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Why Queer?

Queer is a noisy, troublesome, disruptive word, painful to some, exciting to others: It’s been used as a stick to wound and worn as a badge of pride. Its first recorded use as a homophobic slur was by the 9th Marquis of Queensbury (Wilde’s boyfriend’s father), but Queer Britain embraces it as the only inclusive word in the ever-expanding collection of letters that represent LGBTQ+ people.

Right A sketch of poet and playwrite Oscar Wilde by artist Toulouse Lautrec, 1895.

Queer people have impacted every part of culture, yet all too often their lives have been written in the margins of history books. Valuable stories and artefacts are being lost. Once gone, they may never be recovered. These deserve a dedicated space to be preserved, explored and celebrated. Queer Britain will put this in the centre stage

WHY?

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IMAGES COURTESY OF BISHOPSGATE INSTITUTE / (CC) LSE / NAPOLEON SARONY / JANE MCCORMICK SMITH / BEX WADE / ROBERT TAYLOR

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First things first.

Queer Britain is going to survey the nation’s museums, archives and personal collections to understand what stories and artefacts that tell the nation’s queer history are already out there, then we will design a story gathering campaign from that.

What will it be?

A bricks and mortar museum with an innovative digital presence and a strong educational remit. It will feature objects and records from the world’s of art, fashion, film, literature, TV, theatre, news, music, diaries, letters, photographs, legal records. Video/ audio interviews with queer people of all ages and backgrounds, activists, their friends, allies, families, observers and opponents.

Right Calling card left by Lord Queensbury for Oscar Wilde at the Albemarle club which sparked Wilde's ill-fated libel trials.

Queer Britain is working to establish the UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum, a place as exciting as the people, stories and ideas it explores and celebrates. It will be an essential place for all regardless of sexuality or gender identity, to find out about the culture they have been born into, have chosen or seek to understand. It will help complete the Nation’s family tree.

WHAT?

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BECOME A FOUNDING MEMBER.

Help save LGBTQ+ history, create exhibitions and work towards setting up a national LGBTQ+ museum by becoming a Queer Britain Founding Member: set up a monthly gift (we suggest £10) and get access to membership events, a Queer Britain tote bag, badges, welcome pack and quarterly email updates.

Otherwise please consider a one-off donation or ask about our Patron Circles. We can’t do it without you, so Let’s Make History.

SAVE HISTORY. MAKE HISTORY.

DONATE SECURELY VIA OUR TRUSTED PARTNER, CHARITY CHECKOUT. APART FROM THE 1ST £1, YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENT IS A DONATION, THE TOTE BAG AND ADVANTAGES OF MEMBERSHIP CAN BE PURCHASED DIRECT FROM QUEER BRITAIN FOR A ONE-OFF PAYMENT OF £1. CONTACT HELLO@QUEERBRITAIN.ORG.UK

For press enquiries email queerbritain@s-414.com

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By donating to Queer Britain you will be helping create the first national museum about LGBTQ+ people.

    Given that many of these lives were already hidden - especially for people who aren’t white or male - there is a gaping hole at the heart of British culture. 

    Many young people now have a strong sense of freedom about identity, but not how these were formed or the lives of those who came before them. A healthy plant needs deep roots.

    You will be playing a vital role in protecting, preserving and presenting LGBTQ+ histories from around the whole country for current and future generations, a space that we can all be proud of.

DONATE SECURELY VIA OUR TRUSTED PARTNER, CHARITY CHECKOUT

how these were formed or the lives of those who came before them. A healthy plant needs deep roots.

    You will be playing a vital role in protecting, preserving and presenting LGBTQ+ histories from around the whole country for current and future generations, a space that we can all be proud of.

By donating to Queer Britain you will be helping create the first national museum about LGBTQ+ people.

    Given that many of these lives were already hidden - especially for people who aren’t white or male - there is a gaping hole at the heart of British culture. 

    Many young people now have a strong sense of freedom about identity, but not

"I've donated to Queer Britain because LGBTQ+ history is being lost, and I want my children and grandchildren to grow up in a world where everyone's heritage is valued and celebrated"

CAROLYN WARD

FOUNDING PATRON AMBASSADOR

DONATE

Queer Britain depends on the generosity of its Patrons to develop its important work. We would like to extend our deep gratitude to:

FOUNDING PATRON AMBASSADOR

Carolyn Ward

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FOUNDING PATRON

Brian Bickell
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GOLD PATRON
Andrea Mattiello and Giulio Boccaletti

Elizabeth Bingham OBE
Paul Reed
Wayne Snow and Allister Dennis
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PATRON
Dr Ann Limb CBE, DL

Anthony Harte

Elliot Vaughn

Guy Burch

Sir Nick Partridge

Oskar Yasar and David Broome
Steve Wardlaw

For information about becoming a Queer Britain Patron, please contact CEO Joseph Galliano

joseph.galliano@queerbritain.org.uk

PATRONS

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QUEER BRITAIN MUSEUM LTD IS A CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

COMPANY NUMBER 11253032 / CHARITY NUMBER 1180240
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