Did you live, work, love, protest or party on the LGBTQIA+ scene in the 1970s? Help us build a queer archive of the decade.
Join us for a special tour of Ian Giles’ exhibition Everyone Involved, led by the artist himself, followed by a chance to share your 1970s items with Queer Britain’s archivist and collections manager, Jaime Starr.
Ian will introduce his installation and film, which centres on A Gay Song, heralded as the first LGBTQ+ protest song recorded onto vinyl in 1972.
Then collections manager and archivist Jaime will lead a participatory session exploring how personal objects and memories can become part of a queer archive — and what they can tell us about LGBTQ+ life in 1970s Britain.
Bring something from your 1970s
Bring 1–5 small items that tell a story about your life or the communities you were part of.
You might bring:
- Photographs or diaries
- Magazines or newsletters
- Art you or a loved one made
- Club, concert, theatre or event tickets
- Clothing - protest t-shirts, club, drag or fetish wear
- Leaflets, flyers or badges for queer groups or protests
- Something you made or were given
- An object connected to a hobby, sport, friendship or community
Nothing needs to be rare or of national importance. We’re interested in the everyday things that help bring the queer 1970s to life.
If you don’t have anything to bring, you are very welcome to attend. Items from the Queer Britain handling collection will be available to interact with.
Help us remember, record and preserve 1970s LGBTQ+ life.
Please note: while the intention is to collect items for the Queer Britain permanent collection at this workshop, you do not have to be willing to donate to bring things to share. Items cannot be left with Queer Britain without signing paperwork leaving your contact details and giving the museum permission to take ownership of your object.