Gloucestershire's gays asked to reveal 'hidden' history » Communities » 24dash.com

Members of Gloucestershire's gay community are being asked to dig out their old memorabilia as part of a celebration of Gay History Month. 

Gay History Month is running throughout February and will form a celebration the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people.

Although it is still few months away, the South Gloucestershire Lesbian, Gay Bisexual Forum is appealing to the gay community to ransack their attics and garages to dig out their memorabilia of 30 years of campaigning.

John Hesketh, chair of the South Gloucestershire LGB Forum, said: "Because the lives and achievements of LGBT people have been hidden, it has been easy for others to stereotype and distort the reality.

"We are asking people to contribute to telling the real story and are appealing for help from the gay community in South Gloucestershire to do it.

"For example, do you have an original t-shirt that you wore at a Gay Pride in 1971, an old copy of Gay News, badges or flyers that chart the movement to equality?

"If so, it could form an important part of our exhibition and help us to tell the real history of LGB people in South Gloucestershire."

Contributions will be used as part of an exhibition to be held at Emersons Green and Bradley Stoke libraries across South Gloucestershire throughout February.

To contribute your memorabilia please contact John Hesketh on 01454 864620 or email john.hesketh@southglos.gov.uk.