Derbyshire LGBT+ secures National Lottery Heritage funding

Derbyshire LGBT+ is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant of £226,396 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to undertake two significant projects.

The projects will document and preserve overlooked aspects of the county's LGBT+ history.

The first project, entitled ‘Our Stories: Discovering our hidden LGBT+ history’ will focus on uncovering the hidden histories of LGBT+ individuals across Derbyshire. 

Through the collection of oral histories, archival research, and community engagement, the project will ensure that the contributions, challenges, and lived experiences of LGBT + people are acknowledged and safeguarded for future generations. 

The second initiative ‘Our Stories: Discover our hidden HIV history’, will investigate and record the impact of HIV on local communities. This project aims to illuminate the social, cultural, and medical history of HIV in the county, capturing the resilience of those affected, remembering those who succumbed to the disease.  

The histories of LGBT+ individuals and the history of HIV in Derbyshire exist in small amounts and without this funding from the Heritage Lottery the stories would remain unheard. Both projects will form an important part of Derbyshire's heritage, providing new insights and narratives which have historically been underrepresented. 

To formally introduce these initiatives, Derbyshire LGBT+ will host two launch events: 

• Tuesday 21st October: Derby Centre 
• Tuesday 4th November: Chesterfield Centre 

These events will outline the scope of the projects, introduce key partners and participants, and invite members of the public to become involved in preserving these important histories. 

Ian Robson, Chief Executive from Derbyshire LGBT+ said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players these projects will ensure that stories which have too often remained untold will finally be recognised as part of Derbyshire's collective heritage. By preserving these voices, we hope to foster greater understanding, inclusivity, and respect for the diverse communities that shape our county” 

Founded in 1983, Derbyshire LGBT+ has been a cornerstone for the LGBT+ community in Derbyshire for over 40 years. The organisation was created to address the unique challenges faced by LGBT+ individuals, including issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, such as coming out, homelessness, violence, bullying, and harassment. 

To find out more visit: www.derbyshirelgbt.org.uk