Prejudice and Pride: Exploring LGBTQ history

National Trust team outside Birmingham Back-to-Backs during Birmingham Pride 2017

Many of our places were home to, and shaped by, people who challenged conventional ideas of gender and sexuality. In 2017, 50 years after the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, we explored our LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer) heritage with a programme called Prejudice and Pride.

The Beech Avenue near Kingston Lacy, Dorset

How we’re exploring LGBTQ history at our places 

Learn more about how we marked the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality. Through exhibitions, talks, podcasts and more, discover how the often secretive lives of members of the LGBTQ community have helped shape the places we care for.

Close up of woman in white T shirt with rainbow oakleaf logo holding a rainbow oakleaf flag

Pride, LGBTQ+ and the National Trust 

June is Pride month and we recognise the huge contribution LGBTQ+ staff, volunteers and supporters make to the National Trust and we plan to celebrate even in these socially distanced times.

Our part in Pride
Clare Balding recording the LGBTQ podcasts

Our LGBTQ podcast series presented by Clare Balding 

Download and listen to the stories of exile and tragedy, of loving relationships and scandals as we explore the lost and hidden LGBTQ histories of our places with a new six-part podcast series presented by broadcaster and author Clare Balding.

Some of the stories from our places
William John Bankes by George Sandars

William John Bankes and his life in exile 

Kingston Lacy in Dorset was profoundly shaped by William Bankes, who fled England in 1841 to avoid prosecution for same-sex acts. He had no choice but to leave England and the home he loved but he continued to send back works of art and treasures.

Edy, Chris and Clare at Smallhythe Place

Smallhythe Place: a creative ménage à trois 

Queer history and pioneering spirits: meet the three women of Smallhythe Place who found refuge in this corner of the Kent countryside to express their art, gender and sexuality, living together in a ménage à trois.

Oil painting on canvas, Victoria (Vita) Mary Sackville-West, Lady Nicolson (1892-1962) by Philip Alexius de László de Lombos

An unconventional couple: Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson 

A shared vision: find out more about Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, who created Sissinghurst Castle Garden and enjoyed an open marriage with both participating in same-sex extramarital relationships.

Hugh Cecil Paget, 5th Marquess of Anglesey

Henry Cyril Paget, the Dancing Marquess 

Known as 'The Dancing Marquess', Henry Cyril Paget, 5th Marquess of Anglesey was considered the 'black sheep' of the family owing to his eccentric behaviour and love of performance and costume.

Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) by Vanessa Bell

Virginia Woolf: defying expectation 

The author Virginia Woolf was a leading light of the Bloomsbury movement in the early 20th Century. Her life was shaped by her unconventional approach to gender and sexuality.

The tiny woodsman's cottage was the rural retreat of T.E. Lawrence

The home and refuge of Lawrence of Arabia 

Discover the life story of Lawrence of Arabia who lived at Clouds Hill in Dorset.

More LGBTQ stories and events from our places

Here is a roundup of LGBTQ stories from our places and the events we’re hosting to mark the anniversary of partial de-criminalisation.

Find out more
Volunteers for Pride 2017 in the courtyard at the Birmingham Back to Backs

Volunteering at Birmingham Pride 

In 2017 we took part in Pride festivals up and down the country. Volunteer Room Guide Katherine Dunn reveals what it was like taking part in Birmingham Pride.

Read Katherine's story
National Trust at Birmingham Pride 2017 Play Video
Video

Artists respond to Prejudice and Pride

We worked with two national artists in residence, Simona Piantieri and Michele D’Acosta, to respond creatively to the LGBTQ heritage of our places and create three short films that tell the broader story of the importance of this heritage across over a hundred years of history.

Watch an extract from one of the films following our involvement at Birmingham Pride.

More about the three films