About LGBT+ History
As older LGBT+ people most of us have memories of times long before we achieved the rights that we enjoy in Britain today. This page is about LGBT+ history and why it is important.
There is plenty of evidence to tell us that there have always been human beings who engaged in same sex relationships, or who did not conform to conventional gender norms. The social climate these individuals lived in, and the language they had available to them, has changed significantly and continues to evolve.
Exploring LGBT+ history is important because it helps us understand who we are and how our community was shaped by those who lived before us. It helps us recognise the roots of LGBT+ identities and how they continue to change.
As older LGBT+ people our lives have foundations that reach back into this history. It is important that we add our memories to archives where there is presently so little that tells the story of previous generations of LGBT+ people.
We are creating a new timeline of local LGBT+ history for Stoke and Staffordshire. Please take a look and get in touch if you have any information or photos that we could add.
Our links page has some great sites for you to further explore LGBT + History. We have also included some general sites that can help with research.
We are currently engaged in various projects that explore aspects of LGBT+ history and identity. We are actively seeking funding to help with a proposed future LGBT+ history project that will document the life stories of some of our group members.
In the posts below you can read about projects, activities and news that explores themes around LGBT+ history and identity.
B Arts Queer As Stoke
Queer-as-Stoke began as an idea for a map of Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area, locating places and stories of LGBTQIA+ significance. As the project evolved it became clear that not all stories could be pinpointed on a map.
Potboiler – Gay Stoke
In GAY STOKE local theatre group Potboiler is embarking on a journey with older LGBTQ+ people from Stoke-on-Trent to discover and re-tell local stories of gay life…
Blue Jean
A film exploring the impact of Section 28. The year is 1988 and Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government are about to pass a law stigmatising gays and lesbians, forcing Jean, a PE teacher, to live a double life.
Recent posts linked to our local LGBT+ history timeline
The Origins of Our Gay Scene
The earliest reference to gay friendly venues comes from oral history passed down within our community. It is said that as early as the 1920s The Unicorn Inn was used a meeting place for men and that during the second world war The Antelope and The Stage Door were well known as gay friendly pubs.
1973 – Stoke’s First Listing in Gay News
The first issue of Gay News was published in May 1972. Over the following year an information page evolved with listings for areas outside London. Stoke’s first listing of pubs and clubs appeared in issue 27 published July 1973.
1984 – Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners
Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) supported the National Union of Mineworkers during the year-long strike of 1984–1985. One of the two founder members was Mike Jackson who graduated from Keele University in 1980
1918 – Maud Allan Libel Case
In the spring of 1918, famous Canadian dancer and actress, Maud Allan pursued a libel case against right wing MP Noel Pemberton-Billing. The case revolved around an article published in his newspaper “The Vigilante” which was headlined “The Cult of the Clitoris”
1977 – Tom Robinson Band Plays in Stoke and Stafford
The Tom Robinson Band were a British rock band, established in 1976. Their song “Glad to Be Gay” is considered a British national gay anthem. In 1977 they played venues in the midlands including Stoke and Stafford.
1921 – Proposal to Outlaw Gross Indecency Between Women
A new offence of gross indecency between women was drafted under amendments to the Criminal Law Amendment Bill 1921. Local MP Colonel Josiah Wedgwood opposed the amendment
More LGBT+ History Pages
