I made the journey to the UK's first-ever national LGBTQ+ museum and it was worth every second.
Located in London, Queer Britain is dedicated to LGBTQ+ people and their history. The charity behind the museum prides itself on being an "essential" place for all, regardless of identity and sexuality. Albeit wasn't my only reason for visiting the country's capital, it was a highlight of the trip nonetheless.
The first physical museum, located in Granary Square, opened its doors to the public in the spring of this year - nearly 50 years on from England's first Pride March, so it's fair to say the opening of the museum was long overdue.
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Throughout the venue, many key moments in LGBTQ+ history are explored and remembered. Among these include Section 28 - the law which prohibited the "promotion of homosexuality" introduced by Thatcher's Government in 1998 - and the 1980s AIDS crisis.
However, there are also memories of more joyous moments on display such as the legalisation of equal marriage in England, Wales and Scotland and later Northern Ireland. Additionally, the exhibit has a section dedicated to the late Maureen Colquhoun, the UK's first openly lesbian MP who was followed by Merseyside's own Angela Eagle.
It's been a week today since I visited the museum, and one of the features that has stuck in my mind since then is Oscar Wilde's "cell door". The playwright was imprisoned with hard labour on the charge of gross indecency in 1895. Behind the cell door, Wilde wrote De Profundis as a letter to his lover, on his allocated four sheets of paper per day. He died destitute three years after release at the age of 46. Fans of the author can see the cell door on display at the King's Cross venue.
Another highlight of the trip included a wall where visitors can write a message on why they feel it is important for LGBTQ+ people to be seen. Notes left ranged from "For my son, so he doesn't feel alone", to "So others know they can get married too." Feeling overwhelmed, I settled for the simple "all love is equal" message.
The museum was free to visitors - but welcomes donations to support its work - and was completely accessible, fitted with lifts and ramps. It was spread out over two rooms which, in comparison to the museums we have here in Liverpool, is quite small. Perhaps this might be because of practicality, space or funding issues but it left me feeling frustrated and slightly underwhelmed.
My emotions had nothing to do with the museum or its content but more so to do with the fact my trip to the museum was completed in 30 minutes and I couldn't help but feel the short duration of my visit somewhat represented the short duration of which the LGBTQ+ community has been able to live their lives with society - at best - tolerating us.
Despite only being opened for a short while, the museum's exhibition has already won awards - having taken home the Best Small Museum Project by the Museum Association - and it's easy to see why. The space hosts a shop which includes Queer Britain merchandise meaning you can bring a bit of the joy back up north with you.
It's a vitally important space that I hope will receive visitors of all sexualities, and I hope it'll expand in time. I'd definitely recommend visiting.
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