Our Local 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 part of our website is about our local 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 timeline of local LGBT+ history which you can explore by selecting one of the links below. Or scroll down for posts about news, projects and workshops.
Explore Local LGBT+ History
Recently Added or Updated on Our Timeline
Read the latest posts and articles added to our timeline
1988 – Clause 28 Bans the “Promotion of Homosexuality”
In 1988 “Clause 28” banned the promotion of homosexuality. In this post we present local news reports including the “First Ever Gay Demonstration in the Potteries”
1979 – Potteries Gay Community Association
The PGCA formed in 1979 to provide support and social opportunities for local LGBT+ people, while also working to challenge the stigma they faced. Members raised funds to establish our first local “Gay Centre” in 3 Hillcrest Street, Hanley.
1972 – The Gay Liberation Front
News clippings from 1972 tell us that Keele University students had a Gay Liberation Front Group and there was also what appears to be a separate group listed as “Potteries” in Gay News. This post features various clippings from the Evening Sentinel and Gay News.
1972 – The Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE) in Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent had a local Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE) group that was part of a national network of CHE groups that met across the UK. The group initially met in members homes and later met in the 141 (One for One) club and The Vine
1977 – North Staffs Gay Switchboard
The North Staffs Gay Switchboard was founded in 1977 at Keele University, the name was later updated to The North Staffordshire Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Switchboard. The tremendous contribution made by the volunteers of our local Switchboard over a period of thirty years deserves to be remembered.
2005 – LGBT Network
The LGBT Network was a prominent community-led organisation in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire that served as the primary political and social voice for the local LGBT community for nearly a decade having evolved from the Forum originally launched in 1997.
News, Projects and Workshops
In the posts below you can read about projects, workshops and publications exploring themes around LGBT+ history and identity.
2026 – National Memorial Arboretum
Photos from our recent visit to the National Memorial Arboretum which included a welcome talk, a tour by land train and laying flowers at the new LGBT Armed Forces memorial.
Derbyshire LGBT+ History Project
DerbyshireLGBT+ has successfully acquired funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to undertake two history projects. “Our Stories: Discovering our hidden LGBT+ history” and “Our Stories: Discover our hidden HIV history”
LGBT+ History in the Staffordshire Moorlands
Following the first Moorlands Pride a group of young people are researching local LGBT+ history. Here are a few things I can offer from my own research which I hope may provide some inspiration about where and how to look…