Investing in LGBTQ+ heritage
That's why inclusion, access and participation is one of the four investment principles that guide our grant decision making.
Since 1994 we've invested over £12million across the UK in sharing stories of LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other identities) heritage, creativity, activism and much more.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has increased loneliness and social isolation for many of us, including younger people and some LGBTQ+ people. It has never been more important to have reminders of the power of heritage in our relationships with each other, connecting past and present and strengthening our local communities.
Liz Ellis, Heritage Fund Policy Project Manager for inclusion
Here are some of the inspirational LGBTQ+ heritage projects we've been proud to fund. And if you've got an idea for a project, we'd love to hear from you.
The terms we use
At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we use the acronym LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer). The ‘+’ represents people who identify as non-binary, intersex, asexual and other identities.
We use these acronyms because we believe they are widely understood. Identities can be complex and intersectional, and we are also aware that for many these terms may feel inadequate or limiting. We keep the language we use constantly under review.
Projects
Queer in Brighton - An Exploration of Brighton's Hidden LGBTQ+ Heritage
This year-long heritage learning project celebrated and promoted the rich cultural life of the LGBTQ+ community in Brighton and Hove.
Projects
Bona Eek - The Polari Project
The Bona Eek project focused on rediscovering and documenting the largely lost language of Polari, examining its origins and its influence in contemporary language and life in LGBT+ communities and beyond.
Projects
Exhibition on gay life and the LGBT movement in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding region
OutStories have collected and preserved the heritage of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) communities of Bristol and the surrounding area.
News
£10million secured for projects involving more young people in heritage
Blogs
LGBTQ+ histories: where do you feel safe to be yourself?
Blogs
Making heritage part of society’s conversations about equality
Blogs
Why do we celebrate LGBT heritage?
Blogs
Uncovering the LGBT+ icons that helped Wales come out
Blogs
It’s time to unearth the real history of LGBTQ+ people in Wales
Blogs