Unorthodox and Out Loud
In December 2020, London Metropolitan Archives proudly presented its annual LGBTQ+ History and Archives Conference: Unorthodox: contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted. Celebrating its 18th birthday, LMA’s LGBTQ+ History and Archives Conference ‘came of age’. Tom Furber from LMA’s Engagement and Learning team reports on the conference and introduces Out Loud: London Metropolitan LGBTQ+ Archives, relaunching LMA’s LGBTQ+ programming.
The Programme
For the first time ever, the conference took place online and the themes of the conference were explored through a combination of pre-recorded panels, interactive Q&As and live workshops. Despite some trepidation about having so many moving digital parts, the online format was very successful. Attendance was on a par with previous years and we are welcomed several international delegates who may not have been able to attend otherwise. Although by no means a substitute for in-person events, it looks as if some kind of digital offer will be a feature of future events too.
The day opened with a panel led by Sean Curran reflecting on 18 years of the history conference and we were delighted to be joined by LMA’s former Principal Development Officer Jan Pimblett who told stories of the early years of the conference and being tasked to more widely represent Londoners outside the traditional purview of an institution like LMA. This theme was echoed and developed by Topher Campbell who spoke about how the RUKUS! collection coming to LMA was part of a process of asserting the importance and permanence of archives of Black LGBTQ+ lives.
After our first panel, we broke into separate groups and rooms. Some people took the opportunity to socialise, chat and network whilst others dove into more practical issues. Norena Shopland led a workshop to help understand the sometimes complex language used to identify LGBTQ+ people and events in the archival record. Simultaneously, Alan Butler, George Severs and Jane Traies showcased extracts from their work around the intersection of LGBTQ+ and faith and led an open discussion around LGBTQ+ narratives that have traditionally been overlooked in oral history. At lunch, delegates had the opportunity to peruse a curated selection of videos, podcasts and an online exhibition selected by E-J Scott, Founder of the Museum of Transology.
The afternoon panel saw Reverend Jide Macaulay, Sara Gillingham, Sue George, Isaac Blake and a speaker from Hidayah (Gender Sexuality and Islam) explore the interplay between faith, race, sexuality, sex, gender, community and culture. Splitting up once again, delegates then chose between considering what they would put in a Queer Museum with Dan Vo and Lisa Power, or hearing about how the history of religion was gloriously queer with Cheryl Morgan. Our closing panel brought together Dan Vo, Anjum Mouj, Hannah Bruce, Zorian Clayton and Sue Sanders to reflect on the future of LGBTQ+ history and heritage in the UK. We also shared a moving tribute to Tony Fenwick who passed away this year.
A tradition of the conference is its cultural close in which delegates have enjoyed a variety of live performances including poetry, song, theatre and music. This year we were inspired by Club Kali and were led in a Bollywood dance class by Emiko Jane Ishii.
Introducing: OUT LOUD
Fittingly for a coming of age event, the conference also saw the relaunch of the LMA’s LGBTQ+ programming under the new umbrella Out Loud: London Metropolitan LGBTQ+ Archives. Working with depositors, volunteers, project partners and researchers, its vision is to be a living centre for principles, practice, promotion and performance that connects archives to the LGBTQ+ communities they serve.
As well as this annual conference, LMA runs monthly events and workshops; CPD and other training; sessions for schools and universities; and develops and delivers grant-funded projects. To find out more, join a session or contribute please contact LMA Enquiries or visit Eventbrite.