In 2018, Joseph Galliano co-founded Queer Britain with a vision to put forward: to shine a light on the queer communities’ rich and complex histories. He imagined a place for all where, regardless of sexuality or gender identity, everyone is open to discover the profound and diverse history and culture of LGBTQIA+ people throughout the UK and beyond. So, when the team of Queer Britain announced that they will be opening the UK’s first national LGBTQIA+ museum in Spring 2022, the cathartic moment holds a single thought: it’s about damn time.

Art Fund, the UK’s national charity for art, welcomes Queer Britain on its land at 2 Granary Square, London, succeeding The House of Illustration as Art Fund’s tenants. Queer Britain’s lips are sealed, but the team has mentioned that once open, the space will include four galleries, a workshop, an education space, a gift shop, and offices to host them. Queer Britain vows its museum is an inclusive place that welcomes people of all sexuality and gender identity to explore and learn about the past, present, and future stories that the queer community is steeped in.

This is a milestone for the LGBTQIA+ community, and Queer Britain isn’t pulling any punches in reiterating how important it is to make their mark in the 21st century. “Queer people have impacted every part of our culture, yet all too often their lives have been written in the margins of history books. Valuable stories and artifacts are being lost. Once gone, they may never be recovered. These deserve a dedicated space to be preserved, explored, and celebrated. Queer Britain will put this center stage,” their website states.

The trustees of Queer Britain can’t wait to finally have a space to show what queer people can do. “We’re here for all the community, from old lesbian feminist warhorses like me to young queer folk of all genders and ethnicities. Queer Britain aims to tell our many and diverse histories, and now we have a home to do that from,” says Lisa Power.

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