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Queer Britain to become the UK’s first ever LGBTQ museum

Gay history is set to be immortalised in a new London site.

By Fabio Crispim

A new campaign to create the UK’s first ever LGBTQ museum has been launched in London.

The museum, called Queer Britain, will celebrate the richness and diversity of the country’s LGBTQ inheritance, The Guardian reports. 

According to a press release, the space will play host to a museum of pemanent and temporary exhibits and has been described as “an essential resource for everyone to feel a part of the culture they have been born into or seek to understand.” 

Campaigners hope the museum will open in 2021 and have announced they will collect stories from the LGBT community as well as their allies to ensure LGBT history is understood and celebrated.

In a statement, campaign leader Joe Galliano said: “People came out of their closets, now it’s time to come out of the margins.

“Queer Britain will be the first national museum for all regardless of sexuality and gender identity. It will fully celebrate and reflect the lives of LGBTQ+ people of all backgrounds. It will help complete the nation’s family tree.”  

Meanwhile, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan gave his support for the museum, he said: “As Mayor, it’s so important to me that London is seen as a city where LGBTQ+ people feel valued, happy and safe – this sends a clear message to the world that London is a beacon of diversity.” 

He added: “I look forward to the opening of the new museum and the role it will play in shining a light on LGBTQ+ history.” 

Reports also suggest the campaign has identified a potential site in Southwark, south London, for the museum.

For more information visit queerbritain.org.uk.