Hastings Museum & Art Gallery is celebrating LGBT History Month with an exhibition highlighting the little-known history of East Sussex’s LGBTQ+ communities called LGBTQ+ = Me.

Kim Forward, lead councillor for culture said: “This is an important exhibition which is the culmination of over seven months of collaboration between a group of young people and arts, cultural and museum experts. They have uncovered hidden histories and new stories about being LGBTQ+ and living in East Sussex.

“LGBTQ+ = Me is the exciting product of this work.

“As well as artwork, posters and film, there are interviews between younger and older LGBTQ+ people about their experiences which explore how attitudes have changed.

“Thanks to all the participants and to Eleanor Lanyon, Hastings Museum’s Collections and Engagement Curator of Human History, who curated the exhibition”.

Jack Holt, 16, from Hastings, said: “I enjoyed the project very much. It was fun learning about other people’s experiences, and I enjoyed learning how to use audio recording equipment and giving interviews.”

James Parks, 22, from Seaford, said: “I didn’t know anything about the events of Stonewall or any of the artists we looked at, so my biggest takeaway from this project was learning about the people involved in this movement.”

Rylan Hallewell, 17, from Eastbourne, said: “I now have a better understanding of LGBT topics, and I’ve met a lot of people and learnt about LGBT history and how we’ve progressed over the years.

“I have a better understanding of what LGBT people have gone through and how to be more comfortable in your sexuality and gender expression.”

The exhibition opens at Hastings Museum & Art Gallery on February 18th and runs until May 3rd.

The project has been funded the National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered in partnership with the young people, Hastings Borough Council, East Sussex County Council, De La Warr Pavilion, Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft, Towner Gallery and Charleston Trust.

Have you listened to the great content all about Hastings that is available on Stitcher? Click the link below…

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hastings-in-focus/the-hastings-podcast