Beamish Museum is set to take part in LGBTQIA+ History Month this February.
LGBTQIA+ History Month is an opportunity to highlight what members of the community have achieved throughout history in all areas of life, and has been celebrated in the UK since 2005.
On Saturday, 8th February there will be opportunity for visitors to hear recorded stories from members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the North East.
We will also be hosting a month-long programme of specially-curated feature films from the 1930s and 1950s, starting with Morocco (1930) on Sunday, 2nd February. Morocco featured an iconic performance from Marlene Dietrich wearing a tuxedo and top hat, and shows one of the earliest same-sex on-screen kisses. On Sunday, 9th February the museum will be screening Queen Christina (1933), a film released before the Hays Code and based loosely on the life of Queen Christina of Sweden and depicts early representations of same-sex intimacy. Sunday, 16th February the museum will screen Some Like It Hot (1959), which broke constraints of the Hays Code, presenting crossdressing, sexual fluidity, and progressive portrayal of gender identity. Similarly, Calamity Jane (1953), which will be screened Sunday, 23rd February, challenged gender roles and explores early LGBTQIA+ themes.
Click here to find out more about our cinema screenings, including how to book.
The museum will also be marking LGBTQIA+ History Month on its social media pages throughout February, including through sharing items from the collections and exploring local stories.
Diversity, inclusion, and equal access are fundamental priorities for Beamish, we strive to be an inclusive museum where everyone’s stories and heritage can be experienced, respected and valued. We champion the diversity of our staff, volunteers and visitors who proudly reflect the vibrant and diverse region of which we are a part.