Pride & Protests: The Most Vivid Memorabilia from LGBTQ+ History

LGBTQ+ history shouldn’t just be celebrated in February. Bishopsgate Institute’s ‘Out and About!’ exhibition documents the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community over time, with a collection of colourful posters, badges and more.

Posters and Boas

This dress, wig and feather boa was worn by Ivan Cartwright, a drag performer, in 1996 (top left image).

This collection of posters relate to the LGBTQ+ club scene in London and Manchester from the 1970s onwards. All of these displayed flyers were collected by just one individual (top right image).

Movements

These posters were stored after a Black Trans Lives Matter rally held in London in 2020. Attendees marched in solidarity in a monumental movement for Black trans rights. Press the arrow to navigate.

Gay Pride

These gay pride badges, which are associated with Pride festivals and campaigns, have been collected from 1982 to 1995 (bottom image).

Buttons, fur, and unruly shirts

This red dress was the first dress ever worn by Mzz Kimberley, a Black trans actress and cabaret artist (right image). This extravagant full-length leopard print coat belonged to queer, trans and HIV positive performer, Zsarday Forde (middle image).

As for the t-shirt, I think it speaks for itself (left image).