Blossom LGBT CIC’s ‘Celebrating our Past, Creating our Futures’ is a two-year LGBTQ+ history-focused art project that aims to explore and promote the rich heritage of the LGBTQ+ community through artistic practices and community building workshops. The project has been made possible with a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Building on the success of our previous year-long project centered around Wellbeing & LGBTQ+ identities through art, we now seek to engage our community in an exciting new endeavor that highlights queer history and its artistic contributions across various art forms. Recognising that LGBTQ+ history has often been overlooked due to colonisation, anti-LGBT legislation, and historical attitudes, we believe it is crucial to preserve and celebrate the artistic legacy of our community. Queer artists have been visionary pioneers who continue to push boundaries in all disciplines, and their influence extends into mainstream culture.

To achieve our goals, we plan to host two open-access workshops each month, specifically supporting LGBTQ+ young adults. These workshops will explore historical themes and reinterpret our past using modern media, such as TikTok, phone cameras, magazines, acrylics, bold pastels, and lighting, creating engaging and relatable storytelling for young LGBTQ+ individuals.

Our project will culminate in two exhibitions (one each year), showcasing the work created during the workshops and highlighting local artists while sharing our community’s stories with a wider audience.

Given the lack of suitable LGBTQ+ learning spaces in our area, with the nearest LGBTQ+ archives located in London and not accessible to all due to cost constraints, our project aims to fill this gap and create a space where LGBTQ+ individuals can connect with their heritage and artistic roots.

Through this project, we envision empowering LGBTQ+ individuals to embrace their history, foster artistic expression, and strengthen the sense of community pride in our rich heritage. By engaging young adults in creative workshops, we aspire to bridge the gap between the past and the future, leaving a lasting impact on LGBTQ+ history and art appreciation within our community.

The difference we’re trying to make…
Our project will create a transformative difference in our community and beyond. LGBTQIA+ heritage has long been erased from mainstream education and known history, largely due to the shadow cast by the damaging Section 28. Even in recent times, the recognition of LGBTQIA+ people in the UK Census was only achieved in 2021, while any form of LGBTQ+ education became compulsory in schools as recently as 2020, focusing solely on sexuality and health families.

By sharing and creating LGBTQIA+ stories and arts, we aim to bridge this historical knowledge gap and support our local community in understanding the rich and vibrant tapestry of queer history. In a recent feedback session, less than 10% of attendees, out of 30 individuals, reported growing up hearing stories or history about LGBTQ+ people. Those who had not heard such stories expressed feelings of “isolation” and a sense of being “abnormal.” However, the small group who had experienced these stories felt “inspired” and “powerful.” Our project will empower LGBTQ+ individuals by presenting the stories they yearn to know, showing them the strength and resilience of our community, and highlighting that our presence in history has always been significant.

We recognise the importance of representation and inclusivity in history-sharing endeavors. Research by Stonewall UK shows that discrimination within the LGBT community disproportionately affects black, Asian, and minority ethnic individuals, with three in five black LGBT people experiencing poor treatment. To challenge this narrative and promote empathy, our project will dismantle the lens of colonization, shedding light on the inspiring and empowering stories of BAME individuals within our heritage.

Rainbow Britain’s report reveals a lack of knowledge about LGBTQ+ figures among the general population, with only 35% being able to name a recognisable gay or lesbian person. Our project aims to debunk the common misconception that LGBTQ+ history is a recent phenomenon or mere trend. Through our works and the voices of historic figures, we will educate both LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ individuals on our stories, experiences, and rich heritage.

Moreover, sustainability and environmental consciousness are at the heart of our project. We are committed to reducing our ecological footprint by utilising recycled and eco-friendly resources for our workshops. We strategically choose locations close to public transport to minimise reliance on cars. Reinforcing our commitment to the local community, we exclusively collaborate with local-owned and run spaces, often supporting other CICs, and engage local artists to contribute to our endeavors.

Furthermore, it is essential to note that Blossom LGBT CIC stands as the last remaining open-access LGBTQ+ support. Our project is not only an urgent response to the historical void but also a crucial lifeline for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking support and connection in an increasingly challenging world.

By sharing LGBTQ+ stories and arts, we will empower our community, bridge gaps in understanding, and celebrate our diverse heritage. We will inspire empathy, break stereotypes, and dispel misconceptions. Moreover, we will stand as a beacon of sustainability and environmental responsibility, fostering positive change for the world we inhabit. Together, we can leave a lasting legacy of love, pride, and unity, ensuring that LGBTQ+ history is embraced, celebrated, and cherished by all.