National Museums Liverpool are partnering with Bottoming, the LGBTQ+ mental health podcast, to bring visitors a new audio exploration of some of the hidden stories behind key objects in our collections – available at Museum of Liverpool from 21 June.
Following the reopening of the Wondrous Place gallery which saw many more LGBTQ+ objects go on display, this new audio trail guides visitors through the Museum with Matthew Riley and Brendan Geoghegan – hosts of Bottoming podcast – using their own experiences and conversational tone to add a personal, relevant touch to experiencing our collections. It is hoped that LGBTQ+ visitors to the museum will be able to hear their own experiences represented, while other visitors will have the chance to explore fresh perspectives on Liverpool’s rich, diverse culture.
Matthew and Brendan from Bottoming podcast said:
“We are so thrilled to be working with the Museum of Liverpool to create the new LGBTQ+ Audio Trail. It’s been an incredible experience delving into the LGBTQ+ past and present of the city through the museum collection, and a reminder of the importance of saving and sharing the stories from our community. These stories shouldn’t be lost – far too many have been in the years that have passed, thanks to discriminatory laws and policies – many causing significant pain to the generations that walked before us.
We want everybody that visits the museum to enjoy exploring the galleries with us through an LGBTQ+ lens – whether they are in the community or not – and take the stories forward to ensure that our histories are forever shared and celebrated.”
Kay Jones, Lead Curator of Urban and Community History at National Museums Liverpool, said:
“I’m really looking forward to visitors discovering lots of new, exciting stories about our collections and displays. Matthew and Brendan take us on a wonderful personal journey, exploring global pop culture icons, inspiring local campaigners and unexpected items hidden in plain sight.”
The stories included in the audio trail are varied – from a fabulous artwork of Pete Burns by local artist Ben Youdan to the hidden LGBTQ+ story behind a Huntley & Palmers biscuit jar, visitors will have the opportunity to explore new sides to stories they may already feel they’re familiar with. The trail also uncovers the tale behind the first anti-homophobia sign to be displayed at a Premier League football club at Anfield in 2011, along with highlights from Liverpool LGBTQ+ nightlife.
The trail will also be available for guests at the first NML Xtra event on 2 July. For one night only Homotopia will take over the Museum of Liverpool with their brilliant Queer the City project and showcase some of the region’s most exciting LGBTQ+ artists all under one roof. The museum will be brought to life with experiences, encounters and installations embedded around its galleries for guests to discover and enjoy. Line up and tickets: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/xtra
National Museums Liverpool has a long and proud history of highlighting diverse stories, from yearly events to mark LGBT+ History Month, Pride Month, and Transgender Day of Visibility amongst others. Previous Museum of Liverpool exhibition Tales From the City marked the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Sexual Offences Act with stories from Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ community over the past five decades, while April Ashley: Portrait of a Lady explored the life of April Ashley, one of the most famous transgender individuals and a tireless campaigner for transgender equality. A new dedicated LGBTQ+ Histories Hub is available on the National Museums Liverpool website, delving into insightful interviews and opinion pieces inspired by NML’s rich collections.
Find out more about the LGBTQ+ Audio Trail and plan your visit at https://liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/lgbtq-audio-trail
