QUEER BRITAIN: the national LGBTQ+ museum’s Post

Badge Collection 👼 Badges are powerful symbols in the queer community, representing identity, resistance, and solidarity. They allow LGBTQ+ people to express pride and visibility, often in environments where they might feel marginalised. Historically, symbols like the pink triangle, once used to persecute, were reclaimed as symbols of defiance and pride. These small but mighty symbols have played crucial roles in political activism, raising awareness and uniting people around common causes at protests and pride events. Badges stand as reminders of our community’s struggles and achievements, while preserving its rich heritage. We continue to wear badges, and you can even pick some up from our gift shop! 😉 We've been exploring our archive and found some gems! Which one resonates with you? – Alt Text: The image shows four circular buttons or badges, each featuring designs and text related to LGBTQ+ rights and pride. 1. Top left badge: This badge has a white background with a black and pink heart in the centre. The text around the heart reads, "We Want Out In," with "Out" in bold black and "In" in pink. Below, it states, "Clause 25 Paragraph 16." 2. Top right badge: This badge has a white background with a black circle filled with a pink triangle at the top. The text around the circle reads, "Lesbian & Gay Pride '88." 3. Bottom left badge: This badge has a white background with an image of a cherub holding a flag that reads, "Pride 1993." The image is in black and white, with the flag in pink. 4. Bottom right badge: This badge has a pink background with bold black and white text that reads, "Get Up Get Out! Get Even" with "Lesbian and Gay Rights Coalition" written in a smaller font around the edge. The badges are arranged on a bright pink background. – Image From Queer Britain. Badges donated by Lord Michael Cashman. – #queerbritain #lgbtq #lesbian #gay #bisexual #trans #queer

June is a month of vibrancy, love and solidarity as we continue to celebrate Gay Pride Month. It is not just a celebration, it’s a statement of resilience and a demand for equality and a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility and representation. It’s a month dedicated to honouring the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting on the progress made towards equality, to raise awareness about the issues faced and unfortunately still acknowledging the work that’s still needs to be done. Here’s some ways to show your support: Learn the History: Educate yourself and others to promote understanding and acceptance Be an Ally: Show your support in everyday by using inclusive language, standing up against discrimination and be a safe person for LGBTQ+ individuals to talk to. Attend Pride Events: Participate in local Pride parades, festivals, and events. These celebrations often include marches, performances and speeches Display Symbols of Pride: Wear or display symbols such as rainbow flags, pins or clothing to show your support. Voice your Support: This could involve contacting your representatives about relevant legislation, participating in peaceful protests or using social media to raise awareness. Donate: Contribute to organisations that work on important issues like healthcare, housing, legal rights and support services Let us embrace the spirit of Pride this June and every day, striving for a future where love and equality triumph over prejudice and hate. #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #LGBTQIA #Pride2024 #Equality #LGBTQCommunity #Diversity #Inclusivity #Support #Rights #Educate #Celebrate #TheWorldIsYourOyster

What is Pride Month? Pride Month, which takes place from June 1 to June 30, is a time to shine a spotlight on LGBTQ voices, celebrate LGBTQ culture, achievements, and activism through a variety of planned activities. These events include film festivals, art exhibits, marches, concerts, and other programs held throughout the month. During this month, the LGBTQ community and its supporters come together to highlight LGBTQ voices, raise awareness about issues of inequality, and honor the memories of those lost to violence and the AIDS crisis. Why is Pride Month in June? Pride Month is observed in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a significant event in LGBTQ history. In the late 1960s, being openly gay was largely prohibited in most places, and in New York, for example, the mere presence of LGBTQ individuals was considered disorderly conduct, effectively banning gay bars. On June 28, 1969, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a popular bar with a diverse LGBTQ clientele, took a stand when the police raided the establishment. This confrontation sparked days of riots and protests, known as the Stonewall Uprising. One year later, on the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, thousands of individuals flooded the streets of Manhattan for the Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day March, which is recognized as the first gay pride event in history. How did Pride Month originate? Pride Month began as Gay Pride Day, which was initially celebrated annually on the last Sunday in June before evolving into a month-long commemoration. As awareness grew, an increasing number of activities and events were organized to encompass the entire month. Over time, Gay Pride Day transitioned into the month-long recognition known today as Pride Month. The official designation was solidified in 1999 when President Bill Clinton declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. This declaration was made to acknowledge the accomplishments of the LGBTQ community and show support for its members. What is the symbol of pride? The rainbow flag, designed by prominent San Francisco activist Gilbert Baker, is widely acknowledged as the symbol of LGBTQ pride. Baker created the flag to represent the diversity of humanity, symbolizing all genders and races. The six colors of the rainbow flag each symbolize a distinct element of the LGBTQ movement: life, healing, sunlight, nature, serenity, and spirit. @agingheroes @transpainter #pridemonth #celebratelgbtq #equityandinclusion

’𝑁𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑢𝑠, 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑢𝑠.' - Marsha P. Johnson   For those who don't know, this is Marsha P. Johnson. Marsha was an American Drag Queen and trailblazing activist for LGBTQIA+ rights.   Many people comment on how complex the community and all its terminology is, as today various gender and sexual identities are recognised - and they're right. It 𝑖𝑠 complex and there 𝑎𝑟𝑒 "so many flags" but the reason why is exactly as Marsha states. We are a community accepting of those who do not fit the narrative of traditional norms and celebrate their differences. There can be no bisexual flag without the pansexual flag, there can be no non-binary flag without the intersex flag and so on. So, yes - it is complex, but for all the right reasons as the world continues to celebrate diversity. Besides, many of the gender and sexual identities honoured today have been around from - well, who knows when. The only difference is that they now have a label to them.   I am aware of my privilege and feel exceptionally grateful to live my life as my authentic self. However, this is still not the case for many LGBTQIA+ people, especially those who face other biases alongside. There is still so much work to be done to ensure marginalised groups 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑦 receive equal human rights. That's why it's important to have respectful conversations such as these, not just for Pride Month but all year round. https://lnkd.in/esHHEwmy - National Women's History Museum https://lnkd.in/exKzEB8r - The Marsha P. Johnson Institute #pride2024 #pridemonth #lgbtq #lgbtqia #diversityequityinclusion #dei

This year, #pride seems to be a bit less colorful than in years past; as states implement restrictions on DEI programming and cut funds for such programming at corporations, universities, and offices, being a proud ally or celebrating the LGBTQ+ community feels more defiant than it has in recent years. However, even in this climate, some major companies have created campaigns that feel modern, relevant, and impactful. Read our latest blog post, highlighting some of our favorite #advertising campaigns to come out of #Pride2024. https://lnkd.in/eG8Xpdr9

Let's talk about the rainbow elephant in the room. It's June, and it's Pride month. At least online — outside the internet the impact it's much smaller. And we have the traditional rainbows everywhere, including corporate logos. From a graphic design perspective, it's a perfect opportunity, because having a multicoloured rainbow version of a logo rarely conflicts with the main brand. For example, if the main brand colour is green, having it changed temporarily for a red version could clash a lot more. But the rainbow thing is fun, vibrant, and kind of cheeky. What's not to love about that? And with it, we have the traditional backlash. Supporting a minority or having colourful rainbows is destroying the family and Western civilisation or something. But we have a second wave of backlash pointing out the brand's hypocrisy. For not supporting LGTBQ+ people between July and May, for making the fun colourful thing without any other substance, for choosing to make this only in countries where it's safe and profitable to do so… This is, mostly, fair criticism that reminds us that sometimes there are bodies buried behind the rainbow curtains. This criticism sometimes goes as far as to ask companies to not show support for the LGBTQ+ community. To stop using the rainbow. And this is where I have a bone to pick with. Because behind this outrage sometimes there is a hidden agenda: assimilation. People who think that the LGBTQ+ community will only be free when there are no more displays of support, no more marches, no more Pride. No more rainbows. It sounds awful. I want everyone with a rainbow. I want straight people to break free from the tyranny of normativity, not for queer people to be imprisoned among them. So, please, use the rainbow logos this month. But also keep working on initiatives to keep using them in August, merchandise with them for your employees on Halloween, events that showcase them on Christmas, or a campaign with a rainbow for Valentine's. Don't let the killjoys win. Or as Arnold's mom said, "Be as gay as you like. Shower yourself in dick and glitter." #pride #pridemonth #lgbt #lgbtq #queer #rainbow

Today marks a landmark occasion at CERN. In celebration of International Day of LGBTQ+ for people in STEM for the first time in the history of our Organization we have raised the first ever LGBTQ+ flag at the Esplanade des Particules alongside the flags of our Member and Associate Member States. But what does this really signify & why is it important ? Yesterday we had the visit of the two presidents of our host states who reiterated that CERN is an exemplary place where collaboration is central to keeping Europe’s leadership in our field. And next year CERN will celebrate its 70th anniversary. Its 1954 convention still defines our core values of scientific collaboration today. So why raise a flag now and what is its significance ? Personally for me the significance is in what a flag symbolises. Flags mean many things to many people - they are planted as landmarks in places of discovery or used to demarcate territory - but for me a flag symbolises a ‘safe place’ - welcoming, accepting and including people who belong or are allied. Just as each time I return to my home country I see the flag on arrival, or when you see your flag on an embassy or consulate it indicates ‘ you are welcome and safe here ‘ - for me this is the most important message that this flag symbolises. And more importantly today I believe CERN deserves this flag. CERN has progressed a lot since I first arrived over 30 years ago and whilst inclusive attitudes are more ubiquitous today there is still work to do here – but I believe the raising of this flag symbolises an important milestone in the Organisation’s inclusivity – recognising where we have come from and also where we need to go. Anyway - these are my thoughts - what are yours ?

Howʼs your Pride Month campaign going? 🏳️🌈 June is here, and spreading awareness about the LGBTQ+ community is at its peak. But is it really? Sadly, most companies are limited to adding rainbow symbols to their campaign visuals. If your goal is to show genuine support and authentically connect with the queer community, our latest article is just for you. Learn how to find meaningful ways to communicate with your LGBTQ+ audience by clicking the link: https://lnkd.in/eXY7FwQb

Every year in June, the LGBTQ+ community commemorates their accomplishments, spotlighting LGBTQ+ activists of the past and present through a month-long celebration including marches, art exhibits, and concerts that make space for people to gather to express pride in their identity. You might be curious about the history of Pride Month, whether you’re someone who never misses Pride events, like the Annual LA Pride Parade that took place earlier this month (which usually brings in over 150,000 participants per year), or someone who might have heard about Pride festivities but hasn’t had the opportunity to experience the joyful, accepting atmosphere for themselves. You may have learned about the Stonewall Uprising in school or noticed a newscaster briefly reference the historic 1969 event in a segment during Pride Month, but you might still have a few questions. Or if you know a little about the Stonewall Inn’s background, you might be curious as to how a small, drab 1960s gay bar that sold overpriced, water-downed liquor and was owned by a member of the mafia in Greenwich Village was eventually declared a national monument and honored as the site that enabled colossal advancements within the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Read on to learn about the reality of LGBTQ+ people in 1960s America, whether the Stonewall Inn’s portrayal as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ individuals is accurate, if it’s true that someone famously “threw the first brick” that would set off six days of protest and an unprecedented large-scale rebellion from the LGBTQ+ community, and how America’s first Gay Pride Parade was organized. Find out more about the courageous advocates who made it possible for present-day LGBTQ+ individuals to gain rights and recognition that unfortunately remain continuously challenged throughout the U.S., but whose unwavering pride endures like those who came before them. Happy Pride Month! #pridemonth #stonewallinn #stonewalluprising #lgbtqhistory #thearchive #openroadintegratedmedia 

🌈 Celebrating International Transgender Visibility Day 2024! 🌈 Yesterday marked International Transgender Visibility Day, a day dedicated to honouring and celebrating the lives, achievements, and resilience of transgender individuals around the world. While I may be a day late, it's never too late to amplify the voices and stories of the trans community. I am incredibly proud to have played a pivotal role in the creation of the Michael Dillon Lecture Series, the flagship LGBTQ+ lecture series at the University of Oxford. This series is named after the extraordinary Michael Dillon, an alumni of St Anne's College, University of Oxford a surgeon, and a pioneer in the field. Michael Dillon was the first person to transition from male to female, and his courage and determination continue to inspire countless individuals within the trans community. The Michael Dillon Lecture Series serves as a platform to shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, aiming to foster understanding, awareness, and inclusivity. By bringing together distinguished speakers and thought leaders, we create an environment where dialogue, education, and support thrive. I am delighted that the philanthropic support generated by this series goes towards GiveOut an incredible charity supporting LGBTQ+ communities globally. Today, we recognise that Michael Dillon's struggle is just one example of the journey that many transgender individuals face worldwide. It is a struggle for recognition, acceptance, and equal rights. As we celebrate International Transgender Visibility Day, let us remember that visibility is not just about being seen but being valued and respected. In recognising the beauty and diversity within the trans community, we also acknowledge the systemic barriers and discrimination that continue to persist. It is our collective responsibility to work towards a world where transgender individuals can live authentically, free from prejudice and discrimination. #TransVisibilityDay #MichaelDillonLectureSeries #LGBTQ+ #Equality #Inclusivity #Fundraising