DOZENS of young LGBT+ Scots have lent their voices to a first-of-its-kind social history project that will preserve their experiences, stories and hopes for the future.
This is part of LGBT Youth Scotland’s (Un)Seen, (Un)Heard initiative, which is capturing, collating and conserving the stories of LGBT+ young people to create a new permanent archive within the National Library of Scotland which will increase visibility, strengthen communities and inform policymakers.
More than 150 messages have already been collated in the form of recordings, letters, films, pieces of art, banners and signed flags from workshops across the country – including at six Pride events across Scotland – and these will form part of a unique national exhibition at venues all over Scotland in early 2024.
Ali Kerr, head of partnerships at LGBT Youth Scotland, said the charity has been thrilled with the response.
READ MORE: Emma Roddick: Scotland remains committed to the LGBT+ community
She said: "It’s vital we capture the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people to give them a sense of pride in who they are, as well as giving them hope for the future.
“The response we’ve had for this project is incredible and we hope that bridging the past and present will help us all make Scotland a place where all young people can thrive.
“We’re looking forward to building on the exhibition for its launch early next year and we’re urging those that haven’t taken part and would like to share their story to get in touch.”
The three-year project, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has engaged with youth groups across the country to develop people’s heritage skills.
Young people in Perth were given an archivist-led tour of Perth Archives and delivered training with Our Story Scotland and the Scottish Council for Archives to develop skills in archiving and social history.
The National Library of Scotland has also welcomed groups to learn about its current collections and make their own zines inspired by the archives.
Along with collating stories at the Pride events, the charity launched a campaign video on June 1 this year that showcased conversations between young and older members of the community, reflecting on what has changed and what could still be done better.
If you are interested in submitting your story to the (Un)seen, (Un)heard archive or would like to know more about the project, email unseenunheard@lgbtyouth.org.uk.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here