For immediate release
2017 marks both the 60th anniversary of the publication of the Wolfenden Report and 120 years since Oscar Wilde was released from Reading Gaol.
Thanks to National Lottery players, three groups have received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for projects to reclaim, record and celebrate the previously unexplored stories of LGBT+ heritage in Reading, Worthing and Hampshire. The projects aim to support and educate young people, particularly in LGBT+ communities, and give them them a better sense of their heritage.
Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East England, said: “It’s fantastic that we can support these three great projects to shine a light on parts of history that have traditionally been overlooked. Thanks to National Lottery players, these fascinating stories will be rightfully brought to the fore and preserved for future generations – an important record of the challenges and achievements of the LGBT+ community.”
The Wolfenden Report
Support U has been awarded £77,200 for a project researching and sharing the history of the 1957 Wolfenden Report on the 60th anniversary of its publication.
Chaired by Lord John Wolfenden, then vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, ‘The Report of the Committee on Homosexual Offences and Prostitution’ changed the course of LGBT+ rights in Britain and led to the decriminalisation of homosexuality ten years later in 1967.
Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will explore the events and effects of this significant moment in local and national LGBT+ heritage. Working in partnership with the University of Reading and Reading Museum, Support U’s youth group will create a documentary about the report, examining local archives and interviewing figures relating to the report.
Their research will form the basis of an exhibition and events programme with the University of Reading, as well as lesson plans, educational materials and teachers training sessions for schools in the Thames Valley.
Lynden Kingston, Chief Executive at Support U, said “We’re so pleased to be working with the Heritage Lottery Fund on this project, following the great success in our first LGBT+ project, Hidden Voices. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, so please get in touch to be part of one of the most fascinating LGBT+ activities the area has seen in a long time.”
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Notes to editors
LGBT: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender.
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Thanks to National Lottery players, we invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about – from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #HLFsupported.
About Support U Ltd
Support U is the largest LGBT+ support charity in the South East, responding to over 5,000 queries in 2016. We’re here to help support and educate individuals, schools and businesses with any LGBT+ related concerns. Visit our website at www.supportu.org.uk, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for our updates.