Our ‘Speaking Out’ project has been in development since 2019, it includes oral history recordings and loaned objects and photographs, shining a light on the experiences of individuals from a cross-section of Harrogate’s LGBTQ+ community, and creating opportunities for conversation and learning.

The project is innovative. It will, for the first time, give a voice and presence to people from Harrogate’s LGBT community. It aims to present the real people behind the normal stereotypes and labels. We used a tried and tested method of collecting oral histories, linked to an artefact chosen by interviewees from the LGBTQ+ community, this forms the basis for a pop-up travelling exhibition.

The exhibition is not presented in a sterile manner, but rather, be used to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and provide opportunities for conversations and discussions. 

This project is a partnership between Harrogate Pride in Diversity and Harrogate Museums.  Leeds University School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies previously allocated two Master’s level students, with a particular interest and expertise to provide support to the collection, collating and editing of the stories and materials over six months. The exhibition has also received funding from the Office of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner

 The project will launch on the 11th October 2021, with viewings available around Harrogate until the 15th October 2021, when it will move to the Victoria Centre to be part of the Hate Crime Awareness Week pop-up shop.

The exhibition will then be available to be booked, alongside workshops and talks, at pid.hg1@outlook.com