Background
Working with Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Silver Rainbows realised that the archive collections did not sufficiently capture and document the lives of LGBT+ people across the county. For example, although the Chester section of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality was one of the most active and relatively few of these records have survived locally.
Development
The project discovered more material in the archive than expected going back as far as 1705 with the first recorded marriage between two women in the Parish Register for Taxal. The project continues to promote an understanding of past experiences and how they impact on current attitudes and mental well-being. LGBT+ History Month in February each year has seen an exhibition at a range of venues across the county and information packs distributed to schools.
Cheshire Stories
We have collected a range of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans+ history from Cheshire people and beyond. With the earliest recorded marriage in 1707 of Hannah Wright and Anne Gaskill in Prestbury to the game changing contribution to modern equal rights of Antony Grey, Cheshire has many things to take pride in.
Virtual Exhibitions
We have curated many items of research and donations in to exhibitions which can be viewed though our exhibitions portal. The themes feature:
Cheshire’s Historic LGBT+ MIlestones
Cheshire LGBT+ Heroes
LGBT+ ICONS
LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH
LGBT+ History Month in February each year has seen an exhibition at a range of venues across the county and information packs distributed to schools. Silver Rainbows aims to raise awareness about the contribution and challenges LGBT+ people have made to Cheshire’s heritage and beyond. It is important for future generations to understand the past and the journey to the present.
LGBT+ History Month resources are available contact us for more information.