Explore archive material relating to LGBT+ activism in Scotland and share your story as part of a workshop led by OurStory Scotland.
In this informal workshop, you will get the opportunity to explore materials from the Library's collections that relate to LGBTQ+ history.
These materials include ephemeral and often handmade items that connect us to the people behind LGBTQ+ activism. Their everyday lives are reflected in leaflets, badges, flyers and zines. In addition you will hear excerpts from oral history recordings in the OurStory Scotland Collection.
Following the presentation of the oral history excerpts, there will be an informal storytelling workshop led by OurStory Scotland. Participants will be invited to share stories on the theme of 'Transgressions'.
This theme reflects our common experience of crossing some line or boundary of the 'normal' or 'natural' in relation to gender expectations. LGBTQ+ people may be considered to be not properly masculine or feminine, either for the way they behave or the gender of those they are attracted to or fall in love with. Through such transgressions we may be deemed mad, bad or sad.
The workshop will offer a space to share stories of what happens when we are seen to cross a line or boundary of gender norms, whether in terms of how we express ourselves or whom we love. How have we been made aware of the lines, and what happens when we cross them? How have we coped or complied with pressures, or resisted and challenged them, and how have we developed new ways of being and expressing ourselves?
As part of the session, there will also be a chance to see a new display of LGBTQ+ material with curators from the Library's LGBTQ+ Staff Network.
OurStory Scotland collect, archive and present the life stories and experiences of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community in Scotland.
This workshop is suitable for ages 16 and over.
This event is part of the National Library of Scotland's Pride Month programme.