Unique project will establish a historic archive of material

LGBTQ+ young people across Scotland have lent their voices to a first-of-its-kind social history project.

LGBT Youth Scotland’s (Un)Seen, (Un)Heard initiative aims to preserve young people’s experiences, stories and hopes for the future. 

Over 150 messages full of hope for the future have already been collated in the form of recordings, letters, films, pieces of art, banners and signed flags from workshops across the country, including attendance at six Pride events across Scotland, including the first ever Barras Pride Market, and will form part of a unique national exhibition, at venues all over Scotland in early 2024.  

The project travelled to six Pride events across Scotland to interview young people, including Highland Pride, Oban Pride and the first ever Barras Pride Market in Glasgow. 

Ali Kerr, head of partnerships at LGBT Youth Scotland says the charity has been thrilled with the response from young people in Scotland.  

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 young 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.  

In another collaboration, the National Library of Scotland, where the project’s stories will eventually be held, has welcomed groups to learn about its current collections and make their own zines inspired by the archives. 

They have provided a safe and welcoming space for groups to get involved with the (Un)seen, (Un)heard project. Most recently Lavender Menace, who are running their own archiving project, visited and recorded an intergenerational oral history.