From the 1st to the 29th of February 2024, the Surrey History Centre, in Woking, once again opened its doors to celebrate LGBT+ History Month, an annual event dedicated towards honouring the history, the achievements and the struggles of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and diverse communities. Since 2010, the Surrey History Centre has provided a platform for education and reflection - the collections at SHC reveal stories from the “18th century punishment to the 21st century pride”.
Surrey Heritage is committed to developing the diversity of its collections and ensuring access to them all. By hosting events, such as LGBT+ History Month, it allows SHC to spotlight the narratives of Surrey's LGBT+ community, both historical and contemporary, reaching a broader audience.
Other events were also incorporated as a part of the LGBT+ History Month. For example, a Pride Bench was created by visitors, at last Summer’s Reigate Pride. Visitors were invited to add messages and images relating to the theme of Pride. It was done to create inclusion and honour the diversity in our community, allowing people to express themselves without fear.
Stories in the display included information about Alan Turing (1912 - 1954), a mathematician, cryptanalyst and a former resident of Guildford, Surrey. Turing has often been described as the father of the modern computer - his life’s work had an immense impact on history in World War ll as he broke the German Enigma encoder. However, Turing was persecuted for his homosexuality which most likely contributed to his suicide in June 1954. And this is just one story among many. By raising awareness, the SHC inspires people to research and reflect on the hardships faced by the LGBT+ community.
Furthermore, a talk by Di Stiff, the Collections Development Archivist at Surrey History Centre, at Farnham Library accompanied this year’s celebration. Listeners discovered the lives of some famous and not - so - famous members of the LGBT+ community, including Edward Carpenter and Dame Ethel Smyth.
Di Stiff also commented on why the SHC participates in the LGBT+ History month. “ Through holding activities like talks and displays we can shed light on the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people, ensuring their important stories aren’t lost. Whether famous or not, many LGBTQ+ people could not always live their true lives in public, hiding their sexuality or gender identity for fear of social stigma or criminalisation. Our collections help make these lives more visible, and we believe that researching, celebrating, and raising awareness of Surrey’s LGBTQ+ history can help combat negativity and promote education and discussion around marginalised histories.”
LGBT+ History Month 2024 at the Surrey History Centre was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a call to action for a more inclusive future. With each passing year, the Surrey History Centre’s dedication to commemorating LGBT+ history grows stronger, ensuring that these vital stories are never forgotten.
