Queer History Chats: Share Your Story, Shape the Archive

Help Us Save Merseyside’s LGBTQIA+ Stories on Screen

We know that our lives, loves, and histories deserve to be seen – but too often, they’ve been left out of the picture. The North West Film Archive is teaming up with Monika and Michael (Cinema Nation), Siân Williams ( co-director of Rebel Dykes and project manager at Queer Britain) alongside local LGBTQIA+ communities across Merseyside to try and address this.

We’re hosting a series of Queer History Chats – one in each borough of Merseyside – to hear directly from YOU about what’s missing, what matters, and how our moving image heritage can truly reflect the richness and diversity of LGBTQIA+ lives in our region.

This is a chance to share your views in a relaxed, supportive space. Whether you’ve got a box of old tapes under the bed, memories of queer nights out that deserve remembering, or simply want to help shape how our history is told, your voice matters.

Who can come?
Anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+, or has a connection to our community in Merseyside. You don’t need to be “an archive person” or know anything about film – just bring yourself, your experiences, and your ideas.

Why bother?
Because if we don’t tell our stories, someone else will – or worse, they’ll be lost forever. Together, we can make sure our moving image history is as bold, diverse, and beautiful as our community.

Participants will receive £20 as a thank-you for completing a short survey as part of this session.

Refreshments will be provided.
Friendly and inclusive space guaranteed.

Accesibility
Make Hamilton is fully wheelchar accesible.
There is a accesible toilets available on site.
The space is step -free throughout
Chairs and layout can be adapted for access needs

Parking / Transport

Trains Street and a Half is a 4-7 minute walk from Hamilton Square Station. (Step-free access available).
Bus using routes like 1, 437, X1, or 41, which stop nearby. Buses 1, 437, X1 and 41 stop nearby. The venue is a short 6 minutes from the Woodside Ferry terminal and approximately 5 minutes from Birkenhead central bus depo.

Bycicle There is some bike storage at the venue.

Car There is pay for parking in all surrounding areas - avoid parking directly on the square as this is more expensive due to being short stay. The closest free and unlimited parking is on Russel Street and Brooke Street East which is approximately five minutes walk away. You can find out more information here