Imperial War Museum appeals for LGBT experiences

Only a few days after organising its first ever event for LGBT History Month, the Imperial War Museum has announced a new photographic display titled "Military Pride".

The exhibition, (which will run from 12 July - 12 October 2008 at the Manchester branch of the Museum) will be a small but powerful display which reveals via portrait photography and personal testimony the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people within the context of conflict, war and military service. Military Pride will also detail historical context and a timeline of post 1945 legislature and policies within the Armed Forces and is timed to connect with the Manchester Pride Festival.

Organisers would love to hear from those who would like to share their experiences with the possibility that your story may be part of the final display of around 10 personal testimonies which reflect how war and conflict have shaped people in the LGBT communities' lives from 1945 to the present day. As well as reflecting adversity the display will aim to celebrate the achievements and reflect the positive contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities to the Armed Forces and examine how experiences may have changed since 1945.

Catherine Roberts, Visitor Programmes Manager, Imperial War Museum North says:
"The experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, within the context of conflict, war and military service, is arguably still a largely hidden history. With your help hopefully we can make a step towards helping to reveal and celebrate it. We look forward to hearing from people as soon as possible - we are hoping to finalise content by the end of March."

To find out how you can get involved or for more information please contact Catherine Roberts (0161 836 4062 croberts@iwm.org.uk) or James McSharry (0161 836 4099 jmcsharry@iwm.org.uk) at Imperial War Museum North.

Imperial War Museum North has a 3-year history of delivering tours and events relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender experience in war and conflict from the First World War to the present day, reflecting the Museum's focus on how war has shaped and continues to shape peoples lives.

Imperial War Museum North
Open 7 days a week from 10am - 6pm (Nov to Feb 10am - 5pm) with free admission
The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1TZ
(close to Harbour City Metrolink and Junction 9 of the M60)
www.iwm.org.uk