National Museums Liverpool celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month with diverse range of events

With events ranging from panel discussions on the art of drag, to family pantomime with the fabulous Mama G, National Museums Liverpool aim to highlight key issues and stories from across the community.

This February, National Museums Liverpool (NML) are marking LGBTQ+ History Month with a range of events, activities and new online content – exploring the untold stories of LGBTQ+ people across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.  

The LGBT+ Histories hub on the NML website gives visitors the chance to delve into insightful interviews, opinion pieces, art history and hidden stories – from interviews with RuPaul’s Drag Race star Sister Sister, to the hidden history of voguing and how LGBTQ+ people have left their mark on the world of science and technology.

Sister Sister. RuPaul's Drag Race UK series 2 Photographer: Ray Burmiston — Sister Sister. RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series 2 Photographer: Ray Burmiston

Matt Exley, Participation Producer at National Museums Liverpool, said:

“LGBTQ+ History Month gives us a moment every year to stop and consider the incredible history of LGBTQ+ communities. Throughout the month there are times to celebrate our successes, our triumphs, and our amazing contribution to culture, sport, politics and so much more.

“There are also times to remember the challenges we have faced, the people we have lost, and the work that still needs to be done to create a world that is safe and inclusive for all LGBTQ+ people. Whilst LGBTQ+ history should be marked year-round, February gives us a chance to shine a light on amazing, poignant, and important stories.”

National Museums Liverpool’s programme of events for LGBTQ+ History Month is below – for further informational and for online content including pride stories, interviews, past collections and LGBTQ+ stories from across Liverpool, click here.

Take a look at all the events happening during LGBTQ+ History Month:

16 – 24 Print Club: LGBTQ+ History Month – Walker Art Gallery – 3 Feb, 1-3pm

In this workshop for 16-24 year olds, you’ll be learning how to design and cut out your Lino to create your own unique item to take home with you. This technique can be used to create t-shirts, prints, tote bags and more, so it’s great for personalised items for yourself, or for creating gifts. All materials are included for these sessions, and no previous experience is needed. This session is free of charge, but tickets must be booked in advance.

In Conversation: Mama G and Sister Sister – Museum of Liverpool – 17 Feb, 1-3pm

In 2023 story telling events by drag performers were targeted by protestors claiming that it was inappropriate for children. Vast numbers counter protested in what, for many, was seen as a stand for LGBTQ+ rights. In this event we will speak to two performers who utilise elements of drag and dameship within their acts to weave stories and to teach lessons. We will listen to the lived experience of these performers and consider why in 2023 this suddenly became headline-grabbing news.

The Magic Bookmark – Museum of Liverpool – 18 Feb, 2-3pm

You’re invited to join everyone’s favourite pantomime dame and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Mama G in a brand-new panto adventure for the whole family! It all starts when the evil Book Worm decides that reading gives people too much knowledge and makes all the books from Mama G’s library disappear. Before the world can turn to chaos, Mama G vows to save the day by finding three books that will help make the world a better place. Of course, she can’t do it alone and that’s when she discovers the mysterious and wonderful Magic Bookmark.

The Physics of Life – World Museum – 22 Feb, 11am – 3pm

Take a journey with Science Communicator Sarah Cosgriff to see the world of biology through the lens of physics. Sarah combines their love of science with their LGBTQIA+ advocacy work to develop diversity within the STEM community. Discover how physics allows us to see microscopic organisms, understand how living things adapt to their environments, and helps astronauts travel to outer space. Where will the combined forces of biology and physics take you?

LGBTQ+ History Month: Youth Engagement Forum and YPAS – Museum of Liverpool – 24 Feb, 1 – 4pm

Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month at the Museum of Liverpool in our pop-up event hosted by the National Museums Liverpool Youth Engagement Forum. The theme for this year’s LGBTQ+ History Month is medicine and healthcare, both historically and today. For this pop-up event, you’ll get to know some of the LGBTQ+ people who have contributed to medicine, as well as spoken word and poetry.

Craft at the Museum: LGBTQ+ History Month – Museum of Liverpool, 14-17 Feb, various times

Come along and create something special to take home with you, as part of our series of LGBTQ+ History Month events. Drop in, no tickets required. Opportunities to join in on 14, 15, 16 and 17 February between 11am and 12noon and from 1:30pm until 4pm.