We are excited to launch an oral history project that will increase representation in our Staffordshire collections, by collecting and preserving the stories and experiences of people who identify with LGBTQ+ communities. Oral histories are a fantastic way to connect with and share histories in the words of the people who experienced them.

What is the purpose of this project?

Our oral history project aims to collect and preserve LGBTQ+ stories and histories in the words of those who lived them.

This project will champion diversity and inclusion in our service and the county through documenting and sharing lived experience, expand LGBTQ+ representation across our collections, and preserve LGBTQ+ histories for current and future generations.

Participants

We would like to hear from individuals residing in Staffordshire, or who have a connection with Staffordshire, who identify in any way with the LGBTQ+ community. We are particularly keen to record experiences of Stafford’s first Pride event in 2024.

What would you be doing?

Participants will volunteer to take part in a recorded discussion with an Archives and Heritage staff member who is involved in the Pride in our Past project. You will of course meet them and get to know them before the discussion takes place. We anticipate the recordings will take an hour or two of your time. These recordings will be transcribed and archived into our collections to be preserved.

Once we have a group of participants, we will meet to decide the direction of the discussions, effectively what stories and experiences do we want to talk about and preserve for future generations.

We will ensure all participants are comfortable with the topics of discussion. We will be very grateful for your time and openness to share your stories to build our collection, increase representation, and preserve LGBTQ+ histories for current and future generations.

To take part, or if you have any further questions, please email staffordshire.record.office@staffordshire.gov.uk