third annual workbook which delves into four Trans+ history stories you never had.

It is packed full of tips, lessons and ideas for how you can make our history better known to shut down pernicious lies about our community.

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New free resource: The ultimate toolkit to shut down lies about Trans+ People

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Tips, lessons and ideas for how you can make our history better known to drown out pernicious lies

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LGBTQ+ History Month 2026 by Bookshop.org UK

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LGBTQ+ History Month 2026 by Bookshop.org UK

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Here we shine a light on history, on lived experience and storied lives. The freedom to exist, speak, and write these words is not a given within the global political landscape, neither is the right to read them. Discover these books and keep independent voices, and independent bookshops, thriving with us.

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Here we shine a light on history, on lived experience and storied lives.

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Trans+ History Week is dedicated to celebrating the rich history of transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse, and intersex individuals through stories, events and lesson books for the whole world to use. It is a QueerAF launchpad project and an independent Trans+ led CIC with small staff team supported by a team of volunteers.

Information is a tool for liberation, and learning lessons from history helps us win the fight today. QueerAF runs the official content and mentoring of creatives for the week while supporting the initiative's events and working with international partners to deliver a global impact.

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Trans+ History Week - The History Lesson We Never Had

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Knowledge of our past is fundamental for our liberation. Trans+ History Week is a week-long reflective period to learn and celebrate the momentous and millennia-old history of transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse and Intersex people.

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From BC to AD LGBT+ people have existed. 2026 will be the 22nd UK LGBT+ History Month, the first UK LGBT+ History Month was in 2005. The month highlights the incredible things LGBT+ people in all our diversity have achieved throughout history, in all areas of life.

Over the past 50+ years Schools OUT have worked to #educateOUTprejudice and usualise LGBT+ lives, creating learning environments where all LGBT+ people feel safe, seen, and supported. This is why, following the repeal of Section 28, we founded UK LGBT+ History Month to be a dedicated space to celebrate our rich and diverse history, herstory, theirstory.

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If you'd like to donate to support our work, click here to donate via PayPal.

Free Schools Presentation

For 2026 we are able to offer free LGBT+ History Month presentations for secondary schools, pride clubs and youth groups. If you are interested in booking one of these for your schools we suggest that you book before the 22nd December 2025 as place are limited.

You can book your presentation here.

Buy a 2026 UK LGBT+ History Month Pin Badge

LGBT+ History Month 2026

From BC to AD LGBT+ people have existed. 2026 will be the 22nd UK LGBT+ History Month, the first UK LGBT+ History Month was in 2005. The month highlights the incredible things LGBT+ people in all our diversity have achieved throughout history, in all areas of life.

Over the past 50+ years Schools OUT have worked to #educateOUTprejudice and usualise LGBT+ lives, creating learning environments where all LGBT+ people feel safe, seen, and supported. This is why, following the repeal of Section 28, we founded UK LGBT+ History Month to be a dedicated space to celebrate our rich and diverse history, herstory, theirstory. With events in the USA, Europe and the UK it is even more important that we:

Claim our past

Celebrate our present

Create our future

On Friday 7th November 2025 we launched the 2026 theme from the Royal Society of Chemistry, at Burlington House in London.

Science & Innovation

Science and innovation impacts our daily lives, from the technology we use to developments in healthcare, as well as helping us to address global challenges such as climate change and access to clean energy.

Diverse teams are essential for the development of solutions which benefit everyone, yet we might often struggle to name LGBT+ scientists and innovators. The 2026 theme for LGBT+ History Month aims to highlight the contributions of LGBT+ people historically and today, and to raise awareness of the people behind them.

Alongside celebrating LGBT+ people, it is important to highlight the harm that LGBT+ people have historically faced as a result of the ways in which science has been explored and misapplied in the past, such as through the medicalisation and pathologisation of LGBT+ identities, and how we still need to address this today.

Each year we choose five LGBT+ historical figures in line with the theme to highlight. This year we have chosen:

Barbara Burford, a medical researcher who established NHS equality and diversity guidelines

Charles Beyer, a locomotive engineer and a founding member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers

Elke Mackenzie, a botanist who researched lichens in Antarctica

Jemma Redmond, a biotechnologist who developed 3D bioprinters to create tissues and organs

Robert Boyle, a founder of modern chemistry and of the modern scientific method

Please register here if you or your organisation is planning on celebrating UK LGBT+ History Month 2026. By registering you will receive advance notification about the launch, webinars and resources.

Who is LGBT+ History Month for?
UK LGBT+ History Month is for everyone; whether you work in education, a museum, a library or an art gallery, a business, a service, or are a member of a network/social group or an individual.
When is it celebrated?
It is celebrated every February across the UK and was founded in 2004 by Schools OUT UK co-chairs, Paul Patrick & Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders. It was first celebrated in February 2005 and 2026 will be the 22nd UK LGBT+ History Month.
Why was it founded?
For so long LGBT+ people's history was hidden, following the repeal of Section 28 Schools OUT created UK LGBT+ History Month to:

claim our past

celebrate our present

create our future

We wanted to create a dedicated space to celebrate our rich and diverse history, herstory and theirstory.
How do we help you celebrate LGBT+ History Month?
Every year Schools OUT sets the theme for UK LGBT+ History Month and provides free resources for education settings, businesses, services, organisations and individuals to help them celebrate and 'Usualise' LGBT+ lives in their full diversity.
Why is it called LGBT+ History Month and not LGBTQ+ History Month?
We wanted to ensure that LGBT+ History Month celebrates LGBTQIA+ communities in all our diversity. Adding 'Q' for 'Queer' was considered but we decided to use 'plus' instead to include all our communities, and because for some of our communities the term 'Queer' is associated with a time it was used in a negative context. We understand that your organisation may choose to refer to LGBT+ History Month as LGBTQ+ History Month for your own communications.

Click on the images to download.

Dr Robin Hayward

The official 2026 UK LGBT+ History Month badge was designed by Dr Robin Hayward (they/them), a science communicator and designer who specialises in the subjects of trees, woodlands, and queerness in nature. They are a published scientist in the field of ecology and have experience designing badges for their own small business, where they create science and nature inspired enamel pride pins to sell online.

The badge design creatively interprets the intersex-inclusive Progress Pride flag as an exciting demonstration of chemical reactivity. The Pride colours of the design expand to free movement outside of their rigid container and the bold outlines of the logo's lower half.

Chemical reactions such as this occur when different materials are brought together and allowed to mix, just as our diverse identities can bring about sudden and creative change when acting in community.

You can see Robin's other work on their Etsy shop.

2026 Badge Design

JPG

PNG

UK LGBT+ History Month Logo's

Zoom/Teams Backgrounds

To combat the dearth of LGBT+ role models in STEMM fields beyond Alan Turing, PRISM Exeter devised their Queer Science Competition. Running bi-annually during UK LGBT+ History Month between 2020 and 2024, this competition provided cash and work experience incentives to encourage secondary school, college and university students across South West England to discover LGBT+ scientists, technologists, engineers, mathematicians and medics for themselves. Entrants were tasked with summarising - in just 300 words or a 3 minute video - what the person did, how they identified and, most importantly, how the person inspired them. Educational resources, which include posters, postcards, videos and class activities, have been produced in collaboration with Schools OUT to share these stories of inspiration more widely.

Find out more and download the resources here.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settings ACCEPT

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LGBT+ History Month 2026 - LGBT+ History Month

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If you'd like to donate to support our work, click here to donate via PayPal. Free Schools Presentation For 2026 we are able to offer free LGBT+ History Month presentations for secondary schools, pride clubs and youth groups. If you are interested in booking one of these for your schools we suggest that you book...

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We're the UK's only non-profit and regulated LGBTQIA+ publisher. Our award-winning platforms, newsletters and podcasts are launching the careers of emerging and underrepresented LGBTQIA+ creatives. We're driven by people, not advertisers.

Our top-rated weekly newsletter is publishing, mentoring, and building the resilience of queer creatives, and our podcast is helping creatives pick up awards, national radio bylines and equipment they keep for life.

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A platform funding queer creatives and changing the media. Award-winning podcast and top-rated newsletter. We are QueerAF, and so you.

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The Response of Libraries, Museums, Archives and Heritage since 1950

By John Vincent

This book examines the complex and conflicting relationships between LGBT people and our cultural and heritage organisations including libraries, museums and archives. In this unique book established author John Vincent draws together current good practice, and also highlights issues which urgently still need to be addressed. To set the work of libraries, museums and archives in context, Vincent traces the development of LGBT rights in the UK. He goes on to examine some of the reasons for hostility and hatred against this minority group and critically explores provision that has been made by cultural and heritage organisations. He offers examples of good practice - not only from the UK, but from across the world - and draws up an essential 'charter' for future development. This compelling, practical book should be read by managers and staff in libraries, museums and archives around the world looking for guidance on this important issue.

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LGBT People and the UK Cultural Sector: The Response of Libraries, Museums, Archives and Heritage since 1950, 1st Edition (Hardback) - Routledge

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This book examines the complex and conflicting relationships between LGBT people and our cultural and heritage organisations including libraries, museums and archives. In this unique book established author John Vincent draws together current good practice, and also highlights issues which urgently still need to be addressed.

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Workplace Issues for LGBTQ Librarians

Out Behind the Desk: Workplace Issues for LGBTQ Librarians is an anthology of personal accounts by librarians and library workers relating experiences of being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or queer at work. A broad spectrum of orientations and gender identities are represented, highlighting a range of experiences of being and/or coming out at work.

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Number one in the series Gender and Sexuality in Information Studies, Emily Drabinski, series editor

Out Behind the Desk: Workplace Issues for LGBTQ Librarians is an anthology of personal accounts by librarians and library workers relating experiences of being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or queer at work. A broad spectrum of orientations and gender identities are represented, highlighting a range of experiences of being and/or coming out at work.

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Out Behind the Desk | Litwin Books & Library Juice Press

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Number one in the series Gender and Sexuality in Information Studies, Emily Drabinski, series editor Out Behind the Desk: Workplace Issues for LGBTQ Librarians is an anthology of personal accounts by librarians and library workers relating experiences of being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or queer at work.

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Founded by Carissa Chew in 2021, the Cultural Heritage Terminology Network promotes cross-institutional collaboration on inclusive description issues and open access to inclusive description resources. If you are looking for practical guidance on how to identify and address the presence of harmful imagery and discriminatory language across heritage collections, catalogues, websites, and exhibitions, you are in the right place!

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Welcome to CHTNUK
Founded by Carissa Chew in 2021, the Cultural Heritage Terminology Network promotes cross-institutional collaboration on inclusive description issues. If you are looking for practical guidance on how to identify and address the presence of harmful imagery and discriminatory language across heritage collections, catalogues, websites, and exhibitions, you are in the right place!
GET INVOLVED

The Cultural Heritage Terminology Network is a space for practice sharing. Whether you have an unresolved terminology query or want to discuss current praxis, there are a number of ways in which you can get involved and support the network:

Check out our Discussion Forum. Feel free to introduce yourself, connect with the community, and if you have a query about terminology or praxis you can post it here.

Help to answer other people's queries. Whether you have training or lived experience relating to an issue, we would love to hear your thoughts!

Got something to say or want to share an example of current praxis? Head to our blog feature where you can submit a post and comment on others.

Contribute your knowledge to the Inclusive Terminology Glossary, a collaborative google document that relies on crowdsourcing.

Have you found a useful EDI resource that is missing from our website? Send it to culturalheritageterminology@gmail.com

Show your appreciation by donating to the project or hire Carissa to give a workshop at your institution.

Join our mailing list to stay up to date with CHTNUK news and events.

Engage with CHTNUK on Slack, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok!

ABOUT THE CREATOR
Carissa Chew is a History PhD Student and Teaching Assistant at the University of Hawai‛i at Mānoa. Her academic research explores the identities of people of mixed Black and South Asian heritage in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda in the period 1940-1980. After graduating with a first class BA in English Literature and History from the University of Edinburgh, Carissa completed an MPhil in World History at the University of Cambridge. From September 2020 to June 2021, Carissa worked as the Equalities, Diversity, and Inclusion Intern at the National Library of Scotland. It was during this time that she founded CHTNUK and created the Inclusive Terminology Glossary. Carissa now works freelance as an Inclusive Metadata Consultant, most recently completing projects with Glasgow School of Art Library and The Imperial War Museums.

The Inclusive Terminology Glossary provides guidance on discriminatory and harmful language relating to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, and disability. Please contribute to this collaborative project, designed to help heritage professionals create accurate and inclusive metadata, exhibition text, advisory notices, and other resources.

CHTNUK is the home for inclusive description resources. Working on something new? Send it to us! It is essential that we share good practice and learn from one another, building on the foundational work that has already been taking place across the sector. Whether it is cataloguing guidance, professional training opportunities, or examples of advisory notices and content filters that you are looking for, you will find it all here.

Virtual Workshops
Carissa Chew, the creator of the Inclusive Terminology Glossary and the founder of CHTNUK, offers online talks and workshops on inclusive cataloguing and reparative description.

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Welcome to CHTNUK Founded by Carissa Chew in 2021, the Cultural Heritage Terminology Network promotes cross-institutional collaboration on inclusive description issues. If you are looking for practical guidance on how to identify and address the presence of harmful imagery and discriminatory language across heritage collections, catalogues, websites, and exhibitions, you are in the right place!...

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Toolkit: How to Queer Your Historic House

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Toolkit: How to Queer Your Historic House

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How to Queer Your Historic House, which was made possible thanks to funding from the Queer Heritage and Collections Network, explains the importance of ensuring LGBTQ+ representation in historic spaces and offers practical advice on research methods, interpretation, and engagement.

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Launch of MGS-backed toolkit on queering historic houses - Museums Galleries Scotland

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We’re pleased to endorse ‘How to Queer Your Historic House’, a new toolkit by heritage sector worker Indigo Dunphy-Smith.

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Webinar: How to be a good ally to trans*, non-binary and gender-conforming people 

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Webinar: How to be a good ally to trans*, non-binary and gender-conforming people 

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Now, more than ever, the support of allies is essential for trans*, non-binary and gender-nonconforming people. In this webinar, Binni will talk about what you can do for your trans* friends, colleagues and loved ones to help create inclusive and welcoming spaces.

Speaker Binni Brynolf (they/them) is a member of the LGBTQ+ Network committee.

Tuesday 27 May 2025, 13.00-14.00 on Teams

Register to receive meeting link.

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Practical Tips for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Libraries by Beth Montague-Hellen

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Practical Tips for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Libraries by Beth Montague-Hellen

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Beth Montague-Hellen (current CILIP LGBTQ+ Network Chair) gives clear examples of steps to increase diversity and inclusion, to help libraries to fit their collections and services to those who need them and to bring in skilled staff who may have previously been overlooked.

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Practical Tips for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Libraries

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Increasing diversity and inclusion is key to helping libraries serve their communities better. Readers of this book will be equipped to assess their own library, talk about challenges with more confidence, and make concrete changes to improve diversity and inclusion.

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20 TRANS NON-FICTION BOOKS TO READ DURING #TRANS HISTORY WEEK

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20 TRANS NON-FICTION BOOKS TO READ DURING #TRANS HISTORY WEEK

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#TransHistoryWeek runs from the 5th to the 11th of May.

Looking to add some trans history to your reading list? Here are 20 non-fiction books written by and about trans & non-binary people.

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Proud Geek LGBTQ+ Bookshop (@proud-geek.co.uk)

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#TransHistoryWeek runs from the 5th to the 11th of May. Looking to add some trans history to your reading list? Here are 20 non-fiction books written by and about trans & non-binary people: (There’s a list of book titles and authors in the alt text) #booksky

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International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination on 17th May

Register to get the toolkit!

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1. Go Rainbow

Whether it's with your school, workplace or by yourself, go rainbow to signal your stance against LGBTQIA+ discrimination.

2. Host an Activity

Get together and host an event for LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Big or small, your event will make a difference.

3. Build Inclusion

Build LGBTQIA+ inclusion all year round with a guest speaker or inclusion training session and hear directly from those with lived-experience.

4. Change the World

Make a difference to the life of someone in need. Fundraise or partner with us to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth across Australia all year round.

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Whether it's with your school, workplace or by yourself, go rainbow to signal your stance against LGBTQIA+ discrimination. Get together and host an event for LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Big or small, your event will make a difference. Build LGBTQIA+ inclusion all year round with a guest speaker or inclusion training session and hear directly from those with lived-experience.

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Trans+ Virtual Centre of Excellence Statement on Supreme Court Ruling

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Trans+ Virtual Centre of Excellence Statement on Supreme Court Ruling

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This document offers

✅ Practical suggestions for institutions

✅ Resources and support for individuals

✅ A collective call to solidarity and resistance

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Trans+ Virtual Centre of Excellence (TVCE) Statement - April 2025 | PDF to Flipbook

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UK Supreme Court Ruling: Impact on Trans+ Rights. PDF to flipbook converted using heyzine.com

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CILIP always has and always will support the whole library, knowledge and information workforce, and all service users – including trans people.

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Building Inclusive Queer Spaces: A Community Toolkit

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Building Inclusive Queer Spaces: A Community Toolkit

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This Toolkit is for anyone who wants LGBTQIA+ spaces to be welcoming, inclusive and supportive of everyone in our community...It is for venue owners and managers; service providers and users; organisations’ staff and volunteers; trustees and grant-givers; promoters, punters, performers and participants; people young and old, whatever their dreams or desires.

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LGBTQ+ migrants and homeless people tackle social exclusion with new toolkit

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The toolkit is packed with concrete steps to help make organisations and businesses more inclusive for migrant and homeless LGBTQ+ people.

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Out Loud: A History of LGBTQ+ People and Public Libraries

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Out Loud: A History of LGBTQ+ People and Public Libraries

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In this free talk, librarian Isadore will take the audience on a potted history of public libraries, as both havens for and censors of LGBTQ+ material.

There will be time for audience members to share their own experiences if they wish to, and hear more about what's on offer in Southwark for LGBTIQ+ library users and their allies.

Thursday 27 Feb 2025 14:00-15:00 at Dulwich Library

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Out Loud: A History of LGBTQ+ People and Public Libraries

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A potted history of public libraries, as both havens for and censors of LGBTQ+ material.

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“Is That a Boy’s Toy?” – new show in Brixton Library

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“Is That a Boy’s Toy?” – new show in Brixton Library

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“Is That a Boy’s Toy?” is a new show at Brixton’s Tate Library to mark LGBTQ+ history month. Curated by local queer artist, Xavier White, the show includes over 50 artworks which explore, illuminate and celebrate LGBTQ+ lives and experience.

“Is That a Boy’s Toy?” runs in Brixton’s Tate Library, Windrush Square until 27 February.

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“Is That a Boy’s Toy?” - new show in Brixton Library

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“Is That a Boy’s Toy?” is a new show at Brixton’s Tate Library to mark LGBTQ+ history month. Curated by local queer artist, Xavier White, the show includes over 50 artworks which explore, illuminate and celebrate LGBTQ+ lives and experience. What is Queer Art? Xavier defines it not simply as work pr

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This talk delves into the critical importance of preserving the identities, narratives, and histories of marginalised communities. We'll explore the evolving relationship between "modern" and "traditional" archiving methods and the unique challenges they face in today's world.

14th February 2025, 12.00 - 1pm on Zoom

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New research shows almost 40% of LGBTQ+ employees still hide their identity at work

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New research shows almost 40% of LGBTQ+ employees still hide their identity at work

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As LGBTQ+ History Month begins, our new research has highlighted the extent of workplace discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people in the UK.

The statistics come as the new US administration has rolled back federal commitments to DEI programmes, and threatened future action on private companies.

The research shows that:

Two in five (39 per cent) LGBTQ+ employeesstill feel the need to hide the fact they are LGBTQ+ at work

Over a third of employees (36 per cent) have heard discriminatory comments made about an LGBTQ+ colleague

More than 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ people (26 per cent) experienced negative comments or conduct from customers or clients because of their identity

12 per cent of LGBTQ+ employees believed they were fired or dismissed because they are LGBTQ+

Nearly a third of LGBTQ+ employees (31 per cent) did not agree they could be themselves at work. Of these, 53% have experienced discrimination, such as receiving verbal or physical abuse, or feeling excluded

Three in ten LGBTQ+ employees (31%) wouldn’t feel comfortable reporting discrimination if they experienced homophobic or biphobic bullying or harassment.

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New research shows almost 40% of LGBTQ+ employees still hide their…

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As LGBTQ+ History Month begins, new research commissioned by Stonewall has highlighted the extent of workplace discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people in…

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Pop'n'Olly LGBT+ History Month Education Pack

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Pop'n'Olly LGBT+ History Month Education Pack

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Our latest education pack explores the life and legacy of Alan Turing, one of history’s greatest minds. The perfect resource for celebrating LGBT+ History Month in primary schools.

The pack is available now for FREE!

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JANUARY 2025 12193 LGBT+ Books Donated to UK Primary Schools

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Hey You! Sparking LGBTQ+ Joy in your inbox! Here’s this month’s updates…

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LGBT+ History Month event: 100 Years of The Well of Loneliness: Addressing Historical Forms of Erasure and Fostering Connection 

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LGBT+ History Month event: 100 Years of The Well of Loneliness: Addressing Historical Forms of Erasure and Fostering Connection 

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For LGBTQ+ History Month the CILIP LGBTQ+ Network invites Professor Jana Funke to join us in discussing her new AHRC-funded project "100 Years of The Well of Loneliness". A book which has been a source of source and affirmation as well as alienating, offending, and dividing audiences, and which has lessons in teaching us about alienation and censorship of voices today.

Online event on Friday 28 February 28 at 3pm

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CILIP: the library and information association

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20 Trans & Non-Binary Books To Read in 2025

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20 Trans & Non-Binary Books To Read in 2025

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As 2024 comes to a close, we're taking a look at some of the best trans and non-binary books coming out in 2025. From chilling trans horror to non-binary romance and genderfluid fantasy, here's our list of 20 trans and non-binary books to keep an eye out for in 2025.

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20 Trans & Non-Binary Books To Read in 2025

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From chilling trans horror to non-binary romance and genderfluid fantasy, here are 20 trans and non-binary books to read in 2025.

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LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH 2025: ACTIVISM AND SOCIAL CHANGE

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LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH 2025: ACTIVISM AND SOCIAL CHANGE

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The Proud Trust has produced a free downloadable pack for schools to celebrate LGBT+ History Month, including engaging lesson plans and powerpoints developed by our expert Training and Education team. The lesson plans are written with the National Curriculum in mind, with activities which can tie in to History, Relationships and Sex Education, Media Studies and English lessons.

This resource includes:

Introductory assembly powerpoint

How-to guide

Lesson plan and powerpoint for Primary schools

Lesson plan and powerpoint for Secondary schools

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We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2023. LGBT+ young people exist in every space where young people are, including classrooms. At The Proud Trust, we often talk about the quote "if you can see it you can be it..." The opportunity that positive education during LGBT+ History Month provides is therefore twofold:

To give young people the knowledge to understand and embrace the rich diversity of the world they live in, and for some, the words to describe their own experiences.

To make visible the LGBT+ people who have been successful in a myriad of different professions.

This year's theme "Behind the Lens" gives us a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the lives and professional accomplishments of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, many of who work outside of the limelight in the fields of photography, film making, TV, music and fashion.

LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH 2022: The Arc is Long

We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2022, in conjunction with Schools OUT UK.

This year's theme "The Arc is Long" is inspired by a Martin Luther King quote:

'The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.'
The quote is thought to mean that although it is taking a long time, we are curving/moving towards social justice and fairness.

This theme provides us with the opportunity to explore the idea of social justice and changing attitudes towards LGBT+ people. While we have come a long way in terms of inclusion and attitudes towards same gender relationships and equal marriage, there is still a great deal of work that can happen in terms of positive trans (including non-binary) representation and inclusion.

We extend a massive proud "shout out" to Finn, a Proud Trust young person who designed this year's LGBT+ History Month logo and badge, firmly taking their own place in LGBT+ history! Can a young person from your school or youth group design next year's logo? See session two in the pack!

LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH 2021: BODY, MIND, SPIRIT

We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2021, as always, in conjunction with Schools OUT UK. The theme this year of Body, Mind and Spirit has provided us with much opportunity to explore the complexities of who we are and what we can aspire to be. There is even a chance for young people to design the LGBT+ History Month logo and badge for 2022, taking their own place in LGBT+ history!

This year also sees the launch of "The Classroom" on our sister Rainbow Flag Award website. Here you will find the 2021 LGBT+ History Month activity pack already prepared for classroom use, with PowerPoints and lesson plans. Explore The Rainbow Flag Award Classroom, with many other free LGBT+ inclusive lessons for you to download and deliver.

We recognise that this year, you might be delivering the LGBT+ History Month activities online. As such, the digital activity assets have been provided separately, for you to download and make use of, on your chosen online platform.

Please note, if you have an issue downloading these resources, it could be down to your schools firewall settings. If you download it outside of your workplace, you shouldn't experience any issues.

LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH 2020: POETRY PROSE AND PLAYS

We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2020, in conjunction with Schools OUT UK. This year, the whole of LGBT+ History Month has been dedicated to Lyra McKee, the journalist and LGBT+ activist who was shot dead during rioting in Northern Ireland in 2019. With that in mind, we're grateful to Sara Canning, Lyra's partner at the time of her death, for writing the foreword to this years pack.

The theme this year of Poetry, Prose and Plays provides us with rich pickings in terms of activities for young people. We hope you will enjoy delivering the four sessions, one on terminology, then one of each of poetry, prose and plays. This pack will help you bring LGBT+ awareness into your youth groups or classrooms, and could be delivered as part of PSHE, English, drama or history!

LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2019: PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND ACTIVISM

The 2019 theme was of such great importance, enabling an exploration of LGBT+ activism in the year that marked 50 years since the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in LGBT+ rights and history. It is crucial that the struggles and fights of others, to give us the lives we have today, are recognised. It is also so important that we understand the fights that are still continuing to happen, and still need to happen, to give folk liberation and peace.

Our thanks are extended to Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, founder of UK Black Pride, who has kindly written the thought provoking foreword to this years pack.

This four session pack will help you bring LGBT+ awareness into your youth groups or classrooms, and could be delivered as part of PSHE or history!

LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2018: GEOGRAPHY - MAPPING OUR WORLD

We're thrilled to bring you the LGBT History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2018, in conjunction with Schools OUT UK. We're also delighted that Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey, co-founder of Harvey Milk Foundation and international LGBT rights campaigner, has also contributed, by writing the foreword.

This three session pack will help you bring LGBT awareness into your youth groups or classrooms, and could be delivered as part of PSHE, history or geography! This years pack has been quality assured by the PSHE Association.

LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2017: CITIZENSHIP, PSHE AND LAW

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Free LGBT+ History Month Resources- The Proud Trust

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We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2023. LGBT+ young people exist in every space where young people are, including classrooms. At The Proud Trust, we often talk about the quote "if you can see it you can be it..."

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We are seeking participants with lived experience as LGBTQ+ people to engage in a workshop to inform our future research guidance.

This is a paid opportunity, with £100 fee for your time. There is also an optional travel bursary application for people travelling from beyond London.

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Focus group on The National Archives LGBTQ+ history guidance

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Eventbrite - The National Archives: for academic and research communities presents Focus group on The National Archives LGBTQ+ history guidance - Friday, January 31, 2025 at The National Archives, Kew, Surrey. Find event and ticket information.

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In 2025 Schools OUT is celebrating its 50th year and 20 years of UK LGBT+ History Month. The 2025 UK LGBT+ History Month theme is: Activism and Social Change

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LGBT+ History Month 2025

In 2025 Schools OUT is celebrating its 50th year and 20 years of UK LGBT+ History Month.

Schools OUT was delighted to launch the UK LGBT+ History Month 2025 theme from Conway Hall. A place steeped in history from the conference of doctors that led to the founding of the NHS, to speakers such as George Orwell.

The 2025 UK LGBT+ History Month theme is:
Activism and Social Change
Schools OUT founded UK LGBT+ History Month to be a dedicated space to celebrate our rich and diverse history, herstory, theirstory. Throughout history LGBT+ people have been activists and helped shape and create social change, advancing society for everyone.

Each year we set the theme, choosing five LGBT+ historical figures to highlight and provide free resources to education settings, organisations, and businesses. In addition, across our social media channels, we highlight the five LGBT+ historical figures and UK LGBT+ people past and present in line with the theme.

The 2025 LGBT+ Historical Figures are:

Octavia Hill

Ivor Cummings

Annie Kenney

Charlie Kiss

Olaudah Equiano

The official 2025 UK LGBT+ History Month badge was designed by Emily, a 12-year-old pupil from St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy in Sunderland who was the winner of our Schools badge competition. Buy your badge here.

To mark the 20th UK LGBT+ History Month we shortly be releasing a limited number of UK LGBT+ History Month badges from previous years.

If you are planning on celebrating UK LGBT+ History Month in February 2025 please register on the form below to get early access to resources to help you celebrate the month.

You can also now book a speaker for your UK LGBT+ History Month events in February here, book before Christmas to avoid disappointment.

If you are planning an event remember to add it to the official UK LGBT+ History Month calendar here.

Who is LGBT+ History Month for?
LGBT+ History Month is for everyone; whether you work in education, a museum, a library or an art gallery, a business, a service, or are a member of a network/social group or an individual.
When is it celebrated?
It is celebrated every February across the UK and was founded in 2004 by Schools OUT UK co-chairs, Paul Patrick & Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders. It was first celebrated in February 2005 and 2025 will be its 20th year.
Why was it founded?
For so long LGBT+ people's history was hidden, following the repeal of Section 28 Schools OUT created UK LGBT+ History Month to:

claim our past

celebrate our present

create our future

We wanted to create a dedicated space to celebrate our rich and diverse history, herstory and theirstory.
How do we help you celebrate LGBT+ History Month?
Every year Schools OUT sets the theme for LGBT+ History Month and provides free resources for education settings, businesses, services, organisations and individuals to help them celebrate and 'Usualise' LGBT+ lives in their full diversity.
Why is it called LGBT+ History Month and not LGBTQ+ History Month?
We wanted to ensure that LGBT+ History Month celebrates LGBTQIA+ communities in all our diversity. Adding 'Q' for 'Queer' was considered but we decided to use 'plus' instead to include all our communities, and because for some of our communities the term 'Queer' is associated with a time it was used in a negative context.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settings ACCEPT

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LGBT+ History Month 2025 In 2025 Schools OUT is celebrating its 50th year and 20 years of UK LGBT+ History Month. Schools OUT was delighted to launch the UK LGBT+ History Month 2025 theme from Conway Hall. A place steeped in history from the conference of doctors that led to the founding of the NHS,...

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Trans Inclusion Toolkit for Greater Manchester Schools

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Trans Inclusion Toolkit for Greater Manchester Schools

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The trans inclusion toolkit is an in-depth and practical how-to guide for teachers and school staff, giving them all the information and tools they need to best support the trans and non-binary young people in their school.

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Trans Inclusion Toolkit for Greater Manchester Schools

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The Proud Trust’s Trans Inclusion Toolkit for Greater Manchester Schools is a practical how-to guide, designed to help teachers and school staff to better support the trans and non-binary students in their school.

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The Queer Heritage and Collections Network (QHCN), with support from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, is pleased to announce an open call to work with Network members to co-design and co-deliver at least 6 new Creative Projects with English museums/heritage organisations.

The selected projects will benefit the widest possible audiences, address key priorities identified by the Network and exemplify leading-edge practice in the area of LGBTQIA+ heritage and collections engagement.

We are accepting submissions for project proposals for up to £10,000 (with a minimum of £3,000 per project).

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The Queer Heritage and Collections Network (QHCN), with support from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, is pleased to announce an open call to work with Network members to co-design…

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PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news

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With headline acts including Girls Aloud, The Cheeky Girls and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, this year's Pride events are going to be as brilliant as ever.

With so many Pride events taking place in spring, summer and early autumn, it can be quite easy to get a bit bamboozled.

To help you keep track, here's a list of the UK's top Prides coming your way, what to expect, when they begin, who's performing and more.

England

Birmingham Pride - 25 May

Held across Saturday (25) and Sunday (26) May, Birmingham Pride boasts a spectacular line-up, including a performance from Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Birmingham held its first Pride in 1997, since when it has become one of the country's biggest LGBTQ+ events, attracting more than 40,000 people over the course of the weekend.

York Pride - 1 June

North Yorkshire's largest LGBTQ+ event will take place on Saturday (1 June) at York Racecourse.

The volunteer-run event will include performances from Drag Race UK season five stars Ginger Johnson, Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas.

Blackpool Pride - 8 June

Blackpool Pride Festival parade kicks off at 11am with a theme of "together we are stronger" which aims to inspire participants.

The two-day event includes performances from The Cheeky Girls and Venga Live.

Oxford Pride - 8 June

Although details are yet to be revealed, visitors last year enjoyed a parade, a street party and the official after-party. Maybe this year, they'll squeeze in an after after-party! Watch this space...

Cambridge Pride - 15 June

Not to be outdone by its university city rivals, Cambridge Pride will return to Jesus Green in the city centre on Saturday, 15 June.

In 2023, about 15,000 people joined in the celebrations and this year should be no different.

Essex Pride - 22 June

Essex Pride marks it 20th birthday this year and kicks off in Chelmsford. Events will include the third annual march through the city centre.

Festival-goers can expect live acts and DJs, a karaoke stage and silent disco, as well as an appearance from Steps star Claire Richards.

Exmouth Pride - 22 June

Exmouth Pride will treat visitors to live music, information stalls and family-inclusive entertainment.

Held in Manor Gardens, the free event promises a wide range of entertainment - including an appearance from fierce drag queen Arina Fox.

Pride in London - 29 June

The UK's largest Pride event will take place on Saturday, 29 June.

A record-breaking 1.5 million people joined in the fun last year, taking to the capital's to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, and protest against injustices that continue to this day.

Bristol Pride - 13 July

Headliners at this year's event include RuPaul's Drag Race stars Heidi N Closet and Pixie Polite, while the official after-party, scheduled to start at 10pm at the O2 Academy Bristol, will feature three rooms of local and international DJs, and go-go dancers.

Deal Pride - 13 July

This year's event in the Kent seaside town - only its second ever - boasts a theme of "Pride is a Protest", with organisers looking to make it even bigger and better than 2023's celebration.

Isle of Wight Pride - 20 July

The Isle of Wight Pride's launch party will be held on Friday, 19 July, and will be presented by Radio 1's Dean McCullough at The Balcony, Ryde.

The following day, visitors can enjoy headliners including Pussycat Dolls star Kimberly Wyatt and Drag Race UK season five winner, Ginger Johnson. And on the Sunday, a 30-piece orchestra assembles for Symphonix Pride.

Brighton Trans Pride - 20 July

According to its social media account, this is the largest Trans Pride event in Europe. Last year, more than 30,000 people took to the streets of Brighton to march for equal rights and celebrate trans joy.

This year the protest march will take place on 20 July, starting at midday from Jubilee Square.

Leeds Pride - 21 July

Leeds Pride is promising that its 2024 celebration will be the best to date. That will be some achievement, given that 60,000 people turned up last year.

The parade will set off from Millennium Square at midday.

Nottinghamshire Pride - 27 July

Notts Pride will be held on Saturday, 27 July, with the march - which attracts about 7,000 people - setting off at 11am. It will be followed by LGBTQ+ events such as "the main stage", with performances from local talent, and "the market", which offers stalls through the streets of Hockley along George Street and Goosegate.

Brighton and Hove Pride - 3 August

Described by The Guardian as one of the best international Pride events, this year's celebrations run for three days.

The two-day Fabuloso concert in Preston Park over the weekend includes performances by Girls Aloud, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, S Club, ABBA tribute band Björn Again, and Danny Beard.

The Pride Parade will be held on Saturday with the theme of "joy, celebrating life, spirt and resilience".

Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the first Brighton Pride march and the event was used to stand with the trans community.

Manchester Pride - 23 August

One of the biggest Pride events in the country, Manchester Pride, promises to present an "unforgettable line-up of LGBTQ+ performers and global icons", including a performance from two-time Eurovision winner, Loreen, with "another huge headline performance to be revealed..."

In 2023, Manchester Pride took on a wedding theme to celebrate 10 years of same-sex marriage.

UK Black Pride - August

Taking to Instagram UK Black Pride announced that its event will return on Sunday, 11 August from midday to 8pm

UK Black Pride CEO, Lady Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, said: "It is with such joy that we can announce our return to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the third year running.

"It is slowly becoming a great home for our event as we grow bigger and bigger. As we reflect on previous years, we are planning to make this the biggest and the boldest UK Black Pride yet."

In 2022, more than 25,000 people joined to party and protest in Stratford, London, as the event returned to celebrate its 18th year.

Cornwall Pride (Truro) - 31 August

The free event runs from 10am until 7pm with the march through the centre of Truro starting at noon. Performances, hosted by drag queen Layla Zee Susan, come from the likes of Cherish, The Lankie Vagabond and DJ Sharon Love.

Scotland

Dundee Pride - 15 June

The event is held at Slessor Gardens and is looking for businesses, charities, traders and catering concessions to hire a stall at its Pride Market, while those who would like to march can sign up here.

Edinburgh Pride - 22 June

Scotland's self-proclaimed longest-running celebration of diversity is currently fundraising to celebrate Pride on Saturday, 22 June.

In 2023, RuPaul's Drag Race UK season four winner Danny Beard stole the show at the event's launch party.

The march goes through the city centre to the Scottish parliament building at Holyrood.

Fife Pride - 29 June

The event is still looking for volunteers and acts. Anyone wanting to participate can get in touch here.

West Lothian Pride - 27 July

West Lothian Pride takes place at Howden Park Centre, in Livingston. The event is currently looking for performers and is taking applications for stalls.

Visitors can expect a march, live music and entertainment, information stalls and plenty of food and drink.

Wales

Swansea Pride - 18 May

Swansea Pride comes early in the year and runs from 11am to 7pm, with stalls at The Guildhall. The march through the city centre sets off at 11am, with groups of more than 10 people needing to register.

Abergavenny Pride - 29 June

On Saturday, 29 June, Abergavenny Pride/Pride Y Fenni promises to offer live music, stalls, an area for children and lots more "in a safe environment where you can be yourself".

The event, held for the fourth year at St.Mary's Priory, is seeking performer and stall applications.

Pride Cymru - 22 June

The Vengaboys are headlining this year's event - a celebration that began as Cardiff Mardi Gras in 1999, and which now regularly plays host to 50,000 visitors in the Welsh capital. Other events expected are the mile-long parade and cabaret acts. Children under the age of five don't need a ticket.

Northern Ireland

Omagh Pride - 22 June

Omagh Pride is currently fundraising for the event.

The parade is set to take place at 1pm and will be followed by entertainment, including a Dolly Parton tribute act, until 7pm.

Belfast Pride - 19 July

Belfast Pride is as one of the city's biggest festivals.

The build-up to the parade - which attracted more than 75,000 people last year - starts at 11.30am and is expected to begin at 1pm.

Foyle Pride - 24 August

Foyle Pride's main event, the parade - its 31st - will be held on Saturday, 24 August.

Mid Ulster Pride - 10 August

This year marks Mid Ulster Pride's fifth birthday, and will be held on Saturday, 10 August at Cookstown Community Centre.

Its website notes: "This year's parade promises to be a bright and playful show of inclusivity, reflecting the rich tapestry of our community."

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Your full guide to every major UK Pride event this year - including who's performing

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Here's a list of the major UK Pride events you can enjoy in summer 2024, with headliners including Girls Aloud and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

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CILIP LGBTQ+ Network Festival of Pride and Knowledge 2024: LGBTQ+ Positive Voices @ Goldsmiths

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CILIP LGBTQ+ Network Festival of Pride and Knowledge 2024: LGBTQ+ Positive Voices @ Goldsmiths

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Committee member Ash Green will lead a talk to discover the creativity and resilience within The LGBTQ+ Positive Voices @ Goldsmiths Exhibition currently on display at the university in their London Library.

Ash offers an online look at the exhibition that focuses on positive representation and reflection, showcases the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals through original art, videos, music, and games, alongside materials from Goldsmiths Special Collections and Archives material.

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Committee member Ash Green will lead a talk to discover the creativity and resilience within The LGBTQ+ Positive Voices @ Goldsmiths Exhibition currently on display at the university in their London Library.

Ash offers an online look at the exhibition that focuses on positive representation and reflection, showcases the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals through original art, videos, music, and games, alongside materials from Goldsmiths Special Collections and Archives material

Please be aware that the exhibition contains some nudity and adult content, as well as some content that may be triggering.

You can learn more about the exhibition here.

This exhibition follows on from the 2021 online LGBTQ+ Positive Voices exhibition, which can be found here.

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cilip lgbtq+ network fpk2024: lgbtq+ positive voices @ goldsmiths

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cilip lgbtq+ network fpk2024: lgbtq+ positive voices @ goldsmiths tickets

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CILIP LGBTQ+ Network FPK2024: LGBTQ+ Positive Voices @ Goldsmiths

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Eventbrite - CILIP LGBTQ+ Network presents CILIP LGBTQ+ Network FPK2024: LGBTQ+ Positive Voices @ Goldsmiths - Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - Find event and ticket information.

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Trans+ History Week - The History Lesson We Never Had

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Trans+ History Week is a week-long reflective period to learn and celebrate the momentous and millennia-old history of transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse and Intersex people.

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Trans+ History Week - The History Lesson We Never Had

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Knowledge of our past is fundamental for our liberation. Trans+ History Week is a week-long reflective period to learn and celebrate the momentous and millennia-old history of transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse and Intersex people.

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Proud Writing is a project run by LGBTQ+ author/historian Norena Shopland in collaboration with Cerian Wilshere-Davies, Youth Engagement Facilitator for Amgueddfa Cymru.

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Proud Writing is a project run by LGBTQ+ author/historian Norena Shopland in collaboration with Cerian Wilshere-Davies, Youth Engagement Facilitator for Amgueddfa Cymru. The writing workshops consisted of an initial four sessions and proved so popular that additional sessions were added.

Each workshop consisted of a short text taken from historic newspapers from Welsh Newspapers Online and reflected different aspects of sexual orientation and gender identity history within Wales. Each story was discussed in depth to examine a variety of readings and participants were asked to write poetry, prose, or produce original artwork. The third and final part of the session consisted of tips and advice for writing.

Every participant could submit up to three entries of no more than 1,000 words each.

Those who had finished their entries by the deadline and were brave enough to submit their writing to public scrutiny for the first time have had their works incorporated into this eBook which has been made freely available in agreeance with the participants. Copyright remains with the individual writers.

Thanks to those organisations that hosted the workshops - Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales; St Fagans National Museum of History - Amgueddfa Cymru; National Waterfront Museum - Amgueddfa Cymru; Aberration Cymru; Conwy Culture Centre; Cardiff Central Library Hub

Our thanks to everyone who took part and especially to those who bravely submitted their work. We hope this is just the beginning and that more people will be inspired to write creatively about LGBTQ+ history!

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Proud Writing is a project run by LGBTQ+ author/historian Norena Shopland in collaboration with Cerian Wilshere-Davies, Youth Engagement Facilitator for Amgueddfa Cymru. The writing workshops consisted of an initial four sessions and proved so popular that additional sessions were added.

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How to look for records of... Sexuality and gender identity history

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How to look for records of... Sexuality and gender identity history

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There is guidance here on researching gay, lesbian and bisexual histories, as well as transgender and gender identity history. In the past, the state often conflated gender identity and sexuality which means that records are often found in the same record series.

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1. Why use this guide?

This guide will help you find records relating to sexuality and gender identity history.

Researching this subject can be time-consuming and difficult, as this area of study is still in its infancy and many sources are not immediately obvious.

This guide suggests potentially useful documents and search terms, but is not exhaustive. If you come across other useful sources during the course of your research, we would be keen to hear about them. Please email us.

This guide previously offered guidance on researching gay, lesbian and bisexual histories, but following consultation with LGBTQ+ history researchers, we have included information about researching transgender and gender identity history. In the past, the state often conflated gender identity and sexuality which means that records are often found in the same record series.

2. Essential information

The National Archives' records give a valuable insight into how government interacted with and viewed LGBTQ+ communities in the past. The state's attempts to suppress and regulate sexuality and gender has paradoxically left us with many potential sources for the experiences of LGBTQ+ people.

Our collection reflects many of the significant moments and milestones in LGBTQ+ history through police, criminal, policy and legislation records.

Many 20th-century criminal records are listed in Discovery, our catalogue, but remain closed under the Data Protection Act. If you come across a closed record like this, there will be an option to request a Freedom of Information review to see if it can be opened.

Descriptive terms relating to sexuality and gender identity have changed over time. For example the term homosexuality was not used with its contemporary meaning until the end of the 19th century, and many terms used in historical records are considered offensive today. To get the best results from searching Discovery you will often need to use the language of the time.

3. What can I see online?

Although no major LGBTQ+ archive collections have been digitised, we have found some online material that we hope might be of interest to researchers in this area:

Old Bailey Online - search proceedings from 19,745 criminal trials held at London's central criminal court 1674-1913. Section 5 explains why criminal records can be useful in this research

Cabinet papers - search these records for Cabinet discussions of policies relating to sexuality and gender identity

UK Government web archive - search or browse government videos, tweets, and websites dating from 1996 to the present for information, reports and advice published online by government bodies

Gender Recognition Act - read the full text of the 2004 Act

Studies in Scarlett - search this collection of narratives of trials from the US and the UK focusing on marriage and sexuality from 1815-1914. They include the sodomy trial of Oscar Wilde and other trials where relationships did not conform to accepted social standards

Rewind Fast Forward - view this British Film Institute archive of filmmaker Sandi Hughes who preserved images of black and gay life in and around Liverpool in the 1970s

4. Searching our catalogue

4.1 About the catalogue

Discovery, our catalogue, incorporates the catalogues of over 2,500 archives across the UK and some abroad. This means that when you search Discovery your results can include records held at many different archives. For more information about effective searching and understanding your search results use the Disovery help pages.

The records we have at The National Archives are listed in Discovery with descriptions of their content that have varying levels of detail. Identifying records relating to LGBTQ+ history is particularly difficult as the descriptions do not always make it clear that they contain relevant material.

The Your Archives online list of themed documents is a good starting point and will identify documents relevant to a number of the sections that follow.

4.2 Key departments to search within

Records from particular government departments have references that begin with a specific letter code. If you know this letter code you can use it in the Advanced search option of Discovery to search for records from that particular department.

Some of the key departments and their letter codes are shown below:

Try searching Discovery within these department codes (enter the code in the 'search for or within references' box in Advanced search). You can try using current terminology such as LGBT or transgender; but note that searching with historical terms will be more successful in many cases (see section 4.3).

4.3 Historical terms

When you consult original records it is useful to be aware of different terms that have been used for sexuality and gender identity, and for the offences people were often charged with.

Similarly, when you search catalogue descriptions of historical records in any archive you will need to use the language of the time and not expect to find everything catalogued under modern day terms.

Some terms you might come across when consulting records are shown below. Try using these terms when you search for records as well.

Historical terms relating to sexuality:

Historical terms relating to gender identity:

hermaphrodite (for those born intersex)

masquerading

males in female attire

females in male attire

female husband

cross-dressing

sex-change or sex change

change of sex

transvestite

gender

gender recognition

transsexuals

Historical terms for relevant criminal offences:

buggery

disorderly house

gross indecency

importuning

indecency

obscenity

sexual offences

sodomy

soliciting

street offences

unnatural offences

unnatural act

4.4 Tagging and taxonomy

You can search for all files currently tagged as 'LGBT' in the 'tags' section of Discovery. If you find relevant files that haven't been tagged you can add an 'LGBT' tag to help future researchers.

Another technique is to search within the taxonomy subject 'sex and gender'. To do this, use the Advanced search option in Discovery and

in the 'Find words' section enter a search term; or an asterisk* if you want to see everything under the 'sex and gender' taxonomy subject

in the 'Date' section enter a single year or range of years if appropriate

in the 'Held by' section select 'Search The National Archives' - this will open up new sections including Taxonomy subjects

in the Taxonomy subjects section select 'sex and gender' and click search

5. Court and legal records

5.1 Records of crimes and criminals

Because male homosexuality was illegal in England and Wales until 1967 there are plenty of criminal records to use in researching this subject. Female homosexuality was not officially criminalised so records weren't created in the same way.

Similarly, the state never directly criminalised individuals questioning or changing their gender identity or expression, but certain associated characteristics were criminalised by the state. For example, cross-dressing and effeminacy in men were often deemed to be signs of homosexuality.

Read our guide on crime and punishment to learn about what records survive and how to search them. Use the search boxes within the guide as a quick way to search our catalogue for relevant records.

Alternatively, you can carry out your own search in Discovery using keywords such as a person's name or a type of crime.

Court records can include:

indictments that simply list a person's name and offence

depositions of the evidence taken by the court

transcripts of the trial proceedings (less common)

It might be worth browsing Discovery to see if anything looks interesting. Start by looking within:

court records with the department codes ASSI and CRIM

appeal records in J81-82

Metropolitan police correspondence in MEPO 2-4

public prosecution cases in DPP files - in particular, DPP 1 for papers relating to Oscar Wilde and the 'Cleveland Street Scandal'

Section 164 of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 gave posthumous pardons for convictions of certain abolished offences, including those under certain sections of the Sexual Offences Act 1956. These include convictions recorded in a number of records held at The National Archives series, such as those detailed in this guide.

Other court records are available in local archives and on the Old Bailey Online website.

5.2 1950s and 1960s criminal law discussions

Read our guidance on Political history in the 20th century for some general background to researching in this area.

Search the online Cabinet papers for discussions of policies relating to sexuality and gender identity.

Correspondence and papers from the Prime Minister's office contain records of policy and legislation discussions. The period of the Wolfenden Committee is covered in PREM 11 and PREM 13.

5.3. Divorce records

Records of divorce cases can be useful in researching LGBTQ+ history. Sexuality and gender identity have often been cited as causes for divorce; and divorce cases have sometimes been the catalyst for establishing legal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

Read our guide on divorces to learn about what records survive and how to search them. Use the search boxes within the guide as a quick way to search our catalogue for relevant records.

Debates over divorce law reform in the early 20th century repeatedly raised the question of whether homosexuality should be grounds for divorce. Search Discovery for relevant records from the Prime Minister's Office (PREM) and the Lord Chancellor's Office (LCO).

6. Home Office records

Home Office files contain discussions of individual cases, considerations of appeals, and debates around the operations of the law. Key Home Office records include:

HO 17 and HO 18 - petitions for the revocation or reduction of sentences
HO 19 - indexes to the files in HO 7 and HO 18
HO 345 and HO 291 - papers from the Committee on Homosexual Offences and Prostitution (Wolfenden Committee, 1954-1957)

Read our guidance on Home Office correspondence 1839-1959 to find out more about how to use Home Office records in your research.

7. Civil service and armed forces employees

7.1 Civil service

The civil service considered the potential blackmail of LGBTQ+ employees a risk to state security. This concern was strongest during the Cold War and employment policies discriminated against LGBTQ+ applicants and employees.

In 1967 homosexuality in the UK was partially decriminalised and the civil service was put under pressure to change its attitude. Cabinet papers and Civil Service management files for the following years reflect this pressure.

7.2 Armed forces

Since the year 2000, LGBTQ+ personnel have been able to serve openly in the British military forces. Prior to this, service personnel were regularly prosecuted, court-martialled or discharged for sexual offences.

Use the advanced search option in our catalogue to look for relevant files. Use keywords such as 'homosexual' and search within the department codes ADM, WO, AIR and DEFE to restrict your search to military records.

8. Politics of sexuality and gender identity

Political organisations such as the Homosexual Law Reform Society and the Campaign for Homosexual Equality were involved in the fight to improve the rights of gay people.

The activities of these organisations and the political debates they generated are reflected in government records - particularly those from the Home Office (HO), Cabinet Office (CAB) and Prime Minister's Office (PREM).

Search Discovery using the names of the organisations or other keywords to identify relevant documents.

The files of the Committee on Homosexual Offences and Prostitution (Wolfenden Committee) are a rich source of evidence about gay men's lives, and medical, legal and official understandings of homosexuality in the mid-20th century.

Because the records held at The National Archives are usually at least 20 years old, you are less likely to come across mention of gender identity protest and pressure groups. However, as time moves on, these records, where they are selected for permanent preservation, will be transferred from various government departments into The National Archives.

Local and newspaper archives might be useful sources for researching more recent history. See section 11 for some specific archives that will be useful in this area of research.

9. Further key areas of research

9.1 Censorship

Issues surrounding the portrayal of gay men and lesbians in art, literature and the media were discussed within government. For example, the 1928 novel 'The Well of Loneliness' was the subject of an obscene publications trial, and records of this case can be found at The National Archives.

Search our catalogue using keywords for records relating to censorship and prosecution under obscenity laws.

To focus your results use 'advanced search' and look for records from the following departments:

Home Office (HO)

Lord Chancellor's Office (LCO)

Central Criminal Court (CRIM)

Metropolitan Police (MEPO)

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

9.2 Fraud, defamation, slander and libel

Search our catalogue for records relating to defamation, slander, libel and blackmail (or demanding money with menaces) which often involved allegations of sexual immorality.

To focus your results, use the filter options on the left of the results screen to select results from the Central Criminal Court (CRIM) and the Metropolitan Police (MEPO).

9.3 Public health, medicine and the welfare state

UK official bodies often perceived homosexuals as 'ill' or 'diseased', and consequently a potential source of danger to public health. This was evident as recently as the 1980s with the Government's reaction to HIV and AIDS, as detailed in The National Archives blog The AIDS health campaign, but official concern dates back at least to the 19th century.

It is logical to assume there will be similar records relating to gender identity; although we have not found any at the time of writing this guide.

Particularly since the 1920s, the state has tried to deal with its concerns by incarcerating, 'treating' and 'curing' gay and lesbian individuals.

Search our catalogue for relevant records using keywords. To focus your results try searching for records from the following departments:

Welsh Office (BD)

Ministry of Health (MH)

Home Office (HO)

Prison Commission (PCOM)

Medical Research Council (FD)

Cabinet Office (CAB)

9.4 Education and single sex institutions

From the 1930s onwards, gay men in prison were increasingly referred to prison medical officers for diagnosis and 'treatment'. Search our catalogue using keywords such as 'prison' and 'medical' (together) for relevant records from the Home Office (HO) and the Prison Commission (PCOM).

Single sex institutions also attracted the attention of the authorities in relation to gender identity; such as where decisions had to be made about whether individuals should be placed in a male or female prison.

Many authorities wanted children to grow up to conform to heterosexuality and the gender they were assigned at birth; and those with responsibility for education and young offender institutions were wary of permitting LGBTQ+ teachers to influence children.

Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 stated that a local authority 'shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality'. Section 28 was also known as Clause 28.

Search our catalogue for records from the Education Department (ED) which regulated borstals and reform schools as well as mainstream schools. Local archives may also have relevant records (see section 10).

10. Background information

We have drawn together a list of some key events in the history of sexuality and gender identity which might help you to make choices about where and how to search for records at The National Archives and elsewhere.

1534 Although already proscribed under Canon Law, 'buggery' was first made a criminal offence

1861 King Louis XV France orders the Chelalier d'Eon Baumont to dress permanently as a woman

1861 The Offences Against the Person Act consolidated this provision, together with the further offence of 'indecent assault', which had emerged within common law during the 18th century

1865 James Barry, army surgeon, dies and is allegedly found to have been a woman

1885 The Criminal Law Amendment Act was passed making any act of 'gross indecency' between men a criminal offence, whether it occurred in public or in private

1898 'Cruising' streets, parks or urinals was criminalised as the offence of 'importuning' through the Vagrancy Act and the Criminal Law Amendment Act (1912)

1921 The House of Lords rejected a proposed new offence of acts of gross indecency between women under the Criminal Law Amendment Bill

1932 Valerie Barker was indicted for bankruptcy and discovered to be a woman when imprisoned

1946 Harold Gillies and a colleague carried out one of the first sex reassignment surgeries from female to male on Michael Dillon

1957 The Wolfenden Committee recommended that private homosexual acts between consenting adults should no longer be a criminal offence

1967 Following campaigns from gay political organisations the Wolfenden recommendations were enacted into law

1969 First International Symposium on Gender Identity, London

2001 The age of consent was lowered to 16 in England, Wales and Scotland for gay men and became equal for all

2004 Gender Recognition Act allowed for people having gender dysphoria to change their legal gender

2009 The age of consent for gay men in Northern Ireland was lowered from 17 to 16

11. Records in other archives

There are many records relating to LGBTQ+ history in other archives across the UK.

To find other collections in local archives, search Discovery using relevant keywords, and refine your results using the filters.Find contact details for archives elsewhere using Find an archive.

12. Further reading, websites and podcasts

Visit The National Archives' bookshop for a range of publications on sexual and gender identity history. See also our recommended list of publications held at The National Archives Library. You may also be able to find these books in a local library.

Lesbian history of Britain: love and sex between women since 1500, Rebecca Jennings (Greenwood World Publishing 2007)

The lesbian history sourcebook: love and sex between women in Britain from 1780-1970, Alison Oram & Annmarie Turnbull (Routledge 2001)

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) history in The National Archives: identified documents by theme, Your Archives, (retrieved 28 November 2012)

Historic England's LGBTQ Heritage resource

Go to our podcasts page to listen to a series of talks highlighting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender histories found in government records.

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How to look for records of gay, lesbian and bisexual history

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1. Why use this guide? This guide will help you find records relating to sexuality and gender identity history. Researching this subject can be time-consuming and difficult, as this area of study is still in its infancy and many sources are not immediately obvious.

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The Library: Reading Lists: Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion reading lists

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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion reading lists

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Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion reading lists stand alone to showcase the resources we hold on each topic and act as an aid for academic staff in identifying and adopting more diverse information resources onto reading lists; in support of more inclusive curriculum design:

- Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater Communities

- Believe It or Not! Celebrating and challenging belief (and non-religious belief) systems in contemporary life

- 100 inspiring works by and about women

- Black and Global Majority resources

- Trans awareness

- LGBTQ+

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Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion reading lists stand alone to showcase the resources we hold on each topic and act as an aid for academic staff in identifying and adopting more diverse information resources onto reading lists; in support of more inclusive curriculum design:

If you have any suggestions of appropriate resources or information to be added to these pages please contact ReadingLists@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.

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The Library: Reading Lists: Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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The Library: Reading Lists: Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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Book28 teamed up African Rainbow Family on a queer African reading list featuring twelve books available on our shelves which centre the many varied experiences of being black and LGBTQIA+, whose writers offer all sorts of perspectives.

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Exciting news! Book28 teamed up African Rainbow Family on a queer African reading list. This post features twelve books available on our shelves which centre the many varied experiences of being...

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LGBT+ History Month Claiming our past - Celebrating our present - Creating our future LGBT+ History Month is for everyone; whether you work in education, a museum, library or art gallery, a business, a service, are a member of a network/social group or an individual.

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The Proud Trust training and education team writes a simple, easy to use, education and resource pack for LGBT+ History Month, which is celebrated each year in the UK in February.

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We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2024. LGBT+ young people exist in every space where young people are, including classrooms. At The Proud Trust, we often talk about the quote "if you can see it you can be it..." The opportunity that positive education during LGBT+ History Month provides is therefore twofold:

To give young people the knowledge to understand and embrace the rich diversity of the world they live in, and for some, the words to describe their own experiences.

To make visible the LGBT+ people who have been successful in a myriad of different professions.

This year's theme of "Science and Medicine" highlights that LGBT+ people are also the people who have made a difference in medicine and healthcare. LGBT+ people are our doctors, nurses, care assistants and scientists. This year's education pack also highlights the need to consider positively inclusive spaces in healthcare, but with learning that applies to all settings where people exist.

LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH 2023: BEHIND THE LENS

We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2023. LGBT+ young people exist in every space where young people are, including classrooms.

This year's theme "Behind the Lens" gives us a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the lives and professional accomplishments of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, many of who work outside of the limelight in the fields of photography, film making, TV, music and fashion.

LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH 2022: The Arc is Long

We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2022, in conjunction with Schools OUT UK.

This year's theme "The Arc is Long" is inspired by a Martin Luther King quote:

'The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.'
The quote is thought to mean that although it is taking a long time, we are curving/moving towards social justice and fairness.

This theme provides us with the opportunity to explore the idea of social justice and changing attitudes towards LGBT+ people. While we have come a long way in terms of inclusion and attitudes towards same gender relationships and equal marriage, there is still a great deal of work that can happen in terms of positive trans (including non-binary) representation and inclusion.

We extend a massive proud "shout out" to Finn, a Proud Trust young person who designed this year's LGBT+ History Month logo and badge, firmly taking their own place in LGBT+ history! Can a young person from your school or youth group design next year's logo? See session two in the pack!

LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH 2021: BODY, MIND, SPIRIT

We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2021, as always, in conjunction with Schools OUT UK. The theme this year of Body, Mind and Spirit has provided us with much opportunity to explore the complexities of who we are and what we can aspire to be. There is even a chance for young people to design the LGBT+ History Month logo and badge for 2022, taking their own place in LGBT+ history!

This year also sees the launch of "The Classroom" on our sister Rainbow Flag Award website. Here you will find the 2021 LGBT+ History Month activity pack already prepared for classroom use, with PowerPoints and lesson plans. Explore The Rainbow Flag Award Classroom, with many other free LGBT+ inclusive lessons for you to download and deliver.

We recognise that this year, you might be delivering the LGBT+ History Month activities online. As such, the digital activity assets have been provided separately, for you to download and make use of, on your chosen online platform.

Please note, if you have an issue downloading these resources, it could be down to your schools firewall settings. If you download it outside of your workplace, you shouldn't experience any issues.

LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH 2020: POETRY PROSE AND PLAYS

We are thrilled to bring you the LGBT+ History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2020, in conjunction with Schools OUT UK. This year, the whole of LGBT+ History Month has been dedicated to Lyra McKee, the journalist and LGBT+ activist who was shot dead during rioting in Northern Ireland in 2019. With that in mind, we're grateful to Sara Canning, Lyra's partner at the time of her death, for writing the foreword to this years pack.

The theme this year of Poetry, Prose and Plays provides us with rich pickings in terms of activities for young people. We hope you will enjoy delivering the four sessions, one on terminology, then one of each of poetry, prose and plays. This pack will help you bring LGBT+ awareness into your youth groups or classrooms, and could be delivered as part of PSHE, English, drama or history!

LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2019: PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND ACTIVISM

The 2019 theme was of such great importance, enabling an exploration of LGBT+ activism in the year that marked 50 years since the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in LGBT+ rights and history. It is crucial that the struggles and fights of others, to give us the lives we have today, are recognised. It is also so important that we understand the fights that are still continuing to happen, and still need to happen, to give folk liberation and peace.

Our thanks are extended to Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, founder of UK Black Pride, who has kindly written the thought provoking foreword to this years pack.

This four session pack will help you bring LGBT+ awareness into your youth groups or classrooms, and could be delivered as part of PSHE or history!

LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2018: GEOGRAPHY - MAPPING OUR WORLD

We're thrilled to bring you the LGBT History Month Resource and Education Pack for 2018, in conjunction with Schools OUT UK. We're also delighted that Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey, co-founder of Harvey Milk Foundation and international LGBT rights campaigner, has also contributed, by writing the foreword.

This three session pack will help you bring LGBT awareness into your youth groups or classrooms, and could be delivered as part of PSHE, history or geography! This years pack has been quality assured by the PSHE Association.

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Free LGBT+ History Month Resources- The Proud Trust

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Download our free resource packs that explore LGBT+ identities and history to celebrate LGBT+ History Month in your school or youth group.

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Proud Geek is a specialist retailer of LGBT+ entertainment and media, offering a wide range of titles from the past 25 years. Based in Birmingham, UK, Proud Geek aims to be your one-stop-online-shop for everything geeky and queer: from sapphic fiction, to trans superheroes, to gay teen coming of age classics, we have you covered.

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Small independent queer book shop based in the UK - lovers of all things geeky and queer. Find LGBT books, films and comics at Proud Geek.

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Manchester’s Award Winning Independent LGBTQ+ Bookshop & Pride Store

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Manchester’s Award Winning LGBTQ+ Bookshop & Pride Store

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We host the largest selection of LGBTQ+ titles in the UK. Hundreds of pride accessories including badges, flags, clothing, greetings cards, jewellery and party decorations. LGBT Bookshop. LGBT Books. Gay Books.

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"Back in the autumn of 2021 I shared a survey on queer cataloguing as an attempt to get a better understanding of how museum professionals were approaching the cataloguing of queer heritage, and of their views about the idea of queering museum cataloguing more generally. This is an initial foray into the responses to the survey with some reflections on where the research may go next."

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Centre for Critical Studies in Museums, Galleries and Heritage (CCSMGH)

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Back in the autumn of 2021 I shared a survey on queer cataloguing as an attempt to get a better understanding of how museum professionals…

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Trans-Inclusive Culture: Guidance on advancing trans inclusion for museums, galleries, archives and heritage organisations

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Trans-Inclusive Culture: Guidance on advancing trans inclusion for museums, galleries, archives and heritage organisations

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In the context of growing uncertainty and anxiety surrounding trans-inclusive practice in the cultural sector, the University of Leicester's Research Centre for Museums and Galleries (RCMG) - working with a team of legal scholars and experts in inclusion, equality and ethics - has developed comprehensive guidance on advancing trans inclusion for museums, galleries, archives and heritage organisations. The development of the guidance was funded via the Economic and Social Research Council.

The guidance, intended primarily for anyone working with or in museums, galleries, archives and heritage, sets out an ethical framework to support cultural organisations to advance trans inclusion. It explains key components of UK law, as well as some of the limitations and complexities of the law.

Drawing on over 130 responses to a survey inviting cultural organisations and those who work with them to share the challenges they were encountering in their daily work, the guidance includes a series of scenarios with practical strategies and solutions designed to build skills, knowledge and confidence for anyone working in this area. Developed in full, the actions and strategies shared in the guidance will enable staff, volunteers, freelancers, leaders and trustees to work together to positively impact the experiences of trans individuals and communities.
READ: There is plenty of room in museums for all of us - A statement in response to recent media coverage of Trans-Inclusive Culture (PDF, 130KB)
This guidance is supported by the following culture sector organisations. Collectively they represent and advocate for thousands of museums, galleries, archives and heritage organisations and culture professionals; they recognise and award world-leading excellence; and they set standards, develop advice and guidance used by staff, volunteers, freelancers, trustees and cultural leaders across the UK and internationally to create inclusive experiences for many millions of visitors.

Acesso Cultura; Association of Independent Museums (AIM); Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA); Archives and Records Association (ARA); Arts Marketing Association (AMA); Engage; Fundación TyPA; Group for Education in Museums (GEM); The Heritage Alliance; Heritage Volunteering Group (HVG); ICOM ICME (International Committee for Museums and Collections of Ethnography); ICOM ICOFOM (International Committee for Museology); ICOM UK (International Council of Museums UK); ICOM ICFA (International Committee for Museums and Collections of Fine Arts); Kids in Museums; Museums + Heritage Advisor; Museums Association (MA); Office de cooperation et d'information muséales (OCIM) supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research and the University of Burgundy; South and East Museums Federation (SEMFed); Scottish Museums Federation (SMFed); and Yorkshire & Humberside Federation.

Trans Inclusive Culture Launch at Bishopsgate Institute, photos by Liz Isles

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Trans-Inclusive Culture: Guidance on advancing trans inclusion for museums, galleries, archives and heritage organisations | Research Centre for Museums and Galleries (RCMG) | University of Leicester

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Explore this document to find out more about guidance for trans-inclusion in cultural organisations

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Campaigning to make charity workplaces more LGBTQIA+ friendly + inclusive. By Queer people / for EVERYONE

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Campaigning to make charity workplaces more LGBTQIA+ friendly + inclusive. By Queer people / for EVERYONE

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For LKI workers employed by charities

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March with Pride - Join LGBTQ+ Network Committee at Liverpool Pride on 29 July

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March with Pride - Join LGBTQ+ Network Committee at Liverpool Pride on 29 July

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Since the launch of the Network in 2020, we have not been able to organise an in-person event, with the exception of an informal get-together at CILIP Conference 2022.

This year, we'd like to invite not only network members, but any LGBTQ+ or queer library, knowledge & information workers to join us as we March With Pride in Liverpool Pride on 29 July.

The march is 1.5 miles long through the streets of Liverpool city centre. Once the march is over, we'd love to celebrate together 3 years of the Network's existence.

For more information on the march and the LCR Pride Foundation, please see here: https://www.lcrpride.co.uk/march/

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S﻿ince the launch of the Network in 2020, we have not been able to organise an in-person event, with the exception of an informal get-together at CILIP Conference 22.

T﻿his year, we'd like to invite not only network members, but any LGBTQ+ or queer library, knowledge & information workers to join us as we March With Pride in Liverpool's Pride on July 29th.

The march is 1.5 miles long through the streets of Liverpool city centre. Once the march is over, we'd love to celebrate with you 3 years of the Network's existence.

F﻿or more information on the march and the LCR Pride Foundation, please see here: https://www.lcrpride.co.uk/march/

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march with pride - join lgbtq+ network committee in liverpool

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march with pride - join lgbtq+ network committee in liverpool tickets

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march with pride - join lgbtq+ network committee in liverpool liverpool

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march with pride - join lgbtq+ network committee in liverpool liverpool tickets

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March with Pride - Join LGBTQ+ Network Committee in Liverpool

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Eventbrite - CILIP LGBTQ+ Network presents March with Pride - Join LGBTQ+ Network Committee in Liverpool - Saturday, 29 July 2023 at Liverpool, Liverpool, England. Find event and ticket information.

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Trans and Gender Diverse Voices in Libraries

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Trans and Gender Diverse Voices in Libraries

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In the library profession, and in the world as a whole, the experiences of trans and gender diverse people often go unnoticed, hidden, and ignored. But we are here. Trans and Gender Diverse Voices in Libraries is entirely written and edited by trans and gender diverse people involved in the field: its fifty-seven authors include workers from academic and public libraries, special collections and archives, and more; LIS students; and a few people who have left the library profession completely.

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Number 13 in the Litwin Books Series on Gender and Sexuality in Information Studies, Emily Drabinski, series editor.

In the library profession, and in the world as a whole, the experiences of trans and gender diverse people often go unnoticed, hidden, and ignored. But we are here. Trans and Gender Diverse Voices in Libraries is entirely written and edited by trans and gender diverse people involved in the field: its fifty-seven authors include workers from academic and public libraries, special collections and archives, and more; LIS students; and a few people who have left the library profession completely.

This book is not intended to be the definitive guide to trans and gender diverse experiences in libraries, but instead to start the conversation. It is our hope that this book will help trans and gender diverse people in libraries realize that they are not alone, and that their experiences are worth sharing.

This book also demonstrates some of the reality in a field that loves to think of itself as inclusive. From physical spaces to policies to interpersonal ignorance and bigotry, the experiences recounted in this book demonstrate that the library profession continues to fail its trans and gender diverse members over and over again. You cannot read these chapters and claim that Safe Zone stickers and "libraries are for everyone" signs have done the job. You cannot assume that everything is fine in your workplace because nobody has spoken out. You can no longer pretend that we don't exist.

Kalani Keahi Adolpho (they/them and he/him) is a mixed Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian), queer, and trans person living in Richmond, VA. They are a Processing Archivist at Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries, and a member of the Homosaurus Editorial Board. Kalani holds a BA in History and an MLIS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His work focuses on diversity residencies, ethical description practices, metadata for trans and gender diverse communities, and trans and gender diverse inclusion more broadly. Contact Kalani at adolphok@vcu.edu.

Stephen G. Krueger (ey/em or he/him) is the Scholarly Publishing Librarian at Dartmouth College. Ey holds a B.A. in English from Warren Wilson College and an M.S.L.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is working on an M.A. in Arctic and Northern Studies from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Stephen is the author of Supporting Trans People in Libraries (Libraries Unlimited, 2019). Learn more at www.stephengkrueger.com. Stephen can be reached at Stephen.G.Krueger@dartmouth.edu.

Krista McCracken (they/them) is a queer non-binary archivist and public historian. They work as the Researcher/Curator for the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre and Arthur A. Wishart Library at Algoma University. Their work focuses on community archives, access and outreach. Krista can be reached at krista.mccracken@gmail.com.

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Trans and Gender Diverse Voices in Libraries

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Number 13 in the Litwin Books Series on Gender and Sexuality in Information Studies, Emily Drabinski, series editor. In the library profession, and in the world as a whole, the experiences of trans...

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My First Pride by Aida H Dee (The Storytime Drag Queen & Author)

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My First Pride by Aida H Dee (The Storytime Drag Queen & Author)

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JOIN A YOUNG BOY ON HIS FIRST PRIDE PARADE AS HE DISCOVERS THAT LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, AND A WHOLE NEW COMMUNITY ARE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!

CELEBRATE PRIDE IN THIS HEARTWARMING TALE FILLED WITH VIBRANT DESCRIPTIONS AND JOYFUL ILLUSTRATIONS!

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Illustrated by Lars Flint
Published by Drag Queen Story Hour UK Publishing

A large print, paperback copy of My First Pride written by Aida The Storytime Drag Queen.

JOIN A YOUNG BOY ON HIS FIRST PRIDE PARADE
AS HE DISCOVERS THAT LOVE, ACCEPTANCE,
AND A WHOLE NEW COMMUNITY ARE
RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!

CELEBRATE PRIDE
IN THIS HEARTWARMING TALE
FILLED WITH VIBRANT DESCRIPTIONS
AND JOYFUL ILLUSTRATIONS!

My First Pride: First Published February 2023

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"My First Pride" by Aida H Dee, Pre Order Now

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The drag queen storyteller known as Aida H Dee releases her anticipated next children's book to the world!

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As Pride month begins in Ireland and across the world, Children’s Books Ireland is launching their Pride Guide 2023, filled with hundreds of new and well-loved stories celebrating queer love, joy and identity.

LGBTQ+ books for young people have made headlines in recent months, with attempts made by far-right groups to force the removal of these stories from libraries, bookshops and online publications. With recent research from BelongTo Ireland finding that 76 per cent of LGBTQ+ students feel unsafe at school, the value of these stories and their capacity to build not only understanding, but empathy and solidarity in their readers, cannot be overstated.

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The Pride Reading Guide 2023, supported by An Post, features 100 reviews of excellent books for children and young people. A 'read also' recommendation is attached to each review, encouraging readers to explore further based on the titles they've enjoyed. Each of these 200 excellent books was chosen for their portrayal of the rich diversity of LGBTQ+ experiences.

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Explore challenges and opportunities faced by the LGBTQ+ communities in the workplace and strategies for improving diversity and inclusion.

IFLA’s Management and Marketing Section, in collaboration with IFLA’s LGBTQ+ Users Special Interest Group, is pleased to invite you for our upcoming satellite conference.

This event aims to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and more) communities in the workplace, as well as strategies for improving diversity and inclusion in libraries.

Thu, Aug 17, 2023 1:00 PM - Fri, Aug 18, 2023 5:00 PM CEST
Rijnstraat 8, Government of the Netherlands, The Hague, The Netherlands

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Explore challenges and opportunities faced by the LGBTQ+ communities in the workplace and strategies for improving diversity and inclusion.

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CILIP LGBTQ+ Network: Festival of Pride & Knowledge 2023

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CILIP LGBTQ+ Network: Festival of Pride & Knowledge 2023

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Welcome and Included: Tips for Creating Outstanding LGBTIQA+ Events
Thursday 29 June 12.30-1.30pm

Trans Radio UK - A Champion for the Community
Monday 10 July 6.30-7.30pm

Read more and book tickets for the 3rd annual Festival of Pride & Knowledge events hosted by CILIP LGBTQ+ Network.

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Educational resource: LGBTQ+ Rights in Britain

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Educational resource: LGBTQ+ Rights in Britain

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The National Archives, in partnership with the Bishopsgate Institute, have produced this resource to showcase some of the historical presence of LGBTQ+ communities from the early eighteenth to twentieth centuries.

The resource provides comprehensive teaching notes for teachers and students at KS 4 and 5, as well as suggestions of other external organisations and resources.

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How have changes in laws and attitudes affected LGBTQ+ people in Britain?

People have always existed who engaged in same sex relationships, defied conventional gender norms, or lived as a different gender to the one they were assigned as at birth. The social climate these individuals lived in, and the language they had available to them, has changed significantly over the last 1,000 years - the span of The National Archives' collections. The history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the UK is a complex mixture of moments of pain, resistance, and progress.

'LGBTQ+' is used as an umbrella term to describe people historically who were either not cisgender or heterosexual. These individuals would have used a variety of different language to describe themselves in their own lifetimes. We recognise our records contain words that are at times offensive, however some of the original language and legal terms are preserved here to accurately represent our records and help us fully understand the past. Please note that some of these sources contain non-explicit references to sex and sexuality.

Use this lesson to find out more about LGBTQ+ rights and lives from the 1700s to the present day. The documents are listed chronologically.

This lesson has been developed in collaboration with the Bishopsgate Institute.

Tasks

1988: Clause 28 protest leaflet.

Background

The National Archives perspective

The National Archives has a unique view of LGBTQ+ history; our records reflect the state perspective, relating to UK government departments and major courts of law. Our archives give a valuable insight into how government interacted with and viewed LGBTQ+ communities in the past, through police, criminal, policy and legislation records. For most of our collections there has been significant criminal or social risk in LGBTQ+ people recording their lives, our collection therefore offers a rare material evidence into lives in this period before decriminalisation. Other archive collections are more likely to reflect personal documents relating to LGBTQ+ lives, such as the photographic and campaigning collections held at the Bishopsgate Archives.

The challenges of being an LGBTQ+ person are and historically have been significant, but even more so when intersected with other factors, such as race, disability and class. These intersectional experiences are underrepresented in the history that is told and in the surviving records. At The National Archives we actively work to find these voices and redress this balance.

Historical overview

Until recent decades, people who challenged sexual or gender norms were seen as a 'threat' to the 'natural order' of society. It has never been illegal, as such, to be gay, but the associated sex acts between men have been punishable at various times throughout history. Changing the gender you presented as has not been regarded a criminal act, but the law and society could make it very difficult.

In the Early Modern and Medieval period, the church and ecclesiastical courts determined the approach to homosexuality, seeing it as at odds with Christian values of heterosexual marriage and procreation. In 1533 the Buggery Act was introduced under Henry the VIII. For the first time in England sex between men was formally criminalised, with a potential penalty of the death sentence. The last two Englishmen to be hung for sodomy were James Pratt and John Smith at Newgate prison in 1835.

Domestic legislation also had an impact beyond the UK. The British colonial government introduced Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which outlawed 'carnal intercourse against the order of nature' in 1860. This was loosely modelled on the 1533 Buggery Act. Similar legislation spread to other parts of the British Empire. When countries gained independence, they inherited colonial legislation, and in some Commonwealth countries these laws continue to exist.

In 1885 the Criminal Amendment Act, including the controversial Labouchere Amendment, became law. This amendment actually extended the acts that were criminalised between men. The law was thought to have been influenced by the case of Fanny and Stella in 1870. Theatrical performers, the duo presented as women both on stage and off, and records held at The National Archives reveal that they used he/she pronouns and their masculine/feminine names interchangeably among family and friends. They were accused of the 'abominable crime of buggery', but the physical act of sodomy could not be proved. Such cases influenced the broadening of the law, to criminalise a wider range of acts relating to homosexuality.

Homosexuality was increasingly visible in society and the press; there was a moral panic. Cleveland Street scandal had seen a male brothel hit the headlines, as lots of high-profile individuals were rumoured to be involved. Oscar Wilde decided to fight public accusations of his homosexuality in the courts. He was made an example of receiving the harshest sentence of two-years hard labour for gross indecency. The Wilde trials influenced public attitudes for many years.

Despite the role of the law in policing gay and bisexual men's lives, there was an everyday homelife that was possible for some LGBTQ+ people. From 1841 to 1921 census records reveal the same sex units people were living in. Gender non-conforming artists Gluck and E M Craig were listed as living together at 30 Tite Street, Chelsea in 1921, while author and free love advocates Edward Carpenter and George Merrill can be seen living together across many decades of census forms in their home Milthorpe, near Sheffield. Author Radclyffe Hall and sculptor Una Troubridge are listed as 'joint head of household' in their 1921 census record.

Sex between women was never criminalised, but was socially unacceptable. In 1921 a Parliamentary Bill to criminalise 'gross indecency between females' failed to become law. It was feared that it would lead to a greater visibility of lesbians. Women who loved women are present in our collections, but the law's focus on policing same sex acts between men means that their lives can be harder to trace. These come to us through wills, census records, divorce files and censorship cases. Not long after this bill went to parliament was the headline grabbing trial of Radclyffe Hall's the Well of Loneliness, which was controversial for its depiction of lesbian relationships. Censorship of LGBTQ+ literature and arts was a reoccurring way of attempting to control and restrict the public image of same sex relationships between women.

In spite of the law, LGBTQ+ people have always found ways to gather, meet and create their own spaces. The 1920s and 1930s particularly saw a network of underground clubs develop that cultivated a queer clientele. The National Archives has a rich collection relating to some of these spaces, from the Harlem inspired Shim Sham club to 'London's greatest bohemian rendezvous' the Caravan Club. These spaces were a haven for, particularly working class, men to meet other men, but they were also vulnerable to police raids. Public spaces were also policed.

Men would meet in parks and cottages (public toilets). Police used controversial methods of undercover policing to catch men engaging in homosexual acts.

The twentieth century increasingly saw a shift from a criminal view of homosexuality to a medicalised one, seeing it as an illness. In 1952 Alan Turing, famed codebreaker and computer scientist, was arrested under the Labouchere Amendment and later prosecuted. He was given oestrogen injections, rather than a prison sentence, in attempt to 'cure' his sexuality. Turing committed suicide not long afterwards. The prevalence of such cases, and several high-profile incidents in the press, led to a desire for legal reform. The result was the 1957 Wolfenden Report, which recommended the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality.

There have always been individuals living as a different gender from the one they were assigned at birth or expressing a non-normative gender. By the 1950s gender affirming surgery was increasingly available. In 1961 April Ashley's assigned sex at birth was revealed by the press as she went through a divorce case, known as Corbett v Corbett. An annulment was granted on the grounds that Ashley was considered legally male. Corbett v Corbett set a legal precedent, preventing trans people from changing their gender on legal documents for several decades.

The 1967 Sexual Offences Act finally acted on Wolfenden's recommendations a decade later and decriminalised sex acts between men. However, it did not grant homosexual men a parity with heterosexual couples. There was a higher age of consent, the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy were exempted, and acts were only decriminalised 'in private'. Arrests actually increased - the police and public were more aware of the parameters of the law. It only applied in England and Wales. Equivalent law changes did not happen in Scotland until 1980, and Northern Ireland until 1982. But, while only partial, the 1967 Act was a huge step forward and galvanised LGBTQ+ campaigns for greater equality. The 1970s saw a shift in political consciousness towards pride and equal rights; in the UK it was the decade of the first Gay Pride parade, the opening of Gay's the Word bookshop, and the launch of Switchboard, one of the first LGBTQ+ helplines. Campaign groups such as the Campaign for Homosexual Equality and the Gay Liberation Front were increasingly active.

LGBTQ+ individuals were greatly impacted during the 1980s by the rising number HIV infections and the subsequent AIDS crisis. It was a traumatic time, marked by ignorance and misinformation. The government instigated TV and cinema adverts to reinforce awareness about preventing the spread of AIDS, and took the unprecedented step of sending educational leaflets to every household in the country. In 1988, Section 28 was introduced, under the Local Government Act, prohibiting the 'promotion of homosexuality'. It was feared this would hamper the gains made around LGBTQ+ rights and stop AIDS education reaching the population. This attempt to supress LGBTQ+ lives fuelled a fight back, including the founding of the campaigning organisation Stonewall.

The 2000s saw the age of consent lowered to the same age for homosexual and heterosexual acts, the UK Government lifted the ban on lesbians, gay and bisexual people serving in the Armed Forces and Section 28 was repealed. This was followed by a raft of progressive legislation, including the Civil Partnership Act 2004 and Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act 2013. The Gender Recognition Act also came into force in 2005, enabling trans people to change their legal gender. April Ashley was finally able to have legal documentation that matched her gender identity.

The shift in LGBTQ+ rights over the last few centuries is significant. Where our records about the UK government were once dominated by criminalisation and ostracization, they now reflect equality legislation, Civil Service LGBTQ+ staff networks and presence at Pride parades. However this history also shows that progress is not always linear, and it is important to recognise that these changes were hard fought for. Whether it was through collective campaigns or individual acts of resistance LGBTQ+ people have repeatedly strived for, and continue to fight for, change and acceptance.

Teachers' notes

This lesson provides a chronological overview of the shifting laws and attitudes that have applied to the LGBTQ+ community in Britain and the former British Empire since 1701, and how they have affected the community. Owing to the number of sources, teachers may wish to break this lesson down into two parts or assign small groups to work on different sources and report back.

We recognise our records contain words that are at times offensive, however some of the original language and legal terms are preserved here to accurately represent our records and help us fully understand the past. Please note that some of these sources contain non-explicit references to sex and sexuality.

Discussion questions

What is the significance of the lesson banner image?

Why are archives important in researching LGBTQ+ histories?

What are the limitations of using government archives when researching LGBTQ+ history?

Does looking back through history change your assumptions or understandings about the LGBTQ+ community today? Why or why not?

Source 1 is a trial record from 1701 concerning a man named Charles Worrell who was convicted for sodomy. It consists of notes from Jenkin Williams, who worked on the same ship as Worrell and was witness to a tryst between Worrell and another man. His notes recount how, after going to the captain with this information, the captain instead entered into a blackmail scheme with Worrell, who provided him with gifts and money in exchange for his silence. The source shows how fluid 18 th-century social practices could be even in the face of restrictive attitudes and laws.

Source 2 is a letter from 1835 about James Pratt and John Smith, the last two Englishmen ever hanged for sodomy. The letter is from Hensleigh Wedgwood, magistrate at the Police Office Union Hall. He argues that death is too harsh a punishment for the two men, on the basis that no one was harmed. He also points out that the only reason for the death sentence is that no lawyer wanted to defend such a shameful crime. Finally, he points out the class inequality in sodomy convictions, noting that richer men can more easily get away with the crime. This source helps students explore the nuance in attitudes towards homosexuality in the 19 th century, as well as how issues of class may intersect with issues of sexuality.

Source 3 is Ann Lister's will from 1841. Ann Lister is famously known as the 'first modern lesbian', as her diaries document her relationships with women and marriage to Anne Walker. In her will, Lister leaves her estate to her 'friend' Anne Walker - with the stipulation that Walker never marries. The source can be analysed to show how official documents may reveal evidence of LGBTQ+ histories, but in ways that had to be coded and hidden to avoid persecution.

Source 4 is Section 377 of the 1871 penal code in the Straits Settlements (a collection of British colonies that today consist mainly of Malaysia and Singapore). It comes from Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. The Indian Penal Code, created in 1860 for Britain's Indian colonies, was applied to other colonies in the British Empire. This code was inspired by the 1533 buggery act, intended to transfer British values to their Indian colonies. This act was not only spread throughout the British Empire, but also spread to Britain as well, inspiring the legislation against sodomy in the 1861 Offences Against the Persons Act, which dropped the death penalty and replaced it with life imprisonment. When studying this source, students should be encouraged to get an understanding of how this law affects countries that were formerly British colonies today - for example by looking at how recently it was repealed in India and how many countries still have it in their laws.

Source 5 is the calling card left by Marquis of Queensbury calling Oscar Wilde a 'posing sodomite'. Students can be encouraged to explore why it would have been dangerous to be accused of something like this. This source could also be paired with an exploration of the story of Fanny and Stella, who were on trial for sodomy in 1870. They were deemed not guilty as the act of sodomy couldn't be proven. This indirectly led to the 'Labouchere Amendment' of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885, which made it illegal for any man to commit an act of 'gross indecency' with another man. Sexual acts no longer had to be proven. This was the act Oscar Wilde was convicted under in 1895.

Source 6 shows the attempted introduction in 1921 of a clause intended to criminalise sexual and romantic relationships between women. However, it was rejected by the House of Lords. Students can question why it was rejected, why relations between women were never criminalised, and what the attempted introduction of the clause says about attitudes towards lesbianism in the 1920s.

Source 7a is a police log of people coming in and out of the Shim Sham club, a London club frequented both by Black and LGBTQ+ communities. Students can interrogate why police were watching this club, and why this log was written in the way that it was. This source is paired with Source 7b, a photograph of presumably gay men having a fun day at the beach around 1928-31. These sources together can be used to encourage explorations of what life was like in the 1930s for LGBTQ+ people, showing joyful community gatherings but also police surveillance.

Source 8 is a portrait of Patrick Nelson by Duncan Grant in 1960-63. Patrick Nelson is a rare historical example of a Black gay man whose life is well documented, both through military records and ship logs contained in our collection, and through the love letters sent between him and Duncan Grant contained in the Tate archives. This painting is also a rare example of a depiction of an LGBTQ+ man by another LGBTQ+ man. This source can be used as a start point for students to further explore the life of Patrick Nelson, as well as the Bloomsbury Group, and to also find examples of other LGBTQ+ people of colour in British history. Students should be encouraged to recognise how rare historical depictions of Black LGBTQ+ people are, and to question why that might be.

Source 9a is a discussion from 1954 from the committee putting together the Wolfenden report, which was published in 1957. This report famously laid out the recommendations that homosexual acts between men over 21 in private should be made legal. The recommendations weren't implemented until ten years later in the Sexual Offences Act 1967. This source reveals for students the debates that went on behind the scenes, highlighting the negative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people in the late 1950s. However, it also reveals the arguments that led to the recommendations being made.

Source 9b is a table showing the number of offences of 'indecency' between males in England and Wales 1946-76. It covers the period directly before and after the Sexual Offences Act 1967, in which homosexual acts were legalised. It shows how, contrary to what we might think, arrests actually went up after this act. This is because, while homosexual acts were now legal, it was under very strict circumstances - only in private and only between men over the age of 21. Both the public and the police were now better informed about these strict conditions and more primed to be on the lookout for anyone breaching them. Homosexual acts would not be on the same legal standing as heterosexual acts until 2004.

Source 10 is an article by April Ashley, a model who was outed as being transgender in 1961. The article is a rare example in our records of a transgender person's own perspective, rather than that of government officials. It shows her describing her emotions when meeting her mother for the first time since transitioning, and her excitement about her upcoming wedding to Arthur Corbett. Their divorce would eventually lead to a ruling that their marriage was never legal due to Ashley's assigned sex at birth. This source highlights the personal and emotional side of her story, not just the important legal precedent that it set, which tied transgender people's legal status to their biological sex rather than their gender identities. This did not change until the 2004 Gender Recognition Act.

Source 11a-d are photos from a 1976 Drag Ball at Porchester Hall in West London. These photos show an example of British ballroom culture. Taken together with Source 12, they can provide a more nuanced view of what life for LGBTQ+ people was like in the 1970s. These photos can also be paired with Source 7a to show the evolution of LGBTQ+ spaces in London.

Source 12 is a letter from the late 1970s from the Campaign for Homosexual Equality. It was written because of a review of obscenity laws taking place, arguing for better representation of LGBTQ+ people in these laws. It reveals the limits of the Sexual Offences Act 1967, how negative attitudes remained prevalent, and lets students hear directly from activists writing at the time.

Source 13a is related to a government-run public health campaign about HIV/AIDS in 1986. At the time, AIDS had infected over 20,000 people in the UK, mostly men having sex with other men. The government wished to stop the disease from spreading and ease the pressure this was putting on hospitals with a public health campaign to inform the public about how to protect themselves from AIDS. Students can examine the language used in this letter, as well as Thatcher's handwritten notes on the page, to explore government attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community and AIDS at this time. This is paired with Source 13b, a photograph of a 'die-in' protest by activists, reflecting the community response to government policies around AIDS.

Source 14 is a protest leaflet against Clause 28 from an organisation of LGBTQ+ British people residing in the United States. This source shows the argument from the LGBTQ+ community against Clause or Section 28, introduced by Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government in 1988. This leaflet shows the large protest movement that was happening against the clause, both in Britain and overseas. It's also important to point out that this piece of legislation came after many years of the AIDS crisis during which homosexuality was increasingly stigmatised and associated with disease. The clause was not repealed until 2003 - teachers may want to explore with students how LGBTQ+ issues are talked about in school nowadays, and how different it may have been only a few decades ago.

Finally, Source 15 is a page from a 1989 newsletter from the Black Lesbian and Gay Centre. It showcases the range of community activities that were present at this time and gives a different view of what life was like for LGBTQ+ people during the AIDS crisis and Section 28.

External links
LGBTQIA+ Archives | Bishopsgate Institute
One of the most extensive collections on LGBTQIA+ history in the UK covering the late nineteenth century onward.
A Short History of LGBT Rights in the UK | The British Library
From the British Library, a timeline of the LGBTQ+ community from 1533 to today.
Gay Black Group
Video from BFI about the formation of the Gay Black Group in 1980s London.
Aids - Iceberg advert
Video from BFI showing the famous 1987 'iceberg' public information film informing the British public about AIDS.
Key dates for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality
From Stonewall UK, a timeline of LGBTQ+ history from the 1950s onwards.
Your Story, Our History: LGBTQ+ legislation
Education videos and resource pack from the UK Parliament about LGBTQ+ rights and legislation.
LGBTQ+ History | English Heritage
Learn about LGBTQ+ stories uncovered at English Heritage sites.
Pride of Place: England's LGBTQ Heritage
From Historic England, learn about LGBTQ+ history and heritage across England.
Queer Britain
Queer Britain is the UK's first national museum about the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTQ+ Archives - The National Archives blog
Blogs from The National Archives about LGBTQ+ history.
The National Archives LGBTQ+ history research guide
Research guide for finding LGBTQ+ history within The National Archives.

Connections to curriculum

History:

Key stage 4

GCSE History EDEXCEL: Crime and punishment in 1700 to present day: nature and changing definitions of criminal activity.

GCSE History AQA: Power and the people: Equality and rights

GCSE History OCR: Crime and punishment, c.1250 to present

Key stage 5

Edexcel A level History: Britain in the later 20th Century: 1945- 90: Consensus and Conflict

OCR A level History: Britain under Margaret Thatcher 1979-90

AQA A level History: The Making of Modern Britain, 1951-2007

Sociology:

AQA AS-level Sociology:

2.2.2 Families and Households

AQA A-level Sociology:

2.1 Culture and Identity

2.2 Families and Households

3.1 Crime and Deviance

OCR AS and A-level Sociology:

Introducing socialisation, culture and identity

Families and relationships

Media

PSHE:

The lesson could be used to support a school PSHE programme of study for Key stage 4.

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LGBTQ+ Rights in Britain - The National Archives

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People have always existed who engaged in same sex relationships, defied conventional gender norms, or lived as a different gender to the one they were assigned as at birth. The social climate these individuals lived in, and the language they had available to them, has changed significantly over the last 1,000 years - the span [...]

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UK, Take Pride! Getting the UK back on track for LGBTQ+ equality

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UK, Take Pride! Getting the UK back on track for LGBTQ+ equality

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It’s time to get the UK back on track for LGBTQ+ rights.

Just eight years ago, the UK's legal framework for LGBTQ+ rights was the pride of Europe. But no longer. As anti-LGBTQ+ narratives have taken hold in our press and politics, the progress we have made has stalled.

Over 1.5 million LGBTQ+ people live in the UK, and the impact on us has been all too real. Hate crimes against our communities have risen drastically in the past few years. With every day that passes, we feel a little less safe going about our lives.

With the next General Election approaching, this is a pivotal moment for our country. We want the next UK Government to take pride in its LGBTQ+ citizens, to help us not only feel safe, but to unlock our full potential.

Join us in taking pride in our diverse, wonderful rainbow nation, and working towards a future where we are all free to be ourselves. Let's get the UK back on track for LGBTQ+ rights.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's time to get the UK back on track for LGBTQ+ rights.

Just eight years ago, the UK's legal framework for LGBTQ+ rights was the pride of Europe. But no longer. As anti-LGBTQ+ narratives have taken hold in our press and politics, the progress we have made has stalled.

Over 1.5 million LGBTQ+ people live in the UK, and the impact on us has been all too real. Hate crimes against our communities have risen drastically in the past few years. With every day that passes, we feel a little less safe going about our lives.

With the next General Election approaching, this is a pivotal moment for our country. We want the next UK Government to take pride in its LGBTQ+ citizens, to help us not only feel safe, but to unlock our full potential.

Join us in taking pride in our diverse, wonderful rainbow nation, and working towards a future where we are all free to be ourselves. Let's get the UK back on track for LGBTQ+ rights.

We believe that:

Every LGBTQ+ person should feel safe.

Whether it's at home, at work or on the street, every LGBTQ+ person deserves to be safe and to feel safe.
We want to live in a UK where everyone, no matter who they are or what they look like, can feel safe to live their lives. Reported hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people have been going up for the past six years, now reaching the highest rate for a decade. This just isn't right.

Join us if you think everyone should be safe from harassment and abuse, whoever and wherever they are.

Every LGBTQ+ person should be able to get the healthcare they need.

Every LGBTQ+ person deserves access to high quality and inclusive healthcare from professionals who believe our experiences and understand our needs.
We know that access to the healthcare we need can be a matter of live or death - and it's no different for LGBTQ+ people. From mental health and fertility support to transition-related health support, we all deserve to have access to the care we need.

Join us if you think accessible healthcare should be a reality wherever you live.

Every LGBTQ+ child and young person should be supported to thrive.

Every LGBTQ+ child and young person deserves to feel safe, seen, and heard at school.
Our experiences as children can have a life-long impact on our self-esteem and mental health. Everyone deserves to be protected from bullying and isolation at school; to feel understood by their teachers; and to see themselves reflected in the national curriculum and in the classroom.

Join us to work together for a future where every LGBTQ+ child and young person can be truly themselves and achieve their potential.

Every LGBTQ+ person should be respected, recognised, and protected in law.

Every LGBTQ+ person deserves to thrive as themselves and build families with those they love, with protections under the UK's laws.
We all feel safer to be truly ourselves when we know that we're recognised and protected within the legal framework of our country. We want to see a UK that reflects all of us in its laws. Everyone should be able to build their lives and families with those they love.

Join us if you want to live in a UK that Takes Pride in our diversity!

The UK should once again stand as a global leader for LGBTQ+ equality.

Rebuilding connections with our global community, the UK should once again effectively protect LGBTQ+ people and stand as a global leader for equality.
10 years ago, the UK's legal framework was recognised as the most effective in Europe - but we're now in a place where the UK looks set to fall out of the Top 20 countries in Europe for LGBTQ+ rights. How did we get here? The UK's past actions have left LGBTQ+ people across the world living in countries where their existence is illegal, where they can be jailed or executed simply for being themselves. As a proud country, we have a responsibility to right our wrongs, and to work with communities across the world for a safer future.

Join us in getting the UK back on track for LGBTQ+ equality. Sign below if you agree:

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It's time to get the UK back on track for LGBTQ+ rights. Just eight years ago, the UK's legal framework for LGBTQ+ rights was the pride of Europe. But no longer. As anti-LGBTQ+ narratives have taken hold in our press and politics, the progress we have made has stalled. Over 1.5...

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PRIDE CALENDAR 2023: The ultimate guide to Pride UK

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Welcome to THE PRIDE SHOP's ultimate Pride Calendar Guide for the UK and Ireland. As new dates are announced we will update the listings below. If your event is not listed here or has not been updated please open a ticket at the Customer Hub and we'll update it.

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PRIDE CALENDAR 2023: The ultimate guide to Pride UK - The Pride Shop

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Welcome to THE PRIDE SHOP's ultimate Pride Calendar Guide for the UK and Ireland. As new dates are announced we will update the listings below. If your event is not listed here or has not been updated please open a ticket at the Customer Hub and we'll update it.

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LGBT+ History Month Claiming our past - Celebrating our present - Creating our future LGBT+ History Month is for everyone; whether you work in education, a museum, library or art gallery, a business, a service, are a member of a network/social group or an individual.

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Stay up to date with all the latest on events, talks, nightlife and support

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Tel: 0345 3 30 30 30

Email: [email protected]

Postal Address: LGBT Foundation,
Fairbairn House (2nd Floor),
72 Sackville Street, Manchester,
M1 3NJ

LGBT Foundation © 2017, Reg. charity no. 1070904, Reg. Company no. 03476576

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Tel: 0345 3 30 30 30 Email: [email protected] Postal Address: LGBT Foundation, Fairbairn House (2nd Floor), 72 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3NJ LGBT Foundation © 2017, Reg. charity no. 1070904, Reg. Company no. 03476576

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Stonewall campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people across Britain.

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Intersections: Incorporating Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion into Library Publishing

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Intersections: Incorporating Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion into Library Publishing

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By Stephen Krueger, Scholarly Publishing Librarian, Dartmouth College

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Intersections is an occasional series where community members reflect on what they are seeing in other parts of their professional world and what library publishers can learn from it. By Stephen Krueger, Scholarly Publishing Librarian, Dartmouth College
When I do workshops on trans and gender diverse inclusion for libraries, I often wrap up with a slide listing every type of library work I can think of. This is to remind people that the issue is part of every single role in the profession, from instruction to cataloging to HR (plus adjacent work like cleaning and security). Library publishing and scholarly communications are no exception. Why would they be? Without active, sweeping change and accountability, we continue the inequities that have been built into this profession (whether or not this was intentional). The specifics simply depend on what those inequities happen to be in our particular area of work. But that change is not impossible; it is only that individuals and organizations must go out of their way to enact it. This takes work-significant amounts of it, committed to in the long-term.

In discussing a topic like this, it can be easy to devolve into positive-sounding buzzwords like diversity, equity, and inclusion (or acronyms that lump all the concepts together), but that evades the scale and impact of the problem. Naming the things that libraries are not implies some sort of neutral in-between space, letting us sit stagnant and complacent in the status quo. But these words have antonyms: Library workers aren't not diverse; they are homogenous. They are inequitable. We don't not include; we exclude, passively and actively. Libraries are not for everyone and never have been-because, historically speaking, they weren't intended to be, and the complete overhaul needed to get rid of the practices developed throughout that history has not happened. That is not to say that we shouldn't try to develop our libraries so that they do support patrons and workers of all identities, but it is wilfully obtuse to pretend this is the case at present; denying and ignoring the problems perpetuates harm.

So what does that work look like? Well, the first step regardless of your role is basic self-education. (I do not offer workshops that don't start with an hour of Trans 101, since I have found that the lack of knowledge about trans and gender diverse people is so pervasive that there isn't much point in trying to move on without first establishing a baseline; this applies to self-education as well.) For individuals, this might mean watching a webinar ( Trans and Gender Non-Conforming Inclusion in Libraries and Reimagining Transgender 'Inclusion' for Libraries are both good beginning options for library workers) or doing some reading about trans and gender diverse people. Organizations can bring in speakers; some may be found on the Trans Inclusion in LIS Presenter List, and many academic institutions have an LGBTQIA+ Center or equivalent that might be able to suggest local options.

The reason you need to start with basic self-education is that the next step is something like "make all of your work/processes/services gender inclusive." What that actually means in practice varies enormously, depending on what you and/or your organization actually do. This is why you must educate yourself about trans and gender diverse people first: You need to know enough about the common needs of the people you are trying to include to meet those needs, and you can't put the labor on people of those identities when it's actually your job to do it. Very broadly speaking, what you should do is assume that people of all different gender identities are using and working in your library and your department specifically, or will do so at some point. Think through what their experiences will be like with your current systems, spaces, and services, identify potential problems, and resolve them. (I would say "preemptively," but I actually think it's likely that trans and gender diverse people have already been harmed by whatever issues exist in any given situation-you just may not know about it.) If you like, borrow the persona technique from UX: create a handful of fictional trans and gender diverse people of various experiences and identities, and then take each of them on a hypothetical journey through your processes to identify concerns. This method helps you avoid the harmful myth of the One Monolithic Trans Experience. For example, a persona who has undergone a legal name change may have no problems filling out an author contract, while one who has not is forced to out themself.

In general, the approach above applies to library publishing work as much as to anything else, so I could stop here. However, it may help to identify some of the common issues that end up excluding some trans and gender diverse people in this area, along with actions you can take to get started. Note that these things are not a replacement for the education and in-depth work outlined above.

Inasmuch as the scholarly publishing world has made active steps towards trans inclusion, these primarily involve the increasing number of publishers that have adopted policies to support and protect authors who have changed their names (everyone involved in publishing needs to read Tenenbaum et al.'s iconic article on this issue). This is far from the only name-related issue that comes up in publishing, so review your internal processes for handling author names at all steps of the process (including after publication). Questions to ask include the following:

Does the type of publishing you do require the author's legal name on a contract? Have you really checked, or are you just assuming so?

If it does, how are you asking for that information, and are you asking for it from everyone? Are you assuming that you need to check only with authors who you know are trans or who are using an obvious pseudonym? All sorts of people use different names in different situations, many of them for reasons that have nothing to do with gender.

What happens when an author changes their name after they have published with you? The Tenenbaum et al. article linked above has excellent guidance for creating an inclusive author name change policy. This question applies to anything where you are keeping a record of authorship; I adapted the recommendations in the linked article to make an author name change policy for our institutional repository (and then did a lighting talk about it, with slides available in that same IR).

Are your forms specific about what you are asking for? Name of use, name on publication, and legal name are three different things, so specify rather than having an ambiguous "name" field. Ask for only what you absolutely need, at the point when you need it-if you do require a legal name for the contract or payment paperwork, don't ask for it prior to the relevant step in the publishing process.

Are authors' legal names shared, internally or externally, in a way that risks outing them? Ensure that their legal name, if you do indeed need to collect it, will not be shared any more than absolutely necessary, and let them know who sees it so they can protect themselves accordingly. And of course, what you tell them must be true, so ensure that your systems and staff training reflect that policy.

Are your processes transparent? Since there are a lot of people for whom sharing their legal name is equivalent to outing themself, they should be able to plan ahead if they will be required to do so in order to publish with you. This way they can make an informed decision on whether or not to do so. Create a publicly viewable document outlining the steps in the process, including what information is needed when. Share this with potential authors without waiting for them ask for it.

In library publishing, author names are probably the most prominent specific issue, but not the only one. Some other actions include the following:

Update all of your materials to use singular "they" rather than "he or she." This goes for internal handbooks, author guidelines, public language, everything. If you need a justification to cite, it's in keeping with current APA standards.

If you have guidelines for authors, recommend the use of singular "they" in these as well. If you provide editing services, train staff to watch and correct for this.

Push back. Does your institution have transphobic policies like refusing to respect authors' name changes, or insisting on keeping a public record of those changes? Do you use a platform that is unclear about what information it asks for? Do your coworkers fail to use gender-inclusive language in written materials? Even if enacting change seems unlikely, don't take that as a reason not to try; use whatever power you have to raise issues, and keep doing so until they improve.

Other things you can do include...well, everything. This post is centered on library publishing, but it's likely that your workplace needs attention in many areas to be inclusive to employees and users of all genders.

A closing thought: You may note that most of the people cited in this piece fall somewhere under the trans and gender diverse umbrella (as do I). As you reflect-and, I hope, act-on incorporating gender inclusion into your library publishing and other work, be aware of what that means. The vast majority of the progress that has been made so far comes from self-defense by those of us who are fighting to make space for ourselves, usually in systems that erase our existence or out us when we try to participate. That harm isn't necessarily the intent; I think that most often, trans-exclusionary situations are the result of people who didn't realize that trans and gender diverse people existed. Regardless of whether it stems from ignorance or bigotry, the impact is the same, and it will not change without active work. That labor is what I am asking you to do.

And finally, to the trans and gender diverse people reading this: I'm not going to say none of this is your job because it literally might be, as it is mine. But the same personal experiences that may make you more likely to notice the problems also can make attempting to solve them far more stressful and exhausting than the same work is for cisgender people. So please take care of yourself first; while you do need to pay attention to the issues described above if they fall under your area of professional responsibility, it is not your job to try to fix a broken system just because you're one of the people harmed by it.

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Intersections: Incorporating Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion into Library Publishing

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Intersections is an occasional series where community members reflect on what they are seeing in other parts of their professional world and what library publishers can learn from it. By Stephen Krueger, Scholarly Publishing Librarian, Dartmouth College When I do workshops on trans and gender diverse inclusion for libraries, I often wrap up with a slide listing every type of library work I can think of.

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The Queer Heritage and Collections Network

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The Queer Heritage and Collections Network (QHCN)

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The Queer Heritage and Collections Network (QHCN)

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Sharing expertise, skills and best practice on LGBTQ+ heritage

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Mailing List Symposium 2021 Symposium 2022
The Queer Heritage and Collections Network

The Queer Heritage and Collections Network is a UK-wide Subject Specialist Network that provides training, networking and peer support to people working with LGBTQ+ collections and histories. We support galleries, libraries, archives and museums that are developing public programming bringing LGBTQ+ histories and themes to the fore.

Membership of QHCN is free, and is open to heritage sector professionals and academics at all career levels (including independent and freelance). Our 70+ institutional members are actively involved in increasing the understanding of LGBTQ+ heritage, and access to and engagement with it. As organisations continue to develop LGBTQ+ themed programming, we aim to act as a forum through which best practice can evolve to meaningfully represent and advocate for queer communities.

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The Queer Heritage and Collections Network

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The Queer Heritage and Collections Network The Queer Heritage and Collections Network is a UK-wide Subject Specialist Network that provides training, networking and peer support to people working with LGBTQ+ collections and histories. We support galleries, libraries, archives and museums that are developing public programming bringing LGBTQ+ histories and themes to the fore.

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Stonewall’s LGBT+ History Month 2023 hub

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Stonewall’s LGBT+ History Month 2023 hub

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This LGBT+ History Month, we want to pay tribute to everyone who has already made history this year - all 1.5 million+ of us!

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This LGBT+ History Month, we want to pay tribute to everyone who has already made history this year - all 1.5 million+ of us!

That's how many LGBTQ+ people there are living in England and Wales today. And we know this, because, for the first time in over 200 years, we were officially counted as part of the Census. It's a truly historic moment for our communities - after years of invisibility, we are now officially part of our country's story.

But the benefits of LGBTQ+ visibility go beyond recordkeeping. As more people have had the opportunity to learn about our lives, attitudes have changed, allowing us all to write new, more colourful chapters in our country's story.

Over the last few decades, we have seen a steady increase in social acceptance of lesbian, gay and bi relationships, and a steady increase in the percentage of the population who identify as lesbian, gay, bi or trans. And our Rainbow Britain report shows that today, we are a country that is fiercely proud to be inclusive. Thanks to your allyship, we're increasingly free to be ourselves - in every area of our lives.

But we've always been here. We've worked in every sector, and lived in every town and village. Some of us have played crucial roles in driving cultural and political movements, and others have been pillars in even the sleepiest communities.

Despite oppressive laws and societal discrimination, LGBTQ+ people have persisted, and we've resisted. We've always found one another, inspired one another, and broken barriers to provide visibility for others. And it's partly this visibility that has allowed more LGBTQ+ people to be openly themselves in the UK in the last two decades.

2023. This year marks 20 years since Section 28, the law that banned "promotion of homosexuality" in the UK, was repealed. It was an attack on LGBTQ+ visibility, and together we resisted. And we've made progress in leaps and bounds since. But with parts of our community still under attack, we must remember why we can't go back, and come together to keep moving forward.

This LGBT+ History Month, let's learn from our past and keep standing in solidarity to make history for our communities!

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This LGBT+ History Month, we want to pay tribute to everyone who has already made history this year - all 1.5 million+ of us! That's how many LGBTQ+ people there are living in England and Wales today. And we know this, because, for the first time in over 200 years,...

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The Trans and Gender Diverse LIS Network

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The Trans and Gender Diverse LIS Network

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The Trans and Gender Diverse LIS Network is an informal community of trans and gender diverse people who work in libraries. At the moment it consists of Slack and Discord spaces where members can share experiences and get feedback. The group was started in 2017 as a way for trans and gender diverse library workers to connect, as many of us are the only people of our identity in our workplace.

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LGBT+ History Month 2023: Behind the Lens

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LGBT+ History Month 2023: Behind the Lens

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The LGBT+ History Month 2023 #BehindTheLens celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. Directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make up artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond.

At a time when LGBT+ lives are in the media we also encourage you to look ‘Behind the Lens’ and listen to LGBT+ peoples’ lived experiences.

Claiming our past – Celebrating our present – Creating our future

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Designed by a student at The Swan School as part of our annual national LGBT+ History Month badge competition.

LGBT+ History Month 2023: Behind the Lens

The LGBT+ History Month 2023 #BehindTheLens celebrates LGBT+ peoples' contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. Directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make up artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond.

At a time when LGBT+ lives are in the media we also encourage you to look 'Behind the Lens' and listen to LGBT+ peoples' lived experiences.

Claiming our past - Celebrating our present - Creating our future

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LGBT+ History Month - LGBT+ History Month

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LGBT+ History Month 2023: Behind the Lens The LGBT+ History Month 2023 #BehindTheLens celebrates LGBT+ peoples' contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens. Directors, cinematographers, screen writers, producers, animators, costume designers, special effects, make up artists, lighting directors, musicians, choreographers and beyond. At a time when LGBT+ lives are in the media we...

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24 books with queer rep coming out in 2023

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24 books with queer rep coming out in 2023

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A list of some of my most anticipated queer stories coming out (yes, pun intended) in 2023! Pre-order the books and support these authors 🏳️‍🌈✨

(Twitter thread)

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A list of some of my most anticipated queer stories coming out (yes, pun intended) in 2023! Pre-order the books and support these authors 🏳️‍🌈✨

(see thread 🧵⬇️)

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A list of some of my most anticipated queer stories coming out (yes, pun intended) in 2023! Pre-order the books and support these authors 🏳️‍🌈✨

(see thread 🧵⬇️) https://t.co/6RBJZjAbia

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A list of some of my most anticipated queer stories coming out (yes, pun intended) in 2023! Pre-order the books and support these authors 🏳️‍🌈✨

(see thread 🧵⬇️) https://t.co/6RBJZjAbia

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A list of some of my most anticipated queer stories coming out (yes, pun intended) in 2023! Pre-order the books and support these authors 🏳️‍🌈✨

(see thread 🧵⬇️) https://t.co/6RBJZjAbia

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A list of some of my most anticipated queer stories coming out (yes, pun intended) in 2023! Pre-order the books and support these authors 🏳️‍🌈✨

(see thread 🧵⬇️)

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Brighton's independent queer radical bookshop, run as a co-operative

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Queer Books for Quarantined Youth*

* by which I mean college students and anyone else who feels young and restless, not necessarily young teenagers, though do what you will, youth of all ages!

Some of my students have been asking for escapist reading recommendations, so I started this list, to which I will add when I can. Radically incomplete! Extremely particular! Hopefully something will appeal?

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Irwin Mitchell Podcast Episode 25: Supporting Trans Employees
- how employers can support trans employees, covering important topics like:

Practical steps for employers

The Equality Act, gender re-assignment and gender recognition certificates

Ensuring your policies are trans-inclusive

Trans-specific diversity training

Consulting your staff

Dress codes, bathroom access, pronouns, and more.

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Our fortnightly podcast is your chance to get regular advice and updates from our experts and special guests, across a wide range of legal and financial topics.

We'll share guidance on the topics that matter to you, including the latest legal changes, financial news, and in-depth market insight. With a different focus every time, there's something interesting in each episode for people from all walks of life.

Scroll down for more info on the topics and guests for each episode, and links to the podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Overcast.

Podcast Series by Topic

Episode 65: HR Considerations For Neurodivergent Colleagues

Whether you're a business owner, line manager or HR professionals there's a range of considerations you must make when employing and managing neurodivergent colleagues. Host Helen Dyke is joined by Emily Banks of Enna Global. They cover:

Episode 64: Supporting Clients Through Our New Counselling Service

Episode 63: The Effect of the Cost of Living Crisis on Pension Contributions

As the cost of living crisis is forcing many people to tighten their belts, some are looking at their pension contributions as a potential monthly saving. Our host Penny Cogher, is joined by our experts to give their thoughts on:

The information given in this podcast and opinions expressed are subject to change and should not be interpreted as investment advice. All data is sourced by IM Asset Management Limited unless otherwise stated. All financial and wealth management services are provided by IM Asset Management Limited which is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), FCA Firm Reference Number 402770.

Episode 62: ESG and Corporate Occupiers of Real Estate

Following this year's Office Occupiers' report, our panel consider how ESG might affect corporate occupiers' thinking when it comes to changing their office requirements. Real Estate expert Paul Henson is joined by Robert Pearson, director at Savills, Richard Starr, executive property director at Palace Capital. They discuss:

Episode 61: The Importance Of Palliative Care Following A Cancer Diagnosis

Palliative care is often associated with end of life treatment, and a lot of people are reluctant to engage with hospices. But considering palliative care early can be really beneficial.

Our host and workplace illness expert Nicola Handley is joined by our client Linda Fee, Dr Clare Gardiner from the University of Sheffield and rehabilitation expert Michaela Morris. As they discuss:

Episode 60: What Is ESG And Why It Should Matter To Your Business

Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) is a way of evaluating the social impact of a business.

It's something we hear about more and more these days, and it's rapidly becoming a business priority. However, there's no single definition of what it means, and no single criteria to measure success against.

Led by lawyer Faye Bargery, our panel of experts discuss what ESG means for your business and why it's important to take action on it.

Episode 59: Mediation Is Beginning To Play An Increasingly Important Role In Family Law

An expert panel joins our podcast host and family law partner, Zahra Pabani to discuss mediation and the importance of it.

On the panel is founder of, Family Mediation and Mentoring, a bespoke Family Mediation Service, Rachael Oakes. Mills & Reeve Partner and specialist financial and children lawyer, Joanna Grandfield. Mediator and family law partner, Claire Filer.

Together we explore a variety of topics relating to mediation including:

Episode 58: Bike Week 2022 - Cyclists' Safety

Serious injury expert Peter Lorence hosts our latest podcast during Bike Week 2022.

He's joined by Michael Gaffney, Chairman of Blue Light Cycling Club, and DS Andrew Cox, Superintendent of Lincolnshire Police.

Together, they discuss the dangers posed to cyclists on our roads and how we tackle them, the recent Highway Code update, and tips for drivers and cyclists whilst on the road.

Episode 57: The State of The Care Sector and The Recent Care Reform Proposals

Our host Tim Farmer, Clinical Director at Comentis, and key experts discuss the care sector and the recent care reform proposals.

On the panel is Alison Hesketh, a Senior Life Specialist and founder of Timefinders - a company which bridges the gap between the legal and financial professions and the care sector, and Shaleeza Hasham, director at CHD Living, an award-winning, family-owned group of care services.

We also have our very own Stewart Stretton-Hill, Senior Associate Solicitor specialising in helping elderly and vulnerable clients with legal issues related to mental capacity, asset protection and care fee planning.

Together they take a look at what are the care reform proposals, how will they effect those who are planning financially for care or who have loved ones that will shortly be moving into care and how the practicalities will work.

Episode 56: Managing and Preventing Injury in Sport

Elite sport is an ultra-competitive environment. But athletes and teams who can reduce their injury rates and shorten their recovery times can gain that competitive edge.

Join our host and sports expert Ted Powell, as he chats to men's lead performance nutritionist from The Football Association Dr Chris Rosimus, The Physio Clinic's elite sports physiotherapist Nick Worth, and performance director at Zone 7, Rich Buchanan.

They take a deep dive into the role of physiotherapy, technology, and nutrition in relation to injury management and prevention. They'll also discuss some of the legal considerations you need to be aware of.

Episode 55: A Potential Conveyancing Revolution - Consumer Protection Regulations

Our National Head of Residential Property, Jeremy Raj, highlights the key changes and their impact on consumers, estate agents, and the whole of the residential property industry.

He is joined by experts Emma Cooke, Policy and Information Manager from Trading Standards and Kate Faulkner, Property Expert. They discuss in detail what the regulations are, what the changes will mean, and the potential repercussions, including:

What has changed and why

What is the timing for the changes and how will they be enforced

How will the roles of estate agents and conveyancers change

The new obligations for sellers

Implications for systems and tech changes

Buyers, sellers, tech companies and estate agents - will there be a tie up?

Episode 54: Menopause in the Workplace

In our latest menopause report, we worked with YouGov and balance - the women's wellbeing app - to survey over 1,000 HR professionals. The results revealed the worrying lack of action amongst workplaces when it comes to the menopause.

Join our host Joanne Moseley, as she speaks with fellow Irwin Mitchell partner Jenny Arrowsmith, GP and menopause expert Dr Rebecca Lewis, and Jill Kay, HR manager at ASD Lighting. They discuss what businesses can do to better support their menopausal employees.

Episode 53: Mental Health in Elite Sport with Lloyd Ashley

Resilience, perseverance and grit are celebrated in sport, and there's more focus on performance than anything else. In this environment, discussing mental health challenges can be hard, but this narrative appears to be changing.

Recently, household names such as Wayne Rooney, Naomi Osaka and Joe Marler have openly spoken about their mental health struggles. Is awareness of mental health in sport increasing? And are people starting to consider the mental challenges athletes face?

Join our host Ted Powell, as he speaks with Ospreys and Wales lock Lloyd Ashley about the importance of navigating mental health in elite sport.

Episode 52: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Up to 40% of employees are likely to move jobs in 2022 if they don't feel valued, engaged and properly rewarded. This trend has been coined "The Great Resignation," but we see it as the Great Refresh, where employers can reconsider how they recruit.

Join our host Jenny Arrowsmith, as she speaks with Bolu Faseun, Diversity & Inclusion Client Lead at Michael Page, and Lisa Tomlinson, Founder and CEO of Limelite People Group.

Episode 51: Mentoring in a New Work Environment

Recent challenges including Brexit and COVID-19 have changed the way we work. For those in the early stages of their career, considering a career change or in education, much can be gained through mentorship. In this podcast our expert panel, led by Melanie Bancroft, explore the benefits of mentorship and why it should be prioritised on any business' agenda.

Episode 50: Women in Sport - Women and Wellbeing

How does wellbeing in women's sport compare with the men's? What additional support do they require? Can, or should, governing bodies, clubs and athletes be doing more?

Issues around wellbeing have made many front - and back - page headlines over the last year. Possibly the biggest case being the withdrawal of American record-breaking gold-medal gymnast Simone Biles from two finals at the Olympics, citing mental health issues as the reason.

Host Naomi Findlay is joined by Irwin Mitchell colleague, medical negligence expert and Crystal Palace goalkeeper Chloe Morgan, and Dave Ward, Leanne Infante and Abbie Ward of top-flight rugby team Bristol Bears Women. Together, they get to the bottom of this important issue.

Episode 49: Finding Love in Later Life - How You Can Protect Yourself Financially and Legally

This Valentine's Day, our family law expert Zahra Pabani explores how to find love in later life, and how you can protect yourself legally and financially.

Join Zahra as she discusses love in later life with Rachel Maclynn, founder of the Vida Consultancy matchmaking agency. Is it a case of head over heart?

Our family lawyer Sarah Balfour and private client lawyer Emma McCann are also in the hot seat, to suggest practical steps around protecting your wealth and your loved ones.

We'll focus on:

Everyone deserves to take that leap of faith again, and find love. But, it's wise to protect yourself and your loved ones, and move forward with one less worry.

Episode 48: Supporting Clients Through Family Mediation

Family disputes can be complex and uncomfortable. But mediation can be a very effective way to resolve these disputes amicably.

Our Family law expert, Zahra Pabani, is joined by family mediator, Claire Colbert, co-founder of the bespoke family mediation service 'Family Mediation and Mentoring', and our family lawyer Nicola Walker who leads on alternative dispute resolution. Together they discuss the mediation process, the benefits and how it can empower those seeking a resolution, including:

Episode 47: Data Protection and Privacy Claims - What the Recent Cases Mean for Organisations

Data protection is a fast-moving area of law at the best of times, but recently there have been a number of cases decided which have an important impact on businesses.

Listen now on Captivate.FM.

Episode 46: Recovery And Rehabilitation After A Serious Injury Abroad

An injury to a loved one is heartbreaking, but when it happens on holiday it can be even more difficult.

Cheryl Palmer-Hughes is joined by her clients Wendy and Gary. They talk about what happened to Wendy, her injuries and her progression. Their case manager Natasha explains how the pandemic affected Wendy's rehabilitation, and how she and Gary have overcome the issues they've faced.

Listen now on Captivate.FM.

Learn more about Serious Injury Abroad Claims.

Episode 45: Navigating the New Commercial Rent Coronavirus Bill

With many businesses unable to operate as usual during the pandemic, tenants have found themselves struggling with rent debts. Similarly, many landlords who rely on the rent for their income have seen their property values plummet or have struggled with cash flow. The newly proposed Commercial Rent Bill will ringfence the debt that has been accrued as a result of COVID-19 and create an entirely new process for assessing what rent should be paid.

Irwin Mitchell Partner and expert in property disputes Tim Rayner is joined by colleagues James Walters and Lily Pidge to discuss how the new bill works.

Listen now on Captivate.FM.

Find out more about how we help businesses with real estate issues.

Episode 44: Cancer Rehabilitation - Why It Matters

When you're told you have lung cancer, the shock and uncertainty you feel is unimaginable, but there's help at hand, and that's the topic of our latest podcast.

Nicola Handley is joined by her client David. He explains how the specialist support he's had from Nicola and expert guests Lisa Barnes and Lynn de Dombal has transformed his quality of life.

Listen now on Captivate.FM.

Learn more about how we can help with asbestos compensation claims.

Episode 43: Manufacturing - What the 2050 Net Zero Goal Means for Manufacturers

There's pressure on manufacturers to achieve net zero by 2050. But what does it really mean to be net zero? What could the new infrastructure look like? How could surplus energy be stored? Listen to Claire Petricca-Riding discuss alternative energy sources with experts Alastair Morris, Ben Lewis and Professor Jon Gibbins.

Listen now on Captivate.FM.

Episode 42: Settling a Case via Financial Dispute Resolution and Early Neutral Evaluation

Host and family law expert Ros Bever chats with Samantha Hillis, valued QC and matrimonial finance specialist at St John's Building. They explore the options available to couples to resolve their issues outside of court, and how this can be beneficial to everyone involved.

The podcast covers:

Learn more about our family law solicitors' expertise with alternative dispute resolution.

Episode 41: Doing Business and Expanding Operations in the US

Our latest UK Powerhouse report ranked the US number one for FDI into and out of the UK. We're seeing increasing activity in the transatlantic corridor from UK businesses looking to expand or diversify in the US and US businesses looking to expand their operations in the UK, Europe and further eastwards.

Join our host and Head of US desk Georgie Collins as she chats with experts Bryan Bletso and Tara Nicholson. They discuss the opportunities and trends in relation to FDI from the US to the UK and why tax should be a high priority for UK businesses setting up in the US.

Episode 40: Manufacturers and Academia - Working Together Successfully

The knowledge from a university, paired with the commercial know-how of a manufacturer, could be described as the perfect match. But the need to innovate is becoming increasingly important in this rapidly changing environment, particularly following the announcement in the summer of the UK Innovation Strategy. Join Alex Newman and his panel of experts to discover how to create successful partnerships between manufacturers and universities.

Episode 39: Why Menopause Is a Business Issue

Over the last few years, there's been increased discussion among businesses about how they can help support menopausal women in their organisations. Research into this area suggests that somewhere between 10% and 53% of women are negatively affected by menopausal symptoms at work.

Hear our employment experts Jo Moseley and Jenny Arrowsmith discuss how organisations can help menopausal women continue to feel confident and comfortable in their work.

Episode 38: Alternative Dispute Resolution and Cases Involving Children

Our host and family law expert Ros Bever chats with Marie Shaoul, founder and director of Rolling Stone Coaching and also responsible for developing The Co-Parent Way, helping separated couples co-parent together.

They discuss:

Episode 37: Doing business in the USA

A recent study by British American Business and Bain reports that the key priorities for US investors in the UK include better relations with the EU, a US-UK Free Trade Agreement and more clarity around the UK industrial strategy. This is despite US companies showing significant confidence in the UK as a place to do business.

Join our host and Head of US desk Georgie Collins as she chats with US business experts Emanuel Adam and John Dickerman. They discuss the opportunities, challenges, and trends for UK-based businesses when choosing to do business in the US, or expanding their operations in the US.

Episode 36: Pensions and Retirement Planning

We're supporting National Pensions Awareness Day which is all about raising awareness on the importance of preparing and saving for retirement - we'll be looking at the key issues that everybody faces when considering pension options.

Join our host and pensions expert Penny Cogher as she chats with Naomi Neville, Solicitor in our Tax, Trust and Estates team and George Uglow, Financial Planner here at Irwin Mitchell.

We'll be talking about:

The main issues surrounding pensions and what you should consider

Retirement planning - when's a good time to start planning for the future and what you should consider when reaching retirement stage

Inheritance Tax planning and how to pass down your wealth

How pensions are treated upon death.

Episode 35: Embracing Equality and Diversity

Equality and diversity is a key topic among employers. The 2010 Equality Act consolidated prior legislation around discrimination and offered businesses more consistency in their approach. Since then, there's been plenty of studies which demonstrate the commercial benefits to businesses who embrace equality and diversity as part of their model or structure.

Tune in to hear employment expert Elaine Huttley discusses this with Sheri Hughes, UK Diversity & Inclusion Director at Page Group.

Episode 34: Dealing with Pre-nups in a Mediation Forum

We're leading the way in raising awareness of the options available to couples to amicably resolve their issues outside of court - during this podcast we'll talk specifically about mediation and pre-nups and how they work in a mediation setting.

Join our host and family law expert Ros Bever as she chats with Joanna Grandfield, partner and head of the family team in London at Mills & Reeve.

Episode 33: New Ways of Working - Embedding Flexible, Agile and Hybrid Working in Your Business

At least 46% of the working population worked from home at some point during 2020 and 2021. After witnessing the benefits to employees and businesses, many organisations are considering introducing flexible, agile or hybrid working patterns, offering their workers greater freedom as to when and where they work. Host Jenny Arrowsmith discusses this development with fellow employment expert Helen Dyke.

Episode 32: Divorce - Let's Do It Differently

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is becoming an increasingly popular choice for couples to amicably resolve issues outside of court. However our recent survey highlighted that 39% of divorcees were not aware of the alternative options.

Our family law expert Ros Bever is joined by:

Together, they discuss the different options available to help resolve family disputes amicably outside of court and what the industry needs to do to raise awareness of these options.

Episode 31: Family Businesses - The Financial and Emotional Challenges

Family businesses often face difficult challenges and additional complexities that can impact you, your family and your business. Our experts uncover the emotional and financial impacts, generational issues, succession planning and family dynamics that often get in the way of running a thriving business.

James Laycock, Partner in our Will, Trust and Estate Disputes team is joined by guest speaker Russell Haworth from The Family Business Partnership. They discuss a variety of issues that family businesses face, including the importance of discussing financial and succession plans with the next generation.

Episode 30: Incentivising and Retaining Your Workforce

Over the past year, COVID-19 restrictions have caused a dramatic shift in our working habits. While some are keen to get back to the office, many employees have enjoyed the greater flexibility that working from home offers.

As the government lifts restrictions, this podcast covers what businesses must now consider to adapt their offering to remain attractive to employees. Our employment specialists Glenn Hayes and Padma Tadi discuss the issues with Ian Goodwin, a chartered tax adviser and employment tax partner of Mazars.

Learn more about how we can help you business manage flexible working arrangements.

Episode 29: Coping With The Loss Of A Child

Every year, over 22,000 parents and carers experience the tragedy of losing a child. To observe National Bereaved Parents Day, our podcast explores the coping mechanisms and legal support available for grieving parents.

Medical negligence solicitor Laura Daly is joined by Gayle Routledge, Chief Executive Officer of A Child of Mine; consultant psychiatrist Dr Richard Caplan; and Andy Swinburne, an Irwin Mitchell client who has experienced the loss of a child. They'll discuss support networks, the impact on mental health, and how you can keep your child's memory alive.

Episode 28: What's on the Horizon for the Rural Economy

Around 12 million people live and work in the UK's rural areas, contributing around £400 billion to the economy.

But the last 12 months have seen its desirability increase considerably. Purchase and rental markets have boomed - thanks to home working - and global travel restrictions have led to an increase in domestic holidays. But challenges remain for landowners in the form of Brexit and climate change.

Join our host James Pavey, environmental and planning expert Claire Petricca‑Riding, and Ed Mansel Lewis, Head of the Vineyard Group and a Director in Strutt & Parker's rural team - listen now on Captivate.FM.

Episode 27: Why Holiday Pay is Still Such a Big Issue for Business

The Working Time Regulations say that a worker must receive a week's pay for a week's holiday.

But the concept of a week's pay is set out in a number of pieces of legislation that weren't created with holiday pay in mind, and so holiday pay remains a big issue for businesses.

Employment experts Joanne Moseley and Glenn Hayes discuss important topics relating to holiday pay, including:
Learn more about how our employment law solicitors can help your business
Episode 26: Foreign Direct Investment and the UK Economy

Around £1.5 trillion of inward investment was held in the UK in 2019, according to the latest Office for National Statistics figures. Attracting more foreign direct investment is vital for developing the UK's infrastructure, creating job opportunities and raising productivity.

But activity's been heavily impacted by Brexit and COVID-19. Join our host Rob Cowling, international expert Bryan Bletso and Daniel Casares-Lauritsen, Chief Business Development Officer at First Law International, as they discuss the findings of our April 2021 UK Powerhouse report.

Listen now on Captivate.FM.

Episode 25: Supporting Trans Employees

"In 1972 British Airways had a female pilot, but they didn't know it and neither did I."

These are the words of retired pilot and Chair of the diversity charity GIRES Cat Burton, who gave an amazing insight into being a trans employee in our latest podcast.

Alongside employment expert Helen Dyke, they discuss how employers can support trans employees, covering important topics like:

Practical steps for employers

The Equality Act, gender re-assignment and gender recognition certificates

Ensuring your policies are trans-inclusive

Trans-specific diversity training

Consulting your staff

Dress codes, bathroom access, pronouns, and more.

It's estimated there are approximately 600,000 trans and non-binary people in Britain. Many employers are keen to be supportive, but are unsure how best to do so.

The podcast will help you as an employer or HR professional make sure your organisation is a diverse and trans-inclusive workplace.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Captivate.FM, Spotify.

Learn more about how our employment solicitors can help with equality, diversity and discrimination issues in your organisation.

Episode 24: The Life-changing Impact of a Serious Injury

Our latest podcast features two clients currently recovering from life-changing brain and spinal injuries. They talk candidly about the challenges they've faced, the progress they've made and the difference the right type of support, medical care and rehabilitation can make.

Irwin Mitchell lawyers Stacy Clements and Jack Sales are joined by their clients Rosie Mayes and Joe Watts. Rosie is tetraplegic after a road traffic collision in 2009 left her with a severe spinal cord injury. Joe suffered a brain injury while working as a professional stuntman on Fast & Furious 9 in 2019.

A theme throughout the podcast is the importance of rehabilitation, and Rebecca Bancroft, a senior physiotherapist and clinical manager at More Rehab completes our guest list. Rebecca shares her expert view and talks about her friendship with Rosie, who she's supported since her injury.

Together, we reflect on the early days after an injury, the impact of lockdown and how to cope with change and stay positive.
Learn more about how we can help if you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury
Episode 23: Cladding - A Way Forward

The Grenfell Tower disaster changed the landscape of the housing market as we know it. Four years on, there's still a lot of uncertainty across the industry on how to resolve the issues we face.

Partner and Head of Residential Property Jeremy Raj hosts our latest podcast, which looks at:

Blights on flats

Service charge consultations

RICS guidance and EWS1 forms

The Fire Safety Bill and Fire Risk Assessments

The role of a Building Safety Manager

Is commonhold the solution?

Jeremy is joined by Chris Baker, who heads up our Leasehold Enfranchisement and Residential Management teams. Their guest is Julia Webb, group building surveyor at Dorrington PLC and vice chair of the British Property Federation's Building Safety sounding Board.

The podcast draws on our ten-point plan on how the industry should move forward from the cladding crisis, featured in our exclusive cladding report.

Episode 22: Asbestos - the Past, Present and the Future

During Asbestos Awareness Week, Rosemary Giles hosts our latest podcast to look at:

Our guests this week are Kate Hill, Adrian Budgen and Greg Byrne.

Kate is a senior research fellow and National Institute for Health research adviser at Leeds Institute of Health Sciences and a trustee of the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund.

Adrian Budgen is the asbestos-related disease solicitor who supported June in her landmark legal case 25 years ago, and Greg Byrne is a director of RB Asbestos Consultants.

Episode 21: The Changing Consumer - How COVID-19 Has Changed Shopping Habits

The consumer sector is vital to the health of the UK economy. But it's been severely impacted by COVID-19.

Join our consumer sector experts Rob Coleridge and Alex Newman, along with Simon Preece, co-founder of sensecheck.com and change agent & director of growth at Bigger & Better Things, as they discuss:

Listen to the podcast now on Captivate.FM and read our full The Changing Consumer report.

Episode 20: IR35 - Are you ready for the changes?

IR35 tax legislation rules for off-payroll workers are changing from Tuesday 6 April. But how will this impact your business? And what steps do you need to take to avoid falling foul of the new rules?

In this episode, our employment law experts Glenn Hayes and Padma Tadi, with tax specialist Ian Goodwin of Mazars, discuss the changes and the actions businesses need to take.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Captivate.FM or Spotify.

Episode 19: Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs as the Schools Open Again

As schools open their doors again up and down the country, it marks the start of another period of uncertainty for children with special educational needs and the parents, carers and charities that support them.

Just days away from the anniversary of the first national lockdown, our latest podcast considers the impact of COVID-19, social distancing and home schooling on the children who rely on structure, routine and extra support. We also discuss Education, Health and Care plans and why these legal documents have never been more important.

Episode 18: Key budget highlights explained

Our host and residential property expert Jeremy Raj explores the main highlights of the Budget announcement, and how it could affect you.

We'll focus on:

Listen now on Captivate.FM.

Episode 17: How To Find Love in Lockdown, and How To Protect Yourself When You Do

Our host and family law expert Zahra Pabani explores how to find love in lockdown, and how to protect yourself when you do.

Join Zahra as she chats with Rachel Maclynn, founder of exclusive matchmaking agency the Vida Consultancy, about how she works with clients to help build connections and ultimately make love matches.

Zahra is also joined by Annabel Bosman, Head of Relationship Management for the Royal Bank of Canada, who's sharing her experiences of how her clients deal with new love and protecting their wealth.

We'll focus on:

The psychology of matchmaking, and how to help clients find love - particularly during lockdown

How to protect your wealth and investments when embarking on a new relationship

Legal wealth protection tools such as Living Together Agreements and pre- and post-nuptial agreements.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Captivate.FM or Spotify and read more about how our family law team can help you.

Episode 16: Cervical Cancer - Prevention, the Cure and COVID-19

Every year around 850 lives are lost to cervical cancer in the UK and it's the fourth most common cancer among women globally. Yet it's a preventable and curable disease if detected and treated early.

During cervical cancer prevention week, we talk about the importance of early diagnosis and regular screening and consider the impact COVID-19 is having on this.

Joining our host, Emma Rush, is fellow medical negligence solicitor Mark Cawley are two very special guests. Professor Jean V. McHale from Birmingham University researches and writes in the area of health care law and is the Director of the Centre for Health Law, Science and Policy at Birmingham Law School.

She is joined by Robert Hammond, Consultant Gynaecologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Robert runs a practice which specialises in pelvic surgery and the management of gynaecological cancers and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Listen now on Captivate.FM to find out more about the potential symptoms to look out for, the treatment currently available and why letters sent out to women at risk can cause unnecessary worry, which is amplified by the ongoing pandemic.
Learn more about how we can help if you or a loved one has suffered due to a cervical cancer misdiagnosis
Episode 15: Brexit - Managing the Impact on Supply Chains

The Brexit deal will change how your company deals with employees, data and more, but there's one key issue in particular to address.

You need to understand how the deal affects overseas trade and your supply chain, and our latest podcast will help you do this.

This exclusive Brexit episode of our podcast features our experts in conversation with Andrew Baxter of transport and logistics company Europa Worldwide. The Irwin Mitchell hosts are Vicky Brackett, CEO of Business Legal Services, and Bruce Macmillan, General Counsel.

Listen now on Captivate.FM to learn how Europa Worldwide prepared their business for Brexit, and get up-to-the-minute legal advice on protecting your trading relationships.
See our Brexit hub for more insights from our experts
Episode 14: Homelessness and food banks - the impact of COVID-19 and how we can help

Having food on the table and a roof over our heads are basic human rights, but many in the UK struggle for these simple necessities.

We're supporting 25 homelessness charities and food banks this winter and wanted to learn more about their work and what we can do to help.

To understand more about homelessness and food poverty, you need to speak to the people who work tirelessly day in, day out to drive positive change.

With this in mind, we invited some of our charity partners to join us for a special edition of our Irwin Mitchell podcast:

Hosting the podcast is Margaret Ryan, a trustee of the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation.

Their discussion covers the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges ahead, and what we can all do to make a real difference. In particular, our guests discuss how we could see unprecedented numbers experiencing homelessness and using foodbanks in 2021, and how to prevent this.

Thanks to the insight of our special guests, the podcast delivers an honest, educational and emotive discussion. It's full of helpful advice, heart-warming stories and cautionary tales.

Listen to this podcast now on Apple Podcasts, Captivate.FM, or Spotify. You can also read more about what we've learned from the charities we support in our Homelessness and Foodbanks report

Episode 13: Road Safety Week

According to our partners Brake, the national road safety charity, someone is injured on a UK road every four minutes. During Road Safety Week, our latest podcast reflects on the often life-changing impact of a road traffic collision and considers how they can be prevented as the dark nights draw in and the winter weather arrives.

We also discuss the current lockdown, the increase in cycling and the worrying trend that saw police report a 71% spike in speeding during the previous national shut down.

Our host Peter Lorence is joined by Michael Anderson, a client of ours who suffered a bleed on the brain and had to have his left leg amputated after he was hit by a car going too fast in dangerous conditions.

Joining Michael is traffic sergeant Paul Cording from the North Yorkshire police force. Paul has years of experience of road traffic policing and has had to attend far too many fatal incidents while doing his job.

Finally, our paralegal Phil King, talks about his current role and his previous one, where he served with Northumbria Police for over 33 years, as a family liaison coordinator and lead investigator into serious traffic incidents.

Listen to this podcast now on Captivate.FM.

Episode 12: Challenges of Socially Distanced Rehabilitation

The COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing measures that followed have changed the way rehabilitation is delivered forever. As the UK enters lockdown again, our latest podcast looks at the positive and negative impact of virtual support and considers what this will mean in the future.

In this podcast we focus on:

Episode 11: Life as a Trainee Solicitor

A special edition of our podcast for those who're considering a career in law and want to know more about what life is like as a trainee solicitor.

Training Principal and partner Emma Rush is joined by a series of trainees to discuss the role of a trainee solicitor, our DNA, and the hot topic of technology in law.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Captivate.FM, or Spotify.

Episode 10: The Impact of Divorce in Later Life

Leaving a marriage in later life, whether through divorce or separation, isn't a step that people take lightly. But it's something we're seeing more of with every year that passes.

Our latest podcast focusses on the emotional, financial and legal issues that come with separating in later life, and how those affected can protect themselves.

In this podcast we focus on:

Episode 9: The Life-Changing Impact of Cancer

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is usually associated with asbestos exposure and every year 2,500 people sadly lose their lives to this condition.

In our latest podcast, Joanne Jefferies and Ian Bailey, asbestos-related disease claims specialists, take an in-depth look at the terminal illness with guests Mick May and Liz Darlison.

Mick is an Irwin Mitchell client who has published his incredible story of survival from mesothelioma in his brand new book, Cancer & Pisces. Liz is Head of Services at Mesothelioma UK, a charity that we're proud to have supported since its launch in 2004.

In this podcast we focus on:
Read more about making a mesothelioma compensation claim
Episode 8: It's Time to Talk About Sepsis

For World Sepsis Day 2020, we invited two very special guests onto our latest podcast to take an in-depth look at the illness, the warning signs and why raising awareness has never been more important due to COVID-19.

Our host Sarah Coles, a medical negligence expert, is joined by Ron Daniels, the founder of UK Sepsis Trust and an ICU consultant and Andrea, a client of ours who lost both her legs after delayed sepsis treatment. In this podcast we focus on:

Find out more about sepsis compensation claims or read Andrea's story in full

Episode 7: Back to School with Special Educational Needs

Children with special educational needs make up around 15% of all pupils in mainstream education. As schools reopen up and down the country, many of their parents have unanswered questions. Our latest podcast considers the issues that are causing families uncertainty as they deal with this 'new normal' as a result of coronavirus.

Our host Yogi Amin is joined by fellow public law solicitor Caroline Barrett, Louise Gillard, from disability charity Scope, and Jo van Berckel. Jo is the mother of Kit, an incredible young man with cerebral palsy who is one of the stars of our I Am Able campaign.

In this podcast we focus on:
Read more about how our lawyers can help children access SEN services
Episode 6: Moving in Together: Traps, Pitfalls and Protection

Moving in together is a big step for many couples. The stamp duty holiday, introduced in June 2020, makes it easier for people to get on the property ladder.

In our latest podcast we take an in-depth look at the state of the housing market right now, the impact of lockdown and what you should consider before buying a property.

Jeremy Raj, our National Head of Residential Property, is joined in this podcast by:

Deborah Levy, family law solicitor

Emma McCann from our Tax, Trusts & Estates team,

Natasha Furman, Chartered Surveyor at Winkworth Estate & Letting Agents.

Listen now to find out about:

Want to learn more buying a property? Visit our Conveyancing and Property section or contact a member of our team to find out how we can help.

Episode 5: Commercial Property in a Covid-19 World

In our latest podcast, we review the effects Covid-19 has had on the letting of commercial properties, and how the industry fares for individuals and businesses.

Danny Revitt and Lisa Stratford from our real estate team are joined by our special guest Dan Bayley, head of tenant representation at BNP Paribas. Together they discuss the issues faced by commercial landlords and tenants, investors, and employees.

We'll look at:

Want to learn more? Visit our Real Estate section or contact a member of our team to find out more about how we can help.

Episode 4: No-Fault Divorce - What the end to the 'blame game' means for couples

In June 2020, parliament passed a new law introducing no-fault divorce - the first time divorce law has changed in fifty years.

For our first episode, our family law specialists Zahra Pabani and Tara Smith discuss the announcement with Marcie Shaoul, founder and family coach at Rolling Stone Coaching.

We'll reveal:

You can also download our No-Fault Divorce podcast as an mp3

Want to learn more? Read our no-fault divorce FAQs or contact our family law team to find out more about how we can help.

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The Irwin Mitchell Podcast | Irwin Mitchell

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Our fortnightly podcast is your chance to get regular advice and updates from our experts and special guests, across a wide range of legal and financial topics. We'll share guidance on the topics that matter to you, including the latest legal changes, financial news, and in-depth market insight.

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Metadata Best Practices for Trans and Gender Diverse Resources

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Metadata Best Practices for Trans and Gender Diverse Resources

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This document is the result of a year of work and collaboration by the Trans Metadata Collective (TMDC; https://transmetadatacollective.org/), a group of dozens of cataloguers, librarians, archivists, scholars, and information professionals with a concerted interest in improving the description and classification of trans and gender diverse people in GLAMS (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums and Special Collections). The Collective’s primary goal was to develop a set of best practices for the description, cataloguing, and classification of information resources as well as the creation of metadata about trans and gender diverse people, including authors and other creators.

[version 2.1]

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1. Cornell University

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

3. University of Michigan

4. University of Texas at Austin

5. Northeastern University

6. Osgoode Hall Law School Library (York University)

7. Carleton University

8. University of British Columbia School of Information

9. University of Kentucky

Description

This document is the result of a year of work and collaboration by the Trans Metadata Collective (TMDC; https://transmetadatacollective.org/), a group of dozens of cataloguers, librarians, archivists, scholars, and information professionals with a concerted interest in improving the description and classification of trans and gender diverse people in GLAMS (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums and Special Collections). The Collective's primary goal was to develop a set of best practices for the description, cataloguing, and classification of information resources as well as the creation of metadata about trans and gender diverse people, including authors and other creators

Files

Metadata Best Practices for Trans and Gender Diverse Resources_v.2023-08-09.pdf

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Metadata Best Practices for Trans and Gender Diverse Resources

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This document is the result of a year of work and collaboration by the Trans Metadata Collective (TMDC; https://transmetadatacollective.org/), a group of dozens of cataloguers, librarians, archivists, scholars, and information professionals with a concerted interest in improving the description and classification of trans and gender diverse people in GLAMS (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums and Special Collections).

# data[].attributes.body
The Trans Metadata Collective is a group of dozens of cataloguers, librarians, archivists, scholars, and information professionals with a concerted interest in improving the description and classification of trans and gender diverse people in Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, and Special Collections (GLAMS) and other information systems. The Collective’s primary goal was to develop a set of best practices for the description and classification of trans and gender diverse information resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Trans Metadata Collective is a group of dozens of cataloguers, librarians, archivists, scholars, and information professionals with a concerted interest in improving the description and classification of trans and gender diverse people in Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, and Special Collections (GLAMS) and other information systems. The Collective's primary goal was to develop a set of best practices for the description and classification of trans and gender diverse information resources.

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The Queer Metadata Collective is a group of cataloguers, librarians, archivists, scholars, museum and information professionals with a concerted interest in improving the description and classification of queer people in Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, and Special Collections (GLAMS) and other information systems. The Collective’s primary goal is to develop a set of best practices for the description, cataloging, and classification of queer information resources in GLAMS.

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The Queer Metadata Collective is a group of cataloguers, librarians, archivists, scholars, museum and information professionals with a concerted interest in improving the description and classification of queer people in Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, and Special Collections (GLAMS) and other information systems. The Collective's primary goal is to develop a set of best practices for the description, cataloging, and classification of queer information resources in GLAMS.

Interested in participating?

Planning for the Queer Metadata Collective is underway.

We are actively seeking members, particularly those who identify as LGTBQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, etc.) or belonging to a MORGAI community (Margainalized Orientations, Relationships, Genders, Asexualities and/or Intersex) those who are trans and gender diverse, non-binary, or Two Spirit, and those who belong to other minoritized groups including, but not limited to, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, and people with disabilities (visible or invisible). Anyone who is interested should reach out through the contact form!

We plan to begin work later this year. Following in the footsteps of the Trans Metadata Collective we will likely divide into several subgroups that will develop recommendations and practices in specific areas and then work together to create an assembled document.

If you are interested in participating in the Collective's work, please fill out the form at this link.

You can sign up for occasional updates at this link.. Emails will be preserved for the duration of this project, and then deleted.

Anyone who is interested should reach out through the contact form!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Queer Metadata Collective is a group of cataloguers, librarians, archivists, scholars, museum and information professionals with a concerted interest in improving the description and classification of queer people in Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums, and Special Collections (GLAMS) and other information systems. The Collective's primary goal is to develop a set of best practices for the description, cataloging, and classification of queer information resources in GLAMS. Planning for the Queer Metadata Collective is underway.

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111 Queer Books Recommended by Librarians, Booksellers, and Authors

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111 Queer Books Recommended by Librarians, Booksellers, and Authors

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While we celebrate queer literature and history all year long at Lit Hub dot com, we also love a good book list. This year, in honor of Pride, we reached out to some of our favorite librarians, booksellers, and authors and asked them about the queer books they find themselves recommending over and over again-the ones that no library would be complete without, book bans be damned. (We also added a few of our favorites because we can't help ourselves.) The resulting list of 111 books-categorized by classics, contemporary, nonfiction, poetry, YA, and children's-is by no exhaustive (we're not that good). But it is joyful, varied, and personal, the virtual equivalent of dropping into a bookstore and asking the coolest person what to read next.

A few process notes for those of you in the front row: we drew an arbitrary temporal line between "classics" and "contemporary"-that line is the latest millennium. (Gasp, you'll feel better.) That means some 90s classics are in contemporary, and maybe some titles you don't feel have earned classic status are there anyway. It'll all be okay. Labels are meaningless.

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. And above all, Happy Pride!

*

James Baldwin enchanted the world with this radiant debut. Published in 1953, the sheer range of concerns (racial, sexual, spiritual) that Baldwin explores through the prism of this novel are, to this day, not often handled with the care and attentiveness demonstrated here. Giving voice to John Grimes, a precocious and incredibly intelligent Black boy on the precipice of varied awakenings, Baldwin, with his signature empathic capacities, attends to the rich and awful complexities of humanity in this haunting story. -Malik Thompson, Loyalty Bookstores

The story of a romance between an American and an Italian man living in Paris, Giovanni's Room is an all-time classic of gay literature and a document of the love, longing, and violence that happens at the margins of society. It is impossible to overstate how extraordinarily ahead of its time this book is; Baldwin opened his readers to the undercurrent of queer desire that was barely spoken of at the time, much less depicted in passages like these: "In the beginning, our life together held a joy and amazement which was newborn every day.

Beneath the joy, of course, was anguish and beneath the amazement was fear; but they did not work themselves to the beginning until our high beginning was aloes on our tongues. By then anguish and fear had become the surface on which we slipped and slid, losing balance, dignity, and pride." The vulnerability of new love and the precariousness of building a queer life, particularly at this time: it's all here, exquisitely written and inexpressibly moving. -Corinne Segal, Lit Hub senior editor

Djuna Barnes,

Gothic, surreal, and atmospheric, Djuna Barnes' Nightwood chronicles the devastation enacted by a single woman as she upheaves the lives of her lovers through their tumultuous and all-consuming affairs between both men and women. Beloved by people including Anais Nin and William Burroughs, Nightwood is a challenging but rewarding read that has become a cult classic of queer and avant-garde literature. -Chloe Johnson, Vroman's Bookstore

E.M. Forster wrote Maurice, the story of a young man who grapples with his sexuality and then decides that he deserves a happy life with the man he loves, from 1913 to 1914, but the novel was not published until 1971, a year after his death. It is a lovely story, of self-love first and foremost, and then the triumph of a romantic love which is not only same-sex but also cross-class. -Olivia Rutigliano, CrimeReads associate editor

Often called "the first lesbian book with a happy ending," The Price of Salt ( Carol) is a foundational piece of lesbian history. Published pseudonymously in 1952, the book chronicles an illicit affair between a young wanna-be artist and an older housewife. Beautifully written and searingly personal, no dive into LGBTQ+ books is complete without it.

A landmark moment not just in the history of gay writing or playwriting but the history of American literature, period, Tony Kushner's Angels in America-the odyssey of a group of characters trying to survive and grow during the AIDS crisis and the Reagan administration-holds a world of insight, pathos, humor, and grief in every single line. This edition, published in 2013, includes a new introduction and is my favorite. -Corinne Segal, Lit Hub senior editor

Everyone should read Sheridan Le Fanu's 1872 lesbian vampire novella Carmilla. Preceding Dracula by 26 years, it is a surprisingly affectionate exploration of same-sex attraction. The novella treats the union between the ancient, eternally young vampire Carmilla and the young woman Laura as impossible because of Carmilla's vampirism, not because of their genders. Which is, you know, pretty cool. -Olivia Rutigliano, CrimeReads associate editor

Heather Lewis,

Life can be incredibly cruel, ugly, and frightening. For gay people, for straight people, for prize-winning horses. House Rules is not a book about identity or community or love, it's a book about survival and the ways brutality can be exciting and even pleasurable. It's a real book, which is to say its intensity is almost surreal. There are no victims, no heroes, no transformations or redemptions, just some girls and some horses and a lot of heroin.

This is a melancholy and angsty coming-of-age story about a group of queer individualists exploring their identities and sexuality in a world that largely rejects them. The story is told through journal entries in which the protagonist, known only as Lazi, depicts her confused romances, philosophical debates with classmates, reflections on art, and her internal thoughts as she navigates her college years and her ambivalent ideas about the future. It's a beautifully sad story that mirrors Qiu Miaojin's own life. -Chloe Johnson, Vroman's Bookstore

Notorious author and bodybuilder Yukio Mishima's most autobiographical novel begins with the character Kochan and his childhood obsession with Guido Reni's painting of St. Sebastian, in which the saint is depicted pierced with arrows. This awakens Kochan's realization that he is attracted to men as well as a deep fascination with violence. The narrative goes on to give a brutally honest account of a man who must conceal his true self in order to survive in a culture that would seek to scorn him. Mishima is a master of combining romance, violence, and death into one floral concoction; this is a somber yet powerful read that captures the tragedy of suppressed desire. -Chloe Johnson, Vroman's Bookstore

Boarding schools have long been a breeding ground for queer love affairs-let girls sleep, eat, and learn together and soon enough they'll be falling in love, kissing in shadowy corners of courtyards. Pamela Moore's 1956 novel Chocolates for Breakfast opens in one such school, with two teen girls gossiping in the nude. Courtney, our openly bisexual protagonist, will find herself in a mental institution, a Beverly Hills hotel, a fellow bisexual partner's bed, glamorous New York dinner clubs, and a penthouse apartment before this book ends. Courtney is a girl who isn't afraid to admit that life is largely a letdown, but that won't stop her from having a good time with the right partner in crime. She likes her food fried or flambeed, her drinks chilled and strong, and her lovers sarcastic and sybaritic.

Out of print for decades, the book was reissued in 2013 and has long deserved a prime place in the queer canon for its lavishly earnest depiction of a queer girl coming of age, coming up against the boring binaries of her era, and emerging scarred but certain of who she is. -Emmeline Clein, author of Dead Weight (forthcoming)

Two prisoners-one gay and transfemme with a penchant for the aesthetic, the other straight, masculine, and staunchly Marxist-talk in a cell about movies and about each other. That's about it for the plot of this 1976 novel from the Argentinian master of combining the popular and the literary, Manuel Puig. But the book weaves together so much around politics, aesthetics, shame, sex, motherhood, the carceral state, infancy, genre, and care. Not since Genet had gayness so totally determined the formal movements of a novel, and not even Genet's queeny protagonists could be as memorable as Puig's Molina.

Sarah Schulman,

On its face, After Delores is the story of a breakup-the narrator's pain, her revenge fantasies against the woman who left her, and the unbearable reality of her life as it, inevitably, goes on. It's also sexy and exhilarating, moving quickly through the subculture of queer life in New York City in the 1980s on the Lower East Side.

But beneath that, it expresses a combination of feelings that I haven't seen any other novel do, at least so well: the rage of being abandoned when your society offers you no recognition or recourse; the loneliness of knowing there is no blueprint for what comes next; the heartbreak of losing queer love in a place where it is already so hard to find. There's no other book like this. -Corinne Segal, Lit Hub senior editor

The Color Purple, an indispensable work in the history of American literature, is driven by the love between Black women: most notably, between protagonist Celie and her sister Nettie as they write to one another over the course of many years, and between Celie and Shug Avery, the glamorous jazz singer who is, at the story's outset, the mistress of Celie's husband. Though the relationship between Celie and Shug has been downplayed in various adaptations-including Steven Spielberg's award-winning 1985 film, in which the two shared only a kiss-their queer love, mutual pleasure, and joy with one another is an important cornerstone of this narrative and beautiful to witness. -Corinne Segal, Lit Hub senior editor

Considered required reading in a lot of contemporary fiction classes and a classic of LGBTQ+ literature, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is Jeanette Winterson's first novel. This powerful debut, which won the Whitbread Prize for Best First Fiction back in 1985, loosely follows the actual events of the author's life but is very much a work of fiction. ( The memoir comes later.)

Meet Jeanette: adopted into a very conservative and religious English Pentecostal family. When she's a teenager, she falls in love with a woman, and they run away together. The groundbreaking and brilliant thing about it, though, is that she structures the book like the Bible. The first bit is called Genesis. Deuteronomy is a key chapter that, in a way, teaches you how to read the book. In framing her story like this, she becomes her own God. -Katie Yee, Lit Hub associate editor

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This is the lesbian Sasquatch novel you've always wanted. A group of finalists for a Bachelor-style show head to a remote British Columbian island to film the final episodes of the contest. While there, they encounter a female Bigfoot and her coterie of admirers, and those that do not admire her (as they properly should) are torn limb from limb because this is the most badass book imaginable. Patricia is the Sasquatch, by the way. The publisher describes it as "viciously funny" but I thought it was also kinda sweet. I'd give Patricia a cuddle. -Molly Odintz, CrimeReads senior editor

McKenzie Wark talks about how a "string of sad trans girl novels" were brought upon by this book. And this sadness that emanates from the book has, in my eyes, little to do with the actual girl. It can be devastating to be a girl like us. The pain, the frustration, the hyperfixation you didn't know you had in you. It's incredibly brave for this book to show all that. It's a marvel of a novel filled with love, beauty, and fantastic particles that whiz across your eyeballs. I'll carry your suitcase. -Jitszy, Green Apple Books

In her luminous debut novel, K-Ming Chang weaves together folklore and fairy tales to give added texture to this story of a Taiwanese American family. Following three generations of women, Bestiary is one of the best books you'll read about intergenerational trauma and hidden desires. Every sentence turns with a poet's charm. The beating heart of this narrative is Daughter, who awakes one morning with a tiger's tail (based on a myth Mother told her).

What unfurls from here is beautifully surreal. Holes mysteriously appear in the backyard and unearth old letters by Mother's mother-that kind of thing. The image of Daughter and the neighborhood girl she loves probing at the earth, coaxing its secrets out-that'll stick with you. -Katie Yee, Lit Hub associate editor

This book tops the list of novels that made me weep openly on a plane. Embarrassing, yes, but I would do it again! Edinburgh is a gay powerhouse of a book that refuses to leave your brain after you've read it. It's a coming-of-age novel, it's a romance, it's a tragedy, it's a poem, it's a song.

Detailing the life of 12-year-old soprano Fee from naïve youth in a boys' choir to strained adulthood as a teacher himself, Chee writes his character's ongoing relationship to trauma in a thoughtful, nuanced fashion. On the line level, the text is lyric, so gorgeous that I found myself underlining almost every sentence. I can't count the number of times I've recommended this book to people-and I will continue to recommend it forever! It's a masterpiece.

I just read The Hours for the first time (after, it must be said, having seen the film a lot), in Picador's gorgeous new double edition that also includes Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway. I was completely transported by Cunningham's rich interweaving of his historical fiction narrative of Woolf's time writing Mrs. Dalloway with his two more contemporary-set narratives that act out and retell Mrs. Dalloway-about women and men struggling with their obligations and desires, and ultimately, experiencing the joy of being alive alongside the torturous meaninglessness of existence. The Hours reads Mrs. Dalloway, it doesn't just write about it. And you should read Mrs. Dalloway, too, and then you should read The Hours. -Olivia Rutigliano, CrimeReads associate editor

Négar Djavadi,

This is a short book but doesn't lack any emotion or storytelling. It involves two agents, codenamed "Red" and "Blue," embroiled in a war that jumps time and alternates history, who write letters to each other that begin as a taunting rivalry and soon turn to flirtation. This is a book that can be read over and over again and reveal something new every time. The themes range from personal connection in a time of war to gender identity and time travel. It is beautifully written, with a style that floats between prose and poetry, and watching the two women fall in love is emotionally gratifying. -Luke Gaulke, Bexley Public Library

In Acts of Service, a New York woman goes looking for sexual liberation in the worst possible way: She finds herself in a poorly defined polyamorous relationship with a man and a woman. Things get messy. This book explores unsettling relationship dynamics, desire and power. If you were into any of the books on our Hot/Sad Girl Reading List, definitely check this one out. -Aatia, Books Are Magic

This is one of those books that came out early in the pandemic and one that people need to race back to read. The titular "pizza girl," 18-year-old Jane, is pregnant by her boyfriend. They both live with Jane's mother while Jane delivers pizzas at night to help make ends meet, imagining herself into the lives of the people who order from her. One of those customers is a woman with a young son of her own, a woman who Jane finds herself obsessing over.

The novel is messy in all the very best ways: characters dealing with burgeoning queerness, unexpected pregnancy, class and finances, relationships with romantic partners and with family, trauma, and much more-all packed into a tight 200 pages. AND it's funny! I ripped through this book and then immediately went back and read it again. Pizza Girl is incredible.

I opened this book because it promised me stories about bisexual Puerto Rican men, but I couldn't put it down because I didn't want to stop reveling with Gonzalez in the awesome messiness, hunger, and power of the queer spirit. I wish I could give this book to 13-year-old me and say, "Look what's possible."

Garth Greenwell,

No form of media since Rodney Evan's film Brother to Brother has, in my opinion, captured so profoundly that cross-section of melancholy, loneliness, and a blazing desire for more, as experienced by queer men, than Garth Greenwell's Cleanness. Following Greenwell's unnamed, unmoored protagonist as he explores the foreign-to-him Bulgaria in search of something, each of these nine stories is a quiet epiphany. Resisting self-indulgence and didacticism, Greenwell's stories glimmer and whisper. -Malik Thompson, Loyalty Bookstores

Alan Hollinghurst,

I think about this book and I just sigh. About gay male love and lust in Thatcher-era London during the early years of the AIDS crisis, The Line of Beauty is a perfect novel. Unlike many books-even lots of great ones-the characters do, say, and feel things that people would actually do and say and feel. And yet, their stories are pure poetry. Hollinghurst's characters have big, unarticulated dreams and limited means of making themselves whole or happy, but his writing is always expansive and never bitter.

Have you ever been wedged between bodies in a crowded elevator imagining what it would be like to fuck every single one of its occupants? So has Paul/Polly, the hero/ine of Lawlor's sexy, funny, bawdy, satirical fantasy on queer bodies and queer lives in the 90s. It's Woolf's Orlando, with more dirty hot sex scenes.

This slim novel, the story of an obsessive love between a young man and the older musician who keeps himself at a distance, is intense, sexy, gratifying even while it's breaking your heart. Douglas A. Martin captures that specific moment in which you will do anything to keep a particular person in your life; as his narrator submits to desire, his story becomes one of wandering, shifting identity, and the moment-by-moment calculations of an intense, unstable love.

As Hugh Martin writes in his introduction to a recent Nightboat Books edition of the book, he takes on "a rarely articulated position: the cunning pathétique, whose acts of submission are as calculated as they are genuine. He gets what he wants by becoming what is wanted." It's a classic of queer literature and an inventive, gripping story. -Corinne Segal, Lit Hub senior editor

This book so perfectly captures the feeling of early pandemic, and the dreadful feeling of longing for touch when it's not safe to do so. Set in the spring of 2020, the story centers on Orpheus, a queer disabled person, who travels New York City by bike searching both for her ex-girlfriend Eurydice and a secret lesbian bar Le Monocle.

Torrey Peters goes for blood. There is not a single punch pulled in this book. Your deepest, darkest, slumber party, key-padlock-diary-for-my-eyes-only secrets all are splashed up and down this book; you'll be drowning in it. But like any amount of honesty, there's a form of freedom that arises. And this book begs you to bloom. Begs you to bloom as a girl, as a mother, as a boy, as a family, whatever you're set on for today, or tomorrow. Or Even If You're Just Not Sure Yet, Baby. -Jitszy, Green Apple Books

A novel about two Indian-Canadian musicians who become friends and how that friendship evolves and devolves. It's one of the best books about friendship and creativity that I've ever read. I loved learning more about the behind the scenes of making music and how friendship can sustain us, yet also hurt so much at times. Shraya has an intense way of delving into her characters' emotional depths that I loved. -Sara Wigglesworth, Green Apple Books

In 1986, 18-year-old Brian returns to his small Appalachian hometown to die and ends up teaching his community how to more fully live. A brutally beautiful story of familial homophobia, the early days of the AIDS epidemic, and the longing for home that lives in all of us. -E.R. Anderson, Charis Books and More

In the wake of So's tragic passing, this book feels like a minor miracle for the way it serves as a living record of his remarkable mind. Queer, biting, funny, and tender, the stories here-focused on the lives of Cambodian American immigrants-consider the ongoingness of history and trauma as they stand in relation to young people who are equally concerned with sex, comedy, and getting stoned. A book that forges fresh territory in the literary canon with brash resolve. -Scott Broker, Vroman's Bookstore

When I read The Freezer Door, I remember thinking that it was one of the queerest books I'd ever read, both in its form and content. Hovering somewhere between genres, the text at first reads like a series of non-sequiturs, or loosely linked epigrammatic statements. Over time, you recognize that Sycamore is building an organic system of thought and feeling, one that constantly acts and reacts to itself.

Though her subjects are wide-reaching, the principle one (in my mind) is of loneliness, and loneliness between queer people in particular. This is something I'm sure most queer people have felt, but that can be hard to admit: that belonging is hardly ever a given, even when surrounded by those who ostensibly constitute your community. -Scott Broker, Vroman's Bookstore

This month, like any other month, I'm celebrating two things: LGBTQ+ visibility and Brandon Taylor's Filthy Animals. A gripping story collection that features Black and queer feelings, promiscuous dance majors, messy hookups, and dialogue so real-life that you'll squirm in your seat, this is the "pride read" you didn't know you needed. Taylor's prose is equally tender and savage, offering a heart-racing inquiry into the human condition while unflinchingly digging into the very "stuff" of taboo and trauma.

But before you start running to your nearest bookstore to claim your copy, I must warn you that Taylor doesn't write in half-measures. Instead, he is a maestro wordsmith who only writes with the full of his heart; each and every story holds the power to change the ions in the room. I personally relished every page of this book, though my favorites included "Anne of Cleves," which follows a middle-aged woman's first lesbian romance, and "As Though That Were Love," a story about gay lovers in the countryside who have a male goat named Helena.

Name me another work out there that's pulled this off before-I'll wait. In the meantime, I will thrill to see what more Taylor accomplishes. One day, Filthy Animals will be a classic work. I'll be an English teacher, and these stories will be on my syllabus. -Alessandro Romero, Book Club Bar

Bath Haus begins with a bored night in-Oliver Park is happily dating trauma surgeon Nathan, so why is he swiping through dating apps? Oliver's boredom escalates to the point of visiting a local bathhouse hoping for a hookup, but what he gets instead is viciously attacked by a psychopathic Scandinavian. He can't tell Nathan-it will ruin their fragile happiness, and convince Nathan that recovering addict Oliver is not to be trusted. But as Oliver makes a series of increasingly bad decisions while trying to hide the truth from Nathan, and Vernon peels back layer after layer to expose the power dynamics of their relationship, we realize that Oliver might be in more danger than even he realizes. -Molly Odintz, CrimeReads senior editor

This is a play script, but I can't recommend reading it enough. Indecent is based on the true story of the first lesbian kiss on Broadway. It's a fascinating and moving play about love, censorship, and Jewish history told in a way that's unconventional and beautiful.

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This memoir in essays is a must-read for writers of any genre. Guiding readers through his life, Chee is open and vulnerable here, detailing the life events that led to the writing of his first novel. Not only do we catch glimpses of Chee as a young writer, we also learn about Chee's involvement in queer activism and his coming into his sexuality. A marvelous literary endeavor, this book is a Pride must. -Malik Thompson, Loyalty Bookstores

As non-hetero identity becomes increasingly assimilated into the broader, normative capitalist project, Alex Espinoza's brief history of the practice of cruising (the act of seeking anonymous sex in public spaces) reveals to the readers the extent to which society at large has made it difficult for non-hetero men to freely indulge in sexual pleasure. A sweeping overview that extends as far back as the ancient Greco-Roman period, Espinoza is exceptionally attentive to the history of this taboo sexual practice in this necessary book. -Malik Thompson, Loyalty Bookstores

Butterfly Boy is composed in three registers. His intimate account of an arduous father-son bus ride from California to Mexico weaves between another narration, a memoir-of-place about the author's lost mother, his family's migrant farm labor, and his own secret sexual awakening. The third voice is a lyric whisper, sometimes directed at the abuser he keeps trying and failing to leave, other times to a dream lover who hears the true nature of his desire. Butterfly Boy is a gorgeous intersectional classic that helped define both borderland and queer memoir form.

I want to fail so incredibly and so often that it shows on my face. I want to be frivolous, childish, naive, and forgetful. All the things brandished as ways to make me small are the key to my power, and every page flip of Halberstam's book is a reminder that the biggest successes in my life are the results of complete and utter failure. And I'm proud to say so. -Jitszy, Green Apple Books

Up until his last days and AIDS death, filmmaker, artist and activist Derek Jarman was unstinting in a vision coupling contemporary outcry with spotted beauty. No coffee table production or mere pictorial supplement to his diary Modern Nature that spans similar years, this collation of image and text and active memory shows the magical, sustaining place as nurtured. A haven for eyes and thought with an ecology of feeling, this is a document of transformation and persistence, a witch's workbook at the end of the 20th century.

What a thrill to peek into the radical dailiness of Thom Gunn, the coolest poet: his wit, appetites, and in-betweenness: "Not that I'm American, but I'm not (really) English either." Back from England in 1979 ("I am a good deal too famous there to be comfortable"), he dryly notes in his local San Francisco bookstore that his books "do not seem to have diminished by even one. It's called having the best of both worlds." Thom was our great poet of doubleness, the hide-and-seek between lust and loss, and of formal promiscuity. These letters-which are as good as Bishop's or Hart Crane's-like his poems, are the best of both worlds.

As a trans and nonbinary person I've often felt that I couldn't begin to describe my identity to others until I fully understood it myself. Maia Kobabe (e/em) taught me I was wrong a hundred times over in eir comic memoir Gender Queer. The book is an intimate depiction of Kobabe's life and eir journey to identifying as nonbinary and asexual. It is filled with confusion and sadness, but also with real joy. Eir story is messy in an honest, important, and empowering way. While reading it, I found some of my most vulnerable feelings put to words and I felt far less alone after I had finished.

I recommend Gender Queer to people of all genders and sexualities. It is truly a work that we can all learn and grow from. It breaks my heart that Gender Queer has been banned in school districts across the country, notably including the county where I grew up. But I take this fact as even more reason to read and share Kobabe's words, and to shout from the rooftops about how important they are. -Jude Thompson, Book Club Bar

Like the bars he writes about, this book has an intoxicating blend of camp and class, raunchiness and gravity. Through memoir and cultural analysis, Lin renders the gay bar as the culturally shapeshifting entity it is, exploring what it has meant, and continues to mean, to queer people across time and location. Perhaps most interesting (and distressing) is his commentary on the way gay bars have become so popular to straight people. (Why can we not have one nice thing?) A perfect read for those who like their books both horny and smart. -Scott Broker, Vroman's Bookstore

Zami: A New Spelling of My Name: a Biomythography by Audre Lorde is about her life growing up as a first-generation Black Caribbean Lesbian. Lorde goes from being a quiet child to becoming one of our most important Queer and Radical thinkers. Both political and erotic, Zami is a lesbian classic. -Dartricia Rollins, Charis Books and More

This is a brilliant and deeply personal memoir that reinvents itself with every chapter. Written like a haunted house possession story, Carmen Maria Machado takes a genre-bending approach to dissecting queerness, relationships, and trauma as she paints an intimate portrait of the abuse she experienced in her own relationship. Domestic abuse is a difficult topic to tackle, even more so in the scope of queer relationships, but Machado does so with grace and intelligence. Unlike anything I've ever read, this is an inventive, touching, and extraordinary work that I devoured. -Chloe Johnson, Vroman's Bookstore

As a part of the pantheon of literature attempting to expand our understanding of the life of the meteoric playwright, Imani Perry's Looking for Lorraine is an intimate attempt to reach Lorraine Hansberry, not merely tell a story of her life. Written in Perry's thoughtful, attentive style, we are taken on a journey through the many lives lived by Hansberry during her own brief life. I stepped away from this book with a deeper appreciation for all the ways Hansberry made her mark as a politically radical Black woman who loved other women. -Malik Thompson, Loyalty Bookstores

Hugh Ryan is one of the most exciting writers of queer history out there: for this, a look at queer life in Brooklyn going back more than a century, he went searching for queer figures as they lived and worked on the margins of the borough. What he found was fascinating, forming an eclectic portrait of queer people's lives as they tried to make a living, create art, meet each other, hook up, and provide mutual support.

As a historian, Ryan is uniquely gifted at taking his readers not only into the emotional worlds of the people whom he writes about, but also into the physical spaces that shaped their lives, and in this case, he follows the pulse of queer life through the Brooklyn docks, performance spaces, the borough's historically black community, and plenty of other places that deserve our attention. -Corinne Segal, Lit Hub senior editor

Let the Record Show is an astounding accomplishment on a scale that's almost impossible to take in: a more-than-700-page history of the AIDS epidemic and ACT UP, the movement working to address it, it's based on 188 interviews with its members as well as Schulman's own extensive experience as an activist in the community and a reporter covering the crisis. Members of ACT UP, as Schulman writes, were fighting for their lives in a country where they were politically disempowered, socially rejected, and medically stigmatized: together, their achievements made future generations of queer life possible.

From the cautious, unnamed desires of adolescent daydreaming to the joys-the sex-the heartbreak of first gay love, Van Meter's voice carries through his collection like a close friend's: it's conversational; it's expressly intimate. It's remarkably relatable. This book helped me to better see-to write and understand-myself.

Jen Winston's memoir of coming out as bisexual in her twenties is as heartfelt, funny, and timely as you could hope for. The author's misadventures take her to the places I go and her stories feel like my own. In many chapters, she is a fish out of water, searching desperately for belonging in queer nightlife and relationships; in other chapters, she's right at home. -Aatia, Books Are Magic

This book-a memoir about AIDS, art, and activism-is like a blast of desert wind: hot with fury, gritty with grief, and intent above all on being intimately felt. With the same sensibility that characterizes his art, Wojnarowicz chronicles his experiences and the experiences of those close to him with inimitable verve and poeticism. The text provides embodied access to one of queer history's most trying times, illuminating the pain and beauty within, and serves as proof that writing is able to keep us radically alive long after death. -Scott Broker, Vroman's Bookstore

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I love the candor and conversational nature of these poems, which broach big subjects: queerness and identity, family trauma, the industrial destruction of nature, and what it means to be truly free. Why do we limit ourselves to the gender binary's cramped spaces? Can we ever really subvert our family's expectations? What are we going to do with all our plastic shopping bags? As lyrical as it is blunt and comic, this book asks the reader hard questions, and then encourages them to find love in the answers. -Liv Stratman, Book Club Bar

Finding the joy and truth in his trans identity is one of many ways Johnson refuses to live a life bound by anything other than his own expansive vision. The passion of these poems could only come from a hard-won clarity, one that I am so grateful for. -Nathan, Two Dollar Radio

The title poem of this collection, which spans some 70 pages, is composed entirely from the titles of Western artworks that feature Black women as subjects. The result is a wondrous canonical intervention, one that reconfigures beauty and selfhood within a historical framework of objectification and oppression. As if this feat weren't impressive enough, Lewis bookends the collection with two sections of lyric and narrative poems that speak toward her own life as a queer Black woman. The result is a staking of claim-for herself and for others-that spans centuries. -Scott Broker, Vroman's Bookstore

Since first spying this book beaming down from a kitchen shelf, cover face like some kind of household god there in only the second home I had ever been in where two men were making a life together, I have pursued this particular poetry. Here is a wellspring of perfumes, costumes, queens (we know what he means), hunk of a genie, wanderlusts, and youthful scenes. A dream of kaleidoscopic musicality and all the feel of riotous sensations.

Richard Siken's debut collection is one I frequently recommend to people who don't know where to start with poetry. It's impossible not to be enveloped and entranced by Siken's erotic, cinematic, and yes, queer poetry. I'm not sure I've ever read a poetry collection so thrillingly paced-it reads like a chase scene, but one with room for the lines "Tell me how all this, and love too, will ruin us. / These, our bodies, possessed by light. / Tell me we'll never get used to it." -Jessie Gaynor, Lit Hub senior editor

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Nuanced but still swoony, Cool for the Summer juggles a lot-at its heart, it's a rom-com love triangle, but there's also the matter of staying in closet with homophobic friends, protecting other queer people, and trying to be true to yourself. Adler shines in the nuances here, keeping everything romantic while also giving us the story of a girl who needs to not just figure out who she wants to be, but find the courage to be her, all the while showing us a world where the shades of both acceptance and homophobia feel deeply true to life.

Cinderella's fairytale is over-for everyone. Young girls must attend "the ball" where the men get to choose who they want to have as their wife. There is no saying no! Sophia does not want a husband, she would rather have a wife. So she runs away from the ball and her family. It is in Cinderella's mausoleum that Erin meets Constance, the last known descendant of Cinderella. They planned to overthrow the king but did not plan to fall in love. A great love story and twist on a classic fairy tale. -Angela Gabriel, Charis Books and More

Snarky, awkward, and unloveable Elliot finds his way into a fantasy world and begins attending military school as part of their diplomacy program. But nothing is really hunky-dory in this other land; in fact, everything's kind of screwed up, in several ways, but especially in the ways of war mongering and creatures' rights violations. Thank goddess we've got Elliot's brilliant sense of humor and strategy and Sarah Rees Brennan's fascinating deconstruction of children's portal fantasy. This is the bisexual book of my dreams! -Sara Wigglesworth, Green Apple Books

The ultimate feel-good queer book, what's so amazing about recent Lambda Award winner The Heartbreak Bakery is that while yes, it's a romance, it's also a LOT of romances-between many queer couples of varying identities-and it all comes together liked the ingredients of the perfect pie (or cake, if that's more your thing). Syd's own heartbreak is baked into brownies at the bakery Syd works at, causing a sudden onslaught of breakups that Syd has to repair.

As Syd bakes fabulist romantic fixes, we see a multitude of ways in which queer relationships can work (or not) and how there is no one single queer version of happily ever after, but instead an entire menu-and that it's community that sets the table.

Two teenage girls fall in love in New York City and despite pressure from family and authorities, there is a happy ending! First published in 1982, this book is now a classic young adult lesbian love story. -Sara Luce Look, Charis Books and More

When Hani comes out as bi to her friends, they don't believe her because she's so far only dated guys. So she concocts a mutually beneficial plan with Ishu to fake date so she can prove her bisexuality and Ishu can gain popularity to win the votes for Head Girl. Hani and Ishu are both part of the Bengali diaspora in Ireland, yet they each have their own distinct experiences of their heritage and new country. I loved seeing the girls grow closer to each other, while also learning about how to navigate racism and family dynamics. -Sara Wigglesworth, Green Apple Books

This was one of the first LGBTQ titles in our school library. I firsthand saw the impact that it had on several of my LGBTQ students who were able to see themselves represented within a book in their school. Using magical realism, Astrid finds an outlet in asking questions about life and relationships with the passengers flying over her at 30,000 feet. She is in the beginning stages of questioning her sexuality, and teens who are also starting to explore relationships will connect her struggles with figuring it all out. -Kristi Adams, Carl Junction High School librarian

Malinda Lo is one of the great masters of young adult fiction. But before her most recent triumph, 2021's National Book Award-winning Last Night at the Telegraph Club, there was Ash. Lo's 2009 debut reimagines Cinderella as a romance between an abused young woman who chases dreams of fairies and the king's huntress who chases deer; an unlikely friends to lovers pairing. It is an enchanting, ethereal read for those who gave up on seeing themselves in fairy tales long ago.

McCarthy's semi-autobiographical novel deals with a lot of the same issues he had growing up-coming out as trans in the midwest, dealing with his body while trying to be on the swim team, falling in love, and working at a huge oceanic aquarium in the middle of Ohio, a state with no nearby oceans.

This stunningly written book follows years of a life-changing friendship as it turns into a romance, from high school to college, as the author shows us one of the most honest accounts of being queer today I've ever read. There are ups and downs, but what McCarthy does so well is show how by the end, all the ups are worth all the downs. A book that inspires real hope, even in the worst of times.

Audre and Mabel are from very different backgrounds-Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Minneapolis, Minnesota-but both are black and queer and irresistibly drawn to one another. As Audre mourns her first romance and her relationship with her mother, Mabel discovers that she's suffering from a mysterious illness that gradually takes away much of what had made her life enjoyable. In a search for meaning, she reaches out to an inmate in prison whose book, in her father's library, spoke to her. A beautiful book that explores how important and beautiful formative friendships and romances can be, even if they are temporary. -Hal Schrieve, New York Public Library

In 1893 Chicago, the gleaming wonder of the World's Fair stands in stark contrast to the hard-scrabble lives of impoverished immigrants and the blood-soaked stench of the stockyards. Jewish boys are disappearing from Maxwell Street, and the police aren't interested in looking for them. For Alter Rosen, a young typesetter trying to earn his family's passage from Romania, the crimes seem like a chance to finally start reporting for the paper. But when his beloved roommate is found murdered, and he finds himself possessed by the dead boy's dybbuk, he must hunt down the killer or see his own soul destroyed. -Molly Odintz, CrimeReads senior editor

I think a lot of folks think of queer young adult these days as being happy rom-coms that exist in a world without homophobia. And those books are absolutely vital, but sometimes the focus on them means that kids today who DO experience homophobia don't see themselves in books and maybe feel like the homophobia they feel is somehow their fault. What's important to see is books that FIGHT homophobia, even when it seems hopeless. Surrender Your Sons is that. A book about a teen taken to a conversion camp on a horrific island, it's half horror-survival, half adventure-mystery and all about fighting back, which is a message queer teens need to hear now more than ever.

A murdered gay teenager's ghost remembers the weeks leading up to his death-but not the moment itself. Meanwhile, a girl at a neighboring Catholic school is juggling her questions about her brother and friends' dubious alibis with her feelings for her best friend. As the cops frame a gay teacher for the murder of the boy, will new evidence emerge pointing to the real killer?

A page-turning murder mystery which examines the biases of the police and the terror of older gay people to speak to younger people, while also managing to navigate the feelings and vagaries of queer coming out with gentleness and heart. Often funny, despite death's constant presence. Gripping. -Hal Schrieve, New York Public Library

Originally published in 1999 and translated from the Dutch, I'm thrilled to recommend the best gay romance I've read since Boyfriend Material! This swoon-worthy classic has been a hit across the pond for good reason! It's tender, intense, heartbreaking and exhilarating. In this novel, teens fall in love at summer camp. Their love story makes for an amazing read. -Jacque, Books Are Magic

Andrew Joseph White,

A painfully beautiful, poetic work that captures the immediacy and heartbreak of first love. Told in a series of slice-of-life remembrances, this young adult novel follows two teenage girls-best friends and something more-whose passionate intimacy sets fires both figurative and literal. -Kira Apple, Charis Books and More

*

Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson are two often-cited names in the history of queer liberation. This book for young readers explains the conditions of their lives and their decision to fight back against police brutality in terms suited to any age group, and illustrates how Johnson and Rivera made safe space for other trans girls through their lifelong activism. -Hal Schrieve, New York Public Library

Archie and Zack love each other, but are too nervous to say anything! Over the course of several gorgeously illustrated seasons, Archie contemplates how to tell Zack how he feels. I loved how Kirsch's illustrations show both the love between the two boys and Archie's anxiety. Perfectly captures the tentative joy of first love. I've been waiting for a picture book that depicts queer love between kid characters, and this one was a dream come true. -Sara Wigglesworth, Green Apple Books

Kat Leyh,

Snap knows the old woman who collects bones can't really be a witch-and thinks she's proved right when Jacks fixes her dog's broken leg and agrees to teach her about animal biology. But something weird is happening with a ghost fox that has followed Snap's family for generations. A story about gender-nonconforming girls and family that doesn't confine itself to the nuclear. Snap's best friend Lu is a trans girl whose early experiments in gender are supported by her own family and Snap's. Funny, beautifully illustrated, and heartwarming-with a little spooky-scary. -Hal Schrieve, New York Public Library

This story of a young, lone chameleon searching for his true color is a joyful picture book about finding and claiming one's identity. It also is a colorful, gentle story about the importance of queer community. The lone chameleon spends pages trying out different colors only to be crestfallen that none of them are permanent. There is a particularly striking illustration mid-book when the chameleon is a dark smoke color to match the cold dark night, and his eye is casting upward in a depressed stare. It is only once he meets another male chameleon who offers companionship that our titular chameleon experiences the joy of self acceptance and community. They will still change colors as they travel and as the seasons change, but always together. -Jennie Law, Georgia State University Library

Bug's gay uncle was the bright spot in Bug's life-and now that Roderick is gone, Bug's relatively stable life has come unmoored. Bug's best friend Moira says they need to change their look before middle school to be more feminine, and Bug disagrees but doesn't have another suggestion. Meanwhile, ghostly appearances and hauntings in Bug's house are getting more disruptive and dangerous. Is the ghost of uncle Roderick back to tell Bug something? But what? A coming-out story that relies on communication with those who have gone before. Touching, moving, intensely necessary. -Hal Schrieve, New York Public Library

Learn about the history of the rainbow flag and Gilbert Baker, its creator, and get insight into the significance of its colors. Follow Baker as he survives his time in the army and moves to San Francisco, where he discovers magic and learns to sew the beautiful costumes he'd dreamed of making as a little boy. Understand more about the history of Pride as a political movement! -Hal Schrieve, New York Public Library

Grandad tells his granddaughter about all the adventures he used to have with Gramps, his partner, in the camper they drove all over the country together. Gramps is gone now, but the camper, broken down and busted, still sits in the shed. In honor of Gramps, they fix the camper together to reenact some of the couple's travels. A sweet story about gay grandparents and intergenerational storytelling. -Hal Schrieve, New York Public Library

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111 Queer Books Recommended by Librarians, Booksellers, and Authors

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While we celebrate queer literature and history all year long at Lit Hub dot com, we also love a good book list. This year, in honor of Pride, we reached out to some of our favorite librarians, booksellers, and authors and asked them about the queer books they find themselves recommending over and over again-the ones that no library would be complete without, book bans be damned.

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Festival of Pride and Knowledge: Know Pride!

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Festival of Pride and Knowledge: Know Pride!

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CILIP LGBTQ+ Network are delighted to announce the programme for the 2nd annual Festival of Pride and Knowledge: Know Pride!

Amie Taylor Author Event – Tuesday 7 June 2022, 7pm

LGBTQ+ Staff Networks – Wednesday 8 June 2022, 1pm

LGBTQ+ Community Engagement in Libraries & Archives – Tuesday 14 June 2022, 6pm

Queer Collections: LGBTQ+ Archives at Bishopsgate Institute – Tuesday 21 June 2022, 12.30pm

LGBTQ+ Network Censorship Panel – Tuesday 28 June 2022, 7pm

The events will take place online throughout the month of June. CILIP members and non-members are welcome to attend, as are LGBTQ+ allies.

https://www.cilip.org.uk/events/event_list.asp?show=&group=226845#

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In December 2021, Stonewall worked with Opinium to ask more than 2000 adults from across the UK how they feel about lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.

Our findings paint a picture of growing acceptance: a society beginning to truly take pride in LGBTQ+ people as neighbours, colleagues, friends and family. But the findings also show a small minority of people who are still holding on tight to the feelings of disgust and fear that drive homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. Feelings that were all too common when we first marched for our rights though London fifty years ago.

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This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in the UK. It is a time for celebrating the progress we’ve made towards a world where LGBTQ+ can be ourselves and live our lives to the full. It is also a time to take a hard look at the gap between the world we imagine for our…

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YA books to read for Pride this year

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LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Children's Librarianship Policies, Programs, and Practices

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LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Children's Librarianship Policies, Programs, and Practices

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by Lucy Santos Green, Jenna Spiering, Vanessa Lynn Kitzie, and Julia Erlanger

In seeking to make our programs and services inclusive and equitable for these growing populations, librarians may court controversy and face community backlash from patrons who feel queer-inclusive content is inappropriate for young children. This book codifies a set of best practices for librarians as they rise to this challenge, defining queer-inclusive programs, identifying potential barriers to implementation, and offering strategies and resources to overcome them.

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LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Children’s Librarianship: Policies, Programs, and Practices

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True inclusion of LGBTQIA+ children and families in our libraries requires more than diverse books on our shelves.

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Book 28 Library (with Colette Townend, Dr Elizabeth L. Chapman and Isadore Auerbach George) have put together a free advice booklet for public library workers who would like to improve conditions for LGBTIQ+ people in their public library.

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In our work with public libraries, we have found many who would like to make sure queer people are welcomed and find their resources useful. However, many people don't know where to start. Because of this, Book 28 Library are proud to have put together a free advice booklet for public library workers who would like to improve conditions for LGBTIQ+ people in their public library.

Welcoming LGBTIQ+ users: advice for public library workers - PDF

Welcoming LGBTIQ+ users: advice for public library workers - Word Doc

Welcoming LGBTIQ+ users: advice for public library workers - Google Doc (in browser)

This is the advice of Book 28 in association with Colette Townend, Dr Elizabeth L. Chapman and Isadore Auerbach George. It is based partly on research and partly on our own experiences as queer librarians and library users. It is not meant to be authoritative, but rather a series of suggestions that serve as a starting point for progress. It is designed to be read modularly so feel free to skip to the section that addresses your current queries.

We plan to update our advice regularly along with emerging trends and feedback from earlier version. In this spirit, please feel free to leave any feedback in the comments below. We hope our tips and tricks may help you with common problems and give you a place to start. Ultimately, we cannot give any better advice than: proactively connect and work with your local queer community, and engage them in building a library that works best for them.

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In our work with public libraries, we have found many who would like to make sure queer people are welcomed and find their resources useful. However, many people don't know where to start. Because of this, Book 28 Library are proud to have put together a free advice booklet for public library workers who would like to improve conditions for LGBTIQ+ people in their public library.

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The Diverse Book Awards 2022 is open for submissions!

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The Diverse Book Awards 2022 is open for submissions!

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The Diverse Book Awards are open to UK based authors who have written a book for children, young adults and adult (fiction). The award seeks to highlight the best of the diverse voices published in the UK during 2021 and showcase the talent of marginalised voices.
Full details at https://www.thediversebookawards.co.uk/about-us
Twitter @The_DBAwards #TheDBAwards

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The Diverse Book Awards was established in November 2019 and was created by Abiola Bello and Helen Lewis, founders of The Author School ( www.theauthorschool.com)

There are many book awards but very few that are just for diversity and we believe diversity is something to celebrate! The first year running the awards was AMAZING despite Abiola and Helen having to judge 60 books! But The Diverse Book Awards is here to stay and hopes to recreate that magic for many years to come.

The bright idea came about when Abiola was looking up book awards for diverse books and only found one, despite the conversations about more diversity in books. She shared the idea with Helen who backed it and they agreed it has to be UK based to celebrate the amazing talent that we have. Whilst Abiola was trying to think of a clever awards name, Helen said, "Why not keep it simple and call it The Diverse Book Awards?"

The Diverse Book Awards are open to anyone who has written a book for children, young adults and adult. Fiction only and UK based authors.

More diverse books are self-published so we are open to self-published and traditionally published books. A publisher or an author can submit a book published in 2020. Publishers can submit up to five books and authors can submit up to two books.

Once you fill in the form please do email it with your book cover to hello@thediversebookawards.co.uk and someone will be in touch with more information.

If you are submitting more than one book, please do send separate entry forms.

Anyone on the shortlist will have to contribute a fee that goes towards the marketing and publicity of the awards. Please do read the terms and conditions

We are going to shout about the shortlist and all will be invited to an awards ceremony in October where the winner will be announced.

Prize to be announced!

Any media enquiries please do send us an email hello@thediversebookawards.co.uk

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The Diverse Book Awards was established in November 2019. There are many book awards but very few that are just for diversity and we believe diversity is something to celebrate! ​We are open to anyone who has written a book for young adults and adult. Fiction only and UK based authors.

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​

Categories include:
Best Children's Book,
Best Young Adult Book and Best Adult Book

https://www.thediversebookawards.co.uk/2021-winners

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From over 100 books to 3, we have our winners for The Diverse Book Awards! A massive congratulations! Do read these amazing books and watch the award ceremony here

#TheDBAwards

​

Our 2021 Winners

​

Best Children's Book

(Scholastic Children's Books)

2nd place:

illustrated by Onyinye Iwu

(Walker Books)

​

3rd place:

illustrated by Dapo Adeola

​

2nd place:

3rd place:

(Quercus Children's Books, Hachette)

Tammye Huf

(Myriad Editions)

​

2nd place:

3rd place:

Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

(Oneworld)

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From over 100 books to 3, we have our winners for The Diverse Book Awards! A massive congratulations!

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The International Festival of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans History

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The International Festival of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans History

We are very grateful to Schools OUT UK for all the support for helping facilitate this festival

Do you have a history to share about a LGBT+ Organisation, Network, Charity, Movement or Person, or an area you are researching?
Then apply here to become a presenter for 'OUTing The Past 2023', the International LGBT+ History Festival:

Read about last years hubs and programmes below.

Looking for potential presentations to host your own event? Follow the link below!

What's going on in theatre...

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We are very grateful to Schools OUT UK for all the support for helping facilitate this festival Do you have a history to share about a LGBT+ Organisation, Network, Charity, Movement or Person, or an area you are researching?Then apply here to become a presenter for 'OUTing The Past 2023', the International LGBT+ History Festival: Read about last years hubs and programmes below.

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A charity working to establish the UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum, a place as exciting as the people, stories and ideas it explores and celebrates.

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QUEER BRITAIN MUSEUM LTD IS A CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

COMPANY NUMBER 11253032 / CHARITY NUMBER 1180240
REGISTERED OFFICE 2 GRANARY SQUARE, KING'S CROSS, LONDON N1C 4BH

QUEER BRITAIN® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK / © 2024

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Queer Britain: the national LGBTQ+ museum

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LGBT+ History Month 2022 – Politics In Art: ‘The Arc Is Long’

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LGBT+ History Month 2022 – Politics In Art: ‘The Arc Is Long’

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LGBT+ History Month Claiming our past - Celebrating our present - Creating our future LGBT+ History Month is for everyone; whether you work in education, a museum, library or art gallery, a business, a service, are a member of a network/social group or an individual.

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Book Releases: LGBT YA Books of January-June 2022

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Book Releases: LGBT YA Books of January-June 2022

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Book Releases: LGBT YA Books of January-June 2022

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YA lovers, rejoice! Here's the compilation post you've been looking for: all (hopefully) LGBT YA books of this half of 2022. It's over 130 books long, and I probably still missed a few!

It's not easy to be very specific with the LGBT rep without having read all the books myself, but I tried my best. If there are any mistakes or something could be more detailed, feel free to let me know in the comments. And like always, books by LGBT authors are marked with a rainbow emoji.

Enjoy and preorder!

JANUARY

🌈 Love Somebody by Rachel Roasek (bi mc, f/f relationship)
🌈 The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder (lesbian mc, sapphic li)
by Preston Norton (lesbian character, achillean character) tw conversion therapy, self-harm
Icebreaker by Al Graziadei (bi mc, Black gay li, lesbian & bi side characters)
Coming Back by Jessi Zabarsky (f/f relationship)

🌈 At the End of Everything by Marieke Nijkamp (nonbinary mc)
🌈 Rebel Boys and Rescue Dogs, or Things That Kiss with Teeth by Brianna R. Shrum (trans li)
The Greatest Thing by Sarah Winifred Searle (sapphic mc, bi character, nonbinary character) tw self-harm, disordered eating, suicidal ideation

FEBRUARY

🌈 No Filter and Other Lies by Crystal Maldonado (fat bi Puerto Rican mc)
The Gifts That Bind Us by Caroline O'Donoghue (sapphic mc, bi genderfluid li, biracial Filipino Irish sapphic side character) tw transphobia, homophobia, self harm
🌈 From Dust, a Flame by Rebecca Podos (Jewish sapphic mc, f/f relationship, Jewish gay character)
🌈 Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie (Cuban-Irish sapphic mc, lgbt characters)
🌈 by Mariko Tamaki (sapphic mc, achillean mc)

MARCH

🌈 And They Lived... by Steven Salvatore (nonbinary mc, nb/m relationship) tw outing, homophobia, fatphobia, gaslighting, disordered eating & purging (graphic), suicidal ideation
🌈 Every Variable of Us by Charles A. Bush (f/f relationship)
🌈 The One True Me and You by Remi K. England (nonbinary mc, nb/f relationship)
Travelers Along the Way by Aminah Mae Safi (sapphic characters)
🌈 All That's Left in the World by Erik J. Brown (m/m relationship)

Dig Two Graves by Gretchen McNeil (sapphic mc)
The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin by Kip Wilson (sapphic mc)

APRIL

MAY

🌈 This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves (Latino bi mc, m/m relationship)
Just Your Local Bisexual Disaster by Andrea Mosqueda (Chicana bi mc)
🌈 Primal Animals by Julia Lynn Rubin (sapphic mc) tw blood, insects, gore, mentions of sexual assault/harassment
Milo and Marcos at the End of the Word by Kevin Christopher Snipes (m/m relationship)
🌈 The Fae Keeper by H. E. Edgmon (trans gay mc, Black achillean li, Native American bi ace side character, lgbt side characters)

JUNE

Valiant Ladies by Melissa Grey (Peruvian lesbian mcs, f/f relationship)
🌈 The Sea Knows My Name by Laura Brooke Robson (bi li, f/m relationship) tw sexual assault
Epically Earnest by Molly Horan (f/f relationship, side m/m relationship)
🌈 Moon Dark Smile by Tessa Gratton (lgbt cast)
🌈 This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron (Black bi mc, sapphic parents)

🌈 Godslayers by Zoe Hana Mikuta (Korean lesbian mc, Korean bi mc, f/f relationship)
🌈 Bad Things Happen Here by Rebecca Barrow (fat sapphic mc)
🌈 Clementine by Tillie Walden (sapphic mc)
🌈 If You Still Recognise Me by Cynthia So (British Chinese bi mc, British Chinese lesbian side character, f/f relationship, British Indian sapphic side character, biracial Black sapphic side character, Vietnamese nonbinary bi side character, Chinese side characters, Chinese gay side character, gay & sapphic side characters)

*Please be aware that three authors involved in this anthology (Bowles, Faring and Ibañez) have a history of anti-Indigenous racism.

**Please note that Christine Lynn Herman has a history of bullying authors of colour.

***Please note that Rin Chupeco has a history of anti-Black behaviour.

Which titles are your most anticipated?

If you enjoyed this post, please consider supporting me on ko-fi.

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Book Releases: LGBT YA Books of January-June 2022

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YA lovers, rejoice! Here's the compilation post you've been looking for: all (hopefully) LGBT YA books of this half of 2022. It's over 130 books long, and I probably still missed a few! It's not easy to be very specific with the LGBT rep without having read all the books myself, but I tried my best.

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LOOK AT ME is a vibrantly illustrated picture book from Lambda Literary Award Finalist Audrey Beth Stein celebrating self-expression and play for ALL genders. 

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Look at Me: a celebration of self, playfulness and exploration

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Look at Me: a celebration of self, playfulness and exploration

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the website for the picture book written by Audrey Beth Stein and illustrated by Kristina Neudakhina

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LGBTQ+ equity and discrimination in library, knowledge and information workplaces: afterword by the CILIP LGBTQ+ Network Committee #uklibchat

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LGBTQ+ equity and discrimination in library, knowledge and information workplaces: afterword by the CILIP LGBTQ+ Network Committee #uklibchat

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The City and the Country: How Do Public Libraries and Specialist Information Services Differ in their LGBTQ+ Information and Service Provision in Rural versus Urban Areas of England?

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The City and the Country: How Do Public Libraries and Specialist Information Services Differ in their LGBTQ+ Information and Service Provision in Rural versus Urban Areas of England?

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A MA Dissertation by Leah Perry on the disparities of LGBTQ+ provision.

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The City and the Country: How Do Public Libraries and Specialist Information Services Differ in their LGBTQ+ Information and Service Provision in Rural versus Urban Areas of England?

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Public libraries, while providing a standardised general service, are often tailored to the communities they serve. This relies on the visibility and understanding of social groups within the local population. Across the country, the social, cultural, political, and historical local contexts influence the size and/or prominence of the LGBTQ+ community, and subsequently how they are served in public services.

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Inner Temple Library allyship collection for Trans Awareness Week

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To mark Trans Awareness Week (13-19 November) we have some new additions to our Library's lending collection. The books in this collection are available for loan by all Inner Temple staff and Library users.

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To mark Trans Awareness Week (13-19 November) we have some new additions to our Library's lending collection. The books in this collection are available for loan by all Inner Temple staff and Library users. https://t.co/2JvLQX4WdW

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
To mark Trans Awareness Week (13-19 November) we have some new additions to our Library's lending collection. The books in this collection are available for loan by all Inner Temple staff and Library users. https://t.co/2JvLQX4WdW

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
To mark Trans Awareness Week (13-19 November) we have some new additions to our Library's lending collection. The books in this collection are available for loan by all Inner Temple staff and Library users. https://t.co/2JvLQX4WdW

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.text
To mark Trans Awareness Week (13-19 November) we have some new additions to our Library's lending collection. The books in this collection are available for loan by all Inner Temple staff and Library users.

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University of Sussex Library LGBTQIA+ Resources

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University of Sussex Library LGBTQIA+ Resources

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This Library guide has been created to support Sussex students and staff to find and access resources on queer studies and LGBTQIA+ topics for learning, teaching and research.

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Skip to Main Content

It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

Welcome to the LGBTQIA+ Guide

This Library guide has been created to support Sussex students and staff to find and access resources on queer studies and LGBTQIA+ topics for learning, teaching and research. Navigate the different sections via the menu options on the left hand side.

LGBTQIA+ terms and book selection

LGBTQIA+ is an acronym referring to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual individuals and communities. The umbrella term encompasses a spectrum of queer identities, which are gender identities and sexual orientations other than cisgender and heterosexual. The 'q +' of the acronym acknowledges the breadth and diversity of this community, the fluidity of gender and sexuality, and the potential for something to be queer, outside of hetero and cis categories, without falling neatly into the categories of LGBT. More detailed descriptions and explanations of these terms and many others which emerge in discourses on queerness can be found via the resources linked below.

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Skip to Main Content It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

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@BuzzFeedBooks LGBTQIA+ YA roundups for 2021

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@BuzzFeedBooks LGBTQIA+ YA roundups for 2021

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Now that all the seasons have been posted, here are all four of the @BuzzFeedBooks LGBTQIA+ YA roundups for 2021!

Winter: https://t.co/lWUYGHYQNU
Spring (by @recitrachel): https://t.co/LuQocJHUOg
Summer: https://t.co/O3O9sGH0iU
Fall: https://t.co/BeKPNOkMGe

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25 LGBTQ+ YA Books You'll Want To Curl Up With This Winter

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Romance, historical, fantasy, oh my! So many fun ways to add rainbows to a dreary winter.

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30 Of The Best Young Adult LGBTQ Books To Pick Up This Spring

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LGBTQ young adult books that you need to look out for this spring!

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28 New LGBTQA Young Adult Novels That'll Add Sunshine To Your Summer

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Grab an iced coffee, kick up your flip-flops, and give yourself the perfect rainbow-filled summer with these great reads!

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16 LGBTQIA+ YA Novels To Devour This Fall

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Grab yourself a pumpkin spice latte and get ready for thrills, chills, secrets, and a whole lot of feelings.

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Now that all the seasons have been posted, here are all four of the @BuzzFeedBooks LGBTQIA+ YA roundups for 2021!

Winter: https://t.co/lWUYGHYQNU
Spring (by @recitrachel): https://t.co/LuQocJHUOg
Summer: https://t.co/O3O9sGH0iU
Fall: https://t.co/BeKPNOkMGe

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Something went wrong, but don’t fret — let’s give it another shot.

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Now that all the seasons have been posted, here are all four of the @BuzzFeedBooks LGBTQIA+ YA roundups for 2021!

Winter: https://t.co/lWUYGHYQNU
Spring (by @recitrachel): https://t.co/LuQocJHUOg
Summer: https://t.co/O3O9sGH0iU
Fall: https://t.co/BeKPNOkMGe

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Now that all the seasons have been posted, here are all four of the @BuzzFeedBooks LGBTQIA+ YA roundups for 2021!

Winter: https://t.co/lWUYGHYQNU
Spring (by @recitrachel): https://t.co/LuQocJHUOg
Summer: https://t.co/O3O9sGH0iU
Fall: https://t.co/BeKPNOkMGe

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Now that all the seasons have been posted, here are all four of the @BuzzFeedBooks LGBTQIA+ YA roundups for 2021!

Winter: https://t.co/lWUYGHYQNU
Spring (by @recitrachel): https://t.co/LuQocJHUOg
Summer: https://t.co/O3O9sGH0iU
Fall: https://t.co/BeKPNOkMGe

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#uklibchat 9 November 7pm: LGBTQ+ equity and discrimination in library, knowledge and information workplaces: how far have we come?

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#uklibchat 9 November 7pm: LGBTQ+ equity and discrimination in library, knowledge and information workplaces: how far have we come?

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Are libraries progressing towards a liberal utopia with equity of access and dignity for all? Discover the latest findings and join the final #uklibchat - with @ciliplgbtq

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CILIP LGBTQ+ Network webinar:  How to be a good ally to trans, non-binary and gender-variant people 

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CILIP LGBTQ+ Network webinar:  How to be a good ally to trans, non-binary and gender-variant people 

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Join Binni Brynolf (LGBTQ+ Network Committee member) as they explain what you can do to support trans, non-binary and gender variant people.
https://www.cilip.org.uk/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1545643&group=

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This Award is made by CILIP's Community, Diversity and Equality Group (CDEG) and aims to recognise outstanding achievement in the promotion of equality and or diversity. It is given to an individual or team who has shown commitment to the advancement of equality and or diversity within a library or information setting.

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The Disability Network has been established to provide support and a platform for library, knowledge and information workers with experience of disability.

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Chosen by Christine Burns MBE (https://twitter.com/christineburns/)

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We use cookies and similar methods to recognize visitors and remember their preferences. We also use them to help detect unauthorized access or activity that violate our terms of service, as well as to analyze site traffic and performance for our own site improvement efforts. To learn more about these methods, including how to disable them view our Cookie Policy. Accept Cookies

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Christine Burns MBE has campaigned for over thirty years for the civil rights of transgender people, and has been involved with the trans community for more than forty. She has worked as an equalities consultant, helped to put together new employment legislation and the Gender Recognition Act, and wrote the first ever official guidance about trans people for the Department of Health (Trans: A Practical Guide for the NHS, 2007).

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Trans Britain: Our Long Journey from the Shadows

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Trans Britain: Our Long Journey from the Shadows

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Edited by Christine Burns; a comprehensive account of the landmark events which shaped the transgender community over the last five decades, told through a series of essays by real experts who were there and can describe the knock-on effects today.
https://unbound.com/books/trans-britain/

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The 2021 long list of the top 10 diverse UK books in Children's, YA and Adult fiction. The shortlist will be announced September 20th 2021.

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Verses and Violets: Taking Pride in Queer Women Poets

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Verses and Violets: Taking Pride in Queer Women Poets

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6pm 29 June: the SPL and CILIPS celebrate Pride month with Verses and Violets: Taking Pride in Queer Women Poets, an inclusive, informal conversation about our queer pasts, presents and futures, as well as the power of poetry to tell the tales of the women, who exist between the lines.

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Verses and Violets

Who are the queer women poets, who have been forgotten by history? Reduced to derogatory labels such as virgins, spinsters and old maids, LGBTQ+ women have existed on the margins of poetry for way too long. The SPL joins forces with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIPS) to celebrate Pride month with Verses and Violets: Taking Pride in Queer Women Poets. Hosted by Kirsten MacQuarrie and chaired by Toni Velikova, this event will be an inclusive, informal conversation about our queer pasts, presents and futures, as well as the power of poetry to tell the tales of the women, who exist between the lines.

Kirsten MacQuarrie (she/they) is a Scottish writer and artist and the Membership Officer for CILIP in Scotland. Her writing has been published by New Writing Scotland, The Scottish Poetry Library, Glasgow Women's Library, Gutter Magazine, Scottish PEN, New Voices Press for the Federation of Writers Scotland, YWCA Scotland, South Lanarkshire Libraries, DREICH, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, Skirting Around, BlueHouse Journal, Bathed in Concrete, Liberally Quarterly and Coin-Operated Press. In 2020, their short story 'The Wordsworth Women' won second prize in the Federation of Writers Scotland Vernal Equinox competition.

She tweets @GGallerina and her website is www.glasgowgallerina.com

Toni Velikova (she/her) is the Assistant Librarian at the Scottish Poetry Library and the Secretary for CILIP's LGBTQ+ Network. She has done academic work on censorship and suppression of LGBTQ+ texts.

someone will remember us
I say
even in another time

Sappho (trans. Anne Carson)

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Who are the queer women poets, who have been forgotten by history? Reduced to derogatory labels such as virgins, spinsters and old maids, LGBTQ+ women have existed on the margins of poetry for way too long.

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CILIP Scotland blog post by Isadore Auerbach George, Director and Founder of Book 28

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Category: #LibrariesAreEssential, Blog
by Isadore Auerbach George, Director and Founder of Book 28
Almost fifteen years ago, community health and social care researcher Jacqueline Goldthorp wrote a paper called 'Can Scottish library services claim they are socially inclusive of all minority groups when lesbian fiction is still so inaccessible?' While drawing attention to the lack of availability of broad-ranging lesbian fiction in Scottish public libraries, Goldthorp wrote of the "psychological support and sense of inclusion" that reading such fiction can provide to lesbian women. If you research LGBTQ+ provision in public libraries, this is something you will find again and again: LGBTQ+ people have a strong desire to 'find' themselves in the stacks. This manifests in many forms: from wanting romances that show the possibilities of a queer happy-ever-after; to histories that are so often left out of the mainstream; to getting simple information on legal rights, medical care and local community groups.

The psychological and material benefits of being able to access this material for free, in a welcoming space, are huge. This becomes especially relevant when we examine the continued marginalization of LGBTQ+ people in the UK, with as many as a quarter of homeless young people identifying as LGBTQ+, and LGBTQ+ people, on average, earning less than their straight and cisgender counterparts. Many BAME and POC LGBTQ+ people say they have faced racism within the LGBTQ+ spaces that they turned to for inclusion. To an LGBTQ+ person with little income and community isolation, being able to walk into a public library that has even a small selection of well-curated LGBTQ+ books and information about local support is huge.

Since Goldthorp's 2007 paper, a lot has improved in terms of awareness amongst UK libraries in supporting LGBTQ+ users. Some now include collecting LGBTQ+ works in their policies, are actively trying to improve representation in their collections, run LGBTQ+ reading groups or LGBT History Month events like those in Lambeth, Sheffield and Edinburgh. Special libraries, such as Glasgow's Women's Library, hold significant LGBTQ+ collections ( click here for GWL's LGBTQ Collection Online Resource) and do extensive programming, while Scottish university libraries are being challenged by new professionals to enhance the scope and scale of their collections. And yet as recently as 2015, library researcher Alanna Broadley found that "no public library services in Scotland had a collection development policy that addressed the need for LGBT fiction or materials for LGBT users" (p.69) and it is clear that much more still needs to be done.

In some places, LGBTQ+ provision has actually gone downhill, with cuts to stock budgets weeding 'niche' collections in favour of guaranteed-circulators like bestsellers and trained library staff being replaced with casual volunteers with little knowledge of equalities. Financially-strained councils have been known to 'colocate' other services, such as police, in library spaces, or even hand branches over to community groups like churches, making them feel less welcoming to many LGBTQ+ people. An atmosphere of increasing hostility to trans people has seen efforts to support them in libraries attacked, as with the repudiation of Drag Queen Story Time; and recently, trans writing researcher Harry Josephine Giles wrote, ' Scottish literature has a transphobia problem', potentially making it harder for libraries forced to rely on mainstream stock suppliers to bring trans writers work into the collection. And, seeing that hundreds of libraries have been closed permanently in the last ten years across the UK, we are faced with a worst case scenario: there are no queer books in a closed public library.

At Book28 Library, we both advocate for the provision of collections and services for LGBTQ+ in public libraries and run our own small collection from the Outside Project LGBTIQ+ homeless shelter and community centre. The reception from the community has been resoundingly positive: so many people have told us about the safety and affirmation they feel in being able to find books that reflect their experiences. Although some still have anxiety about their ability to find such books at their local public library, they are often pleasantly surprised and relieved when we are able to tell them about the work our Local Authority (Islington) has done with specialists like Gay's the Word. Our experience suggests that well-funded, professionally staffed public libraries have a world of benefit to offer LGBTQ+ people. For this and so many other reasons, we believe that #LibrariesAreEssential.
Book 28 is a small LGBTIQ+ library, currently run out of the Outside Project homeless shelter and community centre in London. They advocate for better services for queer people in public libraries throughout the UK. You can find more about their work on their website, www.book28.weebly.com. Isadore Auerbach George is a school librarian and queer librarianship researcher. You can follow him on Twitter @SadoreLi. For CILIPS' evolving collection of LGBTQ+ friendly resources for libraries and librarians, please click here.

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#LibrariesAreEssential to LGBTQ+ Communities - CILIPS

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by Isadore Auerbach George, Director and Founder of Book 28 Almost fifteen years ago, community health and social care researcher Jacqueline Goldthorp wrote a paper called 'Can Scottish library services claim they are socially inclusive of all minority groups when lesbian fiction is still so inaccessible?' While drawing attention to...

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CILIP Scotland LGBTQ+ Friendly Resources for Libraries and Librarians

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CILIP Scotland LGBTQ+ Friendly Resources for Libraries and Librarians

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CILIPS is committed to helping make our profession safe, inclusive and accepting for all LGBTQ+ professionals and library users. Below is an evolving collection of resources that we hope will be helpful in supporting LGBTQ+ library staff members, enhancing the representativeness of library collections, and ensuring that libraries are spaces of inclusion, acceptance and tolerance for everyone.

If you have any additional resources to recommend, we would love to hear your suggestions: email us here.
For LGBTQ+ library professionals:

The CILIP LGBTQ+ Network is a UK-wide community group that is free and open to all library, information and knowledge workers who identify as LGBTQ+, both CILIP members and non-members. Click here for more information about the Network's activities or follow them on Twitter. An allies group for those who wish to support their LGBTQ+ colleagues will also be established shortly.

New for 2021, we are delighted to be offering a sponsored place at this year's CILIPS Annual Conference for a member of the CILIP LGBTQ+ Network - click here for more information and to apply.

If you are ever in search of support or advice, Stonewall Scotland offers a freephone service and online/email information service, in addition to a variety of online resources on topics including coming out, partnership and parenting rights, and your legal rights if you experience discrimination.

Scotland's LGBT Health and Wellbeing helpline is available for online, email and telephone support. They also currently offer a free telefriending service for any LGBTQ+ people in Scotland aged 50+ who may be feeling isolated as a result of the pandemic.

Pink Saltire provides a community voice for LGBTQ+ Scots and their website features a variety of helpful resources from general news and upcoming Pride activities to specific support during Covid-19.

Scottish Trans is part of the Equality Network and aims to improve equality, rights and inclusion for trans and non-binary people in Scotland. Their website provides many informative and supportive online resources addressing issues like healthcare, the law regarding Trans Equality, and much more.

AVEN, the Asexuality Visibility and Education Network, offers a large number of resources to promote greater awareness and understanding of asexuality, as well as answers to FAQs and community forums.

For making workplaces more LGBTQ+ inclusive:

This CILIP blog offers some fantastic tips to get your organisation started with becoming more inclusive, whatever your sector, including training ideas for staff and suggestions for resource collections (for more book recommendations, please see below).

This glossary created by Stonewall is an easy-to-read yet informative introduction to the key terms you are likely to come across when engaging with issues that might affect LGBTQ+ people.

This padlet of resources includes book and journal article recommendations, news items and histories of LGBTQ+ life in Britain.

Stonewall best practice toolkits and resources - search by location, sector and/or what you want to achieve (from 'employee policies' to 'getting started with inclusion', 'role models' or 'facts and figures').

This article by Steven Dryden for The British Library traces 'A Short History of LGBT+ Rights in the UK', highlighting the resilience of Britain's LGBTQ+ communities in face of what has often been life-threatening prejudice and why it remains so important to create inclusive, welcoming spaces in our libraries today.

TUC have created this guide to being a good trans ally, helping you make sure that trans colleagues and library users feel safe, supported and included in your workplace.

For building more diverse, representative and inclusive library collections:

This extensive book list by Schools Out includes titles that address the importance of creating LGBTQ+ friendly cultures in schools, as well as books for children and young people themselves.

The Scottish Book Trust has compiled this fantastic recommendation list of LGBTQ+ books for teenagers: encompassing both fiction and non-fiction, the list includes themes like self-acceptance, asexuality, unsung icons of queer history and much more.

The picture books on this Scottish Book Trust list are for younger children, helping them to learn how loving families come in all shapes and sizes, and hopefully see their own experiences represented in literature too.

TIE (Time for Inclusive Education) is an award-winning charity promoting inclusive LGBTQ+ education in schools (we especially love their rainbow tie logo!) Visit their website for some great resources including a 'What is Discrimination?' e-resource for young people, the 'Icons' booklet introducing key figures in LGBTQ+ life past and present, and 'If you're LGBT, you can talk to me' posters that you can display in your library.

Book 28 director and founder Isadore Auerbach George reflects here on best practice in collections development from a LGBTQ+ perspective (Isadore also kindly contributed this insightful blog to our recent campaign on why #LibrariesAreEssential to LGBTQ+ communities).

These books for adult readers offer a great introduction for anyone wanting to learn more about LGBTQ+ history and would make excellent additions to any library catalogue. Have you ever read about Flora Murray and Louisa Garret Anderson, who set up a trailblazing WWI military hospital, or 'The Unlikely True Story' of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM)?

Lavender Menace was the first lesbian and gay bookshop in Scotland and the Lavender Menace Queer Bookshop Archive is now in the process of being established: creating a comprehensive database of LGBTQ+ books and facilitating talks, workshops and more to promote LGBTQ+ writing. Visit their website to find out more about their ground-breaking history or even volunteer your skills in developing the archive.

Glasgow Women's Library is home to The Lesbian Archive and also offers this LGBTQ Online Collections Resource where you can discover some fascinating insights into the often hidden queer histories and herstories of our nation. We will be hearing more from GWL about their Lesbian Archive at #CILIPS2021 - click for the full programme and to book your place!

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LGBTQ+ Friendly Resources for Libraries and Librarians - CILIPS

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CILIPS is committed to helping make our profession safe, inclusive and accepting for all LGBTQ+ professionals and library users. Below is an evolving collection of resources that we hope will be helpful in supporting LGBTQ+ library staff members, enhancing the representativeness of library collections, and ensuring that libraries are spaces...

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One of the most extensive collections on LGBTQ+ history, politics and culture in the UK. It covers the late nineteenth century onward.

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Bishopsgate Institute's Special Collections and Archives holds one of the most extensive collections on LGBTQ+ history, politics and culture in the UK. It covers the late nineteenth century onward.

The collections encompass LGBTQ+ history politics and culture, with archives from Stonewall, Switchboard, GMFA/The Gay Men's Health Charity, Outrage! and material relating to the Terrence Higgins Trust, Achilles Heel and QX magazines. We also hold records of individuals including Paris Lees, Sue Sanders/Schools Out/LGBT History Month and many others

We're proud to be custodians of the Lesbian and Gay Newsmedia Archive (LAGNA). LAGNA includes over 300,000 press cuttings from the straight press regarding LGBTQ+ history from the 1890s to today. The cuttings are organised by subject matter, biographical content and location.

We hold a library of around 10,000 LGBTQ+ titles, from academic works, biographies, fiction and poetry to pulp fiction, along with over 700 journal titles from around the world. The LGBTQ+Pamphlet Collection contains around 1,500 items including programmes for festivals and events, material from campaigning organisations and catalogues. The collection also features extensive ephemera such as club flyers, t-shirts, banners and badges.

The Special Collections and Archives also hosts the UK Leather and Fetish Archives, a national collection documenting the history and heritage of fetish, kink and BDSM in the UK. The archives holds organisational papers, flyers, journals, pamphlets, books and artefacts.

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Bishopsgate Institute's Special Collections and Archives holds one of the most extensive collections on LGBTQ+ history, politics and culture in the UK. It covers the late nineteenth century onward. The collections encompass LGBTQ+ history politics and culture, with archives from Stonewall, Switchboard, GMFA/The Gay Men's Health Charity, Outrage!

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A queer LGBT+ books archive aiming to give space to hard-to-find and out-of-print queer LGBT+ books and make them accessible to the community by establishing a ground-breaking digital and physical archive, supported by an interactive blog and our social media.

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We're thrilled to announce that the National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded the archive £148,250 for our three year Community Project - Space for Our Stories. We will expand our existing programme of author events, hold classes and book groups, and run a living memory project with elderly LGBT people on the way books changed their lives in earlier, more difficult times. Meanwhile we will continue to collect and conserve disappearing LGBT books. Thank you too all lottery players, who have made it possible for us to do the things we've talked about and hoped for since we decided to begin the archive four years ago.

Watch the official video released by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to mark the awarding of the grant.

We're delighted to be able to welcome you to the achive where you can browse our ever-increasing collection of LGBT+ books, select from our range of exclusively commissioned merchandise by Kate Charlesworth and from a range of new titles supplied by Lighthouse Bookshop, all to help us raise funds. Or just come by for a chat and a cuppa.

We're open every Tuesday and Thursday between 11am and 4pm or join us every second and fourth Sunday between 1pm and 4pm for our Sunday Social Book Café.

Growing a queer LGBT+ Books Archive

We grew out of Lavender Menace which first opened as a lesbian and gay bookshop in Edinburgh in 1982. Founded by Sigrid Nielsen and Bob Orr, the name was revived in 2019, as part of the Stonewall 50 celebrations. You can find more about us here.

We are now open as a queer events space and reading every Tuesday and Thursday between 11am and 4pm. We based in St Margaret's House, 151 London Road, Edinburgh, EH7 6AE. Find out how to get to us and the space's accessibility information. Come and visit us to see our collection of over 1000 titles as they gradually catalogued and shelved. We are also selling new queer books supplied by Lighthouse Bookshop and our ever expanding range of Queer Writer postcards, bookmarks and postcards. See the range available on our shopping page.

Queer LGBT+ books archive blog

We have been blogging about the books in our growing archive since May 2020. And we invite you to comment. Tell us about your queer library. And take part in readers' conversations. None of this would have been possible when we opened the shop in the 1980s. We also post regularly on our social media.

How to get involved

We are encouraging you to record your own collection of your own queer LGBT+ books and share it with us.

And if you're interested in volunteering with us, please do get in touch. We have a team of 12 very enthusiastic volunteers working on various projects such as cataloguing the book collection, learning about book conservation, posting on our social media and website, running bookstalls and working together to make our events so successful.

Somewhere for Us

We have been contributing to our own pages and now a regular article in the amazing Somewhere: For Us magazine now well on to being a queer LGBT+ sensation. The articles we write reflect what it was like to run Lavender Menace and West & Wilde Bookshops in the 1980s and 1990s. We also feature reviews of books from our collection by guest reviewers.

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Lavender Menace queer LGBT+ books archive aims to give space to hard-to-find and out-of-print queer LGBT+ books accessible to the community.