Please note registering for this event enters you into the application process only. You need to be 18 years or over to apply. You will receive a ticket confirmation via Eventbrite but this does not guarantee your place on the workshop. Successful applicants will be selected and contacted by 17 January 2025 separately.

Paid opportunity: Join us to share your thoughts on our sexuality and gender identity history research guidance.

The UK National Archives are seeking participants with lived experience as LGBTQ+ people to engage in a workshop to inform our future research guidance in the area of sexuality and gender identity history. We are seeking participants with a range of knowledge of our collections - from no knowledge to active archive users.

The National Archives are home to an incredible array of collections that shed light on the lives of people we might now consider to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. These records offer rare glimpses into early queer clubs, one of the first known uses of the word "camp," and unique documents related to trans pioneer April Ashley. They also chart the evolving legal landscape of LGBTQ+ rights.

However, these collections often come from problematic contexts. While they can reflect deeply personal experiences, this was not always through willing engagement. The records speak to themes of trauma and pain, as well as joy and everyday queer domesticities. In times when it was often dangerous to keep material evidence of queer relationships and less mainstream expressions of sexuality or gender identity, these archives stand as powerful evidence of an LGBTQ+ presence throughout history.

This workshop will explore how best to frame our content to prepare users to engage in the collections, test some of the guidance to ensure it supports our audiences effectively and reflect on how to address gaps and absences in the guidance. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to the preservation and understanding of LGBTQ+ history.

How to apply:

To apply for this workshop please 'Select tickets' and input the relevant information.

You will then be asked to answer the following questions:

Have you engaged with the National Archives before? Please briefly detail in what ways. (max 150 words)
Do you have an interest in queer history? Please provide some details of your interests. (max 150 words)
Why would you like to attend this workshop? (max 200 words)
Optional travel bursary question Where regionally are you traveling from and what are the estimated travel costs?

This information will be used to assess your eligibility for a travel bursary.

If you would like time to think about your answer, we suggest that you save the link, take your time to consider your answer and then return to register when you are ready.

The deadline for applications is 6pm, 13 January 2025.

Event content note: The collections material can be challenging, reflecting the homophobic, biphobic and transphobic perspectives of past governments. We will endeavour to create a supportive and safe environment, but please be aware of this before choosing to sign up.

Logistical information:

Participants must be available for a 2 hour 15 minute in-person workshop on Friday 31 January at The National Archives, in Kew, West London. Workshop participants will also be asked to complete a follow up anonymous questionnaire. Participants will be recompensed £100 for their time. A select number of travel bursaries of up to £100 are also available. Please request this in the expression of interest. Refreshments will be provided.

As this is a paid opportunity, places are limited and allocated following an expression of interest application. There are no right or wrong answers, this is just to ensure a range of perspectives at the workshop. All information provided will be confidential.

If you have any questions, please contact victoria.iglikowski@nationalarchives.gov.uk

Focus group on The National Archives LGBTQ+ history guidance