For the first time in over a decade, Hackney Museum will be hosting an LGBT History Month exhibition, celebrating the borough’s historic, diverse and boundary-breaking LGBTQI+ community.

From Thursday 1 February until Tuesday 8 May visitors can view the two displays that make up the exhibition: ‘From Bedroom to Battleground’ by Project Indigo and ‘Out and About’.

Artwork included in the displays; ‘From Bedroom to Battleground’ and ‘Out and About’ were created respectively by members of Project Indigo, a local LGBTQI+ youth group, and Out and About an LGBTQI+ group for people aged 50 and over.

Armani, 15, from Homerton said: “I enjoyed being part of the workshops to make the exhibition. It was good to be creative when I am feeling stressed. I am looking forward to the launch of our work as I hope it will inspire people to know that it’s ok to be who they are.”

The Project Indigo exhibition was made possible thanks to the artist Stik and the fund-raising auction of his iconic ‘Hackney Pride’ banner at Christie’s last year. Stik said: “’I am proud to have helped make this project possible and feel inspired by the courage of the young people involved in presenting our community to the world.”

The artworks on display have been developed in tandem with a year-long drive from Hackney Museum to collect material from the borough’s LGBTQI+ community, which so far has seen 13 oral histories collected, 10 volunteers trained in collecting historical material, and a number of artefacts donated to the Museum including campaigning materials and performance posters from the BlooLips drag performance art group.

Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville said: “I’m excited we’re hosting this exhibition at Hackney Museum; when we relaunched LGBT History month last year we asked residents to get involved and tell us their stories. I’m pleased together we’ve started to capture and celebrate the experiences of Hackney’s LGBTQI+ residents, especially giving voice to older residents who fought so hard for the freedoms we now enjoy. This not only helps to inform the younger generation, but celebrates role models and causes they can identify with and build upon, ensuring Hackney’s values of inclusivity are shared with future generations. This exhibition is also a fantastic chance to explore the challenges and opportunities of today’s LGBTQI+ community and I would recommend all residents come and visit it.”

Hackney LGBTQI+ youth groups

Project Indigo

Every Thursday, Off Centre, 68-82 Digby Rd, E9 6HX

A counselling service for young LGBT+ people, or those questioning their sexual or gender identity, aimed at 13 to 25-year-olds. Project Indigo counselling service.

Young Hackney LGBTQI+ Group

Meets weekly at Young Hackney Forest Road Youth Hub, Dalston

Each week discussions will take place on LGBTQ+ history, culture, identity, sex and gender, sexual health, relationships and discrimination. There will also be time to socialise and make friends. To find out more information or to sign up for the group please email sarah.fox@hackney.gov.uk or phone 020 8356 5573. Find out what’s available for young LGBT+ people in Hackney.