Below is an extract from LGBTQ Heritage and Collections – SSN Literature Review (RCMG, 2021) by Kris Reid and Richard Sandell downloadable here.

Although the development of queer practice at museums across the UK has grown exponentially in recent years – with new examples of LGBTQ+ exhibitions, tours, events, and programming continuing to emerge – this has been accompanied by increasing debate amongst practitioners and researchers around how to take this work forward.  What constitutes ethical practice in this area?  What opportunities and pitfalls are posed by queer collections and programming work and what strategies can be deployed to navigate these successfully? How can heritage bodies approach queer practice in ways that engage everyone, benefit LGBTQ lives and lend support to contemporary and ongoing struggles for LGBTQ equality?

This review of academic literature on LGBTQ heritage and museums explores key themes in writing primarily from the last two decades. It draws on publications from both the UK and, where appropriate, internationally.  It pays attention to differences and inconsistencies in approach across the four nations of the UK and, indeed, within each region, recognising the importance of acknowledging and understanding these regional variances within the context of the wider academic discourse on LGBTQ+ practice.

Two broad and related areas emerge from the literature:

  • The first explores the various approaches museums have taken when queering their collections and spaces, considering how they have engaged with LGBTQ+ history and identities. 
  • The second focuses on how these histories and narratives are presented and received within the public realm, contextualising practice within broader socio-political debates and reflecting on the contemporary implications of queer heritage practices for LGBTQ lives, for diverse heritage audiences and for society more broadly.

Within these two broad areas for discussion a number of themes have been identified which are analysed in greater detail throughout this literature review. Finally, gaps in knowledge are identified with recommendations for further research presented. It should be noted that the theme of ‘Trans Voices’ appears under both headings as the particular needs of this group in the current social and political climate demands a specific focus.

Download the full Literature Review

LGBTQ Heritage and Collections – SSN Literature Review by Kris Reid and Richard Sandell is licensed under CC BY 4.0