Administrative/Biographical History

Queer Tours of London was launched in 2017, a landmark year which saw the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Sexual Offences Act. Queer Tours of London exists to shine a light on London’s rich LGBTQI history through creative and life affirming interactive tours. Queer Tours of London tell the stories of London’s queer history, shedding light on the lives, spaces, identities, repression, and resistance that form the backdrop of LGBTQI lives today. These stories are told through educational, accessible, and interactive walking tours, cabarets, street-art, and events that bring life to the complexities and lived experiences of LGBTQI history, present, and vision for the future.

The tours and activities organised by Queer Tours of London serve three main purposes; to shine a light on London’s rich LGBTQI history through creative, audacious, and life-affirming interactive walking tours; to provide knowledge as knowledge is power, helping individuals to understand queer history to build for queer future; and to generate people power and financial support for London’s queer campaigns.

Since its launch, Queer Tours of London has run many successful tours including, "The Very Queer West End – Queer Theatre History", "Trans London", "Queer disability Justice", and "LGBT+ Migrant History".

Scope and Content

Banners, placards, ephemera, props, and papers produced by and relating to Queer Tours of London, from various protests, campaigns, and events, including: "Auntie Sharon tribute" performance, the "George Michael I Want Your Sex" cruising parties, Bang Bus events, and a 70th birthday party for the NHS (2017-2019).

Extent

10 boxes, 10 banners and 45 oversized items