Interactive workshop supporting the researching and recording of LGBT+ historical records, focusing on language as a starting point

About this Event

Most terminology, we use today is from the 20th century, how then do you find us (the LGBT+ community) in the past? 

An introductory interactive training session to equip participants with a fundamental knowledge of how to search for and recognise LGBT+ content in historical records. Participants will learn about the use of this complex language through time. 

You will gain greater knowledge and understanding of how your material can be effectively catalogued/tagged and learn about some of the use of this complex language through time. 

• If you catalogue historic records, you will gain greater confidence to reference your collection leading to more effective public engagement. The skills gained can be easily passed on to colleagues, peers and volunteers. 
• If you are researching or have an interest in LGBT+ history, you will learn practical tips to start expanding your research methodologies.

Delivery mode: 

A mixture of easy-to-use virtual post-it notes, an interactive quiz, and group discussions, with time for Q&A.

Suitable for : 

• Museums; archives; researchers; historians; authors; academics; teachers; the heritage sector; people interested in LGBT+ history; private and public organisations looking to archive their records. 
• Recent staff training includes the London Metropolitan Archives, National Museum Wales, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Cynon Valley Museum, North East Wales Archives, Federation of Welsh Museums among others.

Workshop Leaders: 

Norena Shopland 

Norena Shopland has a Master’s degree in heritage studies. She has worked for the British Museum, National Museums Scotland, the Museum of London and other leading heritage organisations. Her forthcoming book exploring the nature of gender identification, A History of Women in Men's Clothes: from Cross-dressing to Empowerment will be published in June by Pen and Sword Books. 

Now specialising in LGBT+ studies, women’s and Welsh histories, she is responsible for several ground-breaking projects including Welsh Pride.  Her book Forbidden Lives: LGBT stories from Wales is the first completely historical work on Welsh sexual orientation and gender identity. 

Other publications include The Veronal Mystery  which examines a real-life gay crime;  Women in Men's clothes: from cross-dressing to empowerment (Pen and Sword Books) is forthcoming June 2021. Norena's groundbreaking book A Practical Guide to Searching LGBTQIA Historical Records (Routledge) provides a toolkit for researching and recognising LGBT+ content in historical records.

Laila El-Metoui 

Laila El-Metoui is Stonewall Lesbian Role Model of the Year (2020) and a Pride 365 Champion . She set up and chairs Proud London Councils, the Pan London Forum for LGBT + staff network in local authorities. She is a member of DiversED. 

Her published works include Rainbow Pilgrims: The Rites and Passages of LGBTQI + Migrants in Britain , Twilight People: Stories of Faith and Gender Beyond the Binary .  She is currently working on the educational resources for the Haringey Vanguard Project, a historical record of black queer activism from the 70s to the 90s. 

She was on the project team of the British Council ESOL Nexus Research Awards  Exploring LGBT Lives and Issues in Adult ESOL

She is the founder of the bi-yearly global virtual conferences Educating Out Racism and Pride in Education. She delivers a twice weekly virtual training workshop  Learn interactive & participatory online teaching and presentations skills

She has 30 years experience as a teacher and teacher trainer in Further Education. As an Equality Advocate her work in education focuses on promoting a bias aware, trauma informed and compassionate curriculum.