The UK is Opening its First-Ever LGBTQ+ Museum
The Arts

The UK is Opening its First-Ever LGBTQ+ Museum

A museum devoted to the untold stories of queer history

After much anticipation, following four years of planning and delays, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ museum will open its doors in north London this spring. The space is ready to welcome everyone to discover exhibits following the diverse history of queer-related issues.

Because so much queer history took place behind closed doors, it’s rarely shared or taught. But the LGBTQ+ community has had an impact on every part of culture around the world, and deserves a dedicated space to tell stories. Queer Britain, a charity working to establish the UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum, has been the driving force bringing this space to life.

Occupying the ground floor of historic 2 Granary Square in King’s Cross, the museum boasts four gallery spaces, a gift shop, office facilities, and plans for education and workshop spaces in the future. Entry will be free, with Queer Britain accepting donations to support its work. 

The man behind the museum, former editor of Gay Times magazine Joseph Galliano, says the museum’s sole purpose is to share the full breadth of queer history to all visitors. “LGBTQ+ communities have been crying out for this for decades, and it will be for everyone”, says Galliano, adding that he feels massively privileged to drive forward something he believes in so deeply and passionately.

Back in 2018, Galliano said it’s necessary for the museum’s focus to go beyond gay men. “If you think about [Black, Asian, and ethnic minority] people, women, and trans people’s stories, which were prioritized even less than the men’s stories, then that’s a wealth of untold material.” He also revealed that the museum will reflect diversity of race, gender, and orientation under the LGBTQ+ umbrella in a bid to preserve histories that have been ignored or destroyed—before it is too late.

Take a look at Queer Britain’s space below

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