Mayor of London Sadiq Khan backs plans for LGBT museum in London

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has backed plans for a queer museum in London.

The Mayor gave his support for Queer Britain, a project announced this week to create “a world-leading LGBTQ+ museum” in London.

Organisers say the museum will  “shine a light on to its communities’ rich and complex history.”

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “As Mayor, it’s so important to me that London is seen as a city where LGBTQ+ people feel valued, happy and safe – this sends a clear message to the world that London is a beacon of diversity.

“I look forward to the opening of the new museum and the role it will play in shining a light on LGBTQ+ history.”

Margot James, the Conservative Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries, also backed the plans.

Ms James, who is one of the few out women in government, said: “I think the idea of a queer museum is absolutely essential to our cultural history and our social history as a country.”

Entrepreneur Joseph Galliano is behind the planned museum, which will be the second museum of its kind in Europe, following Berlin’s acclaimed Schwules Museum*.

While the Schwules Museum* is dedicated more widely to exhibits relating to LGBT life, Galliano explains: “People came out of their closets, now it’s time to come out of the margins.

“Queer Britain will be the first national museum for all, regardless of sexuality and gender identity. It will fully celebrate and reflect the lives of LGBTQ+ people of all backgrounds. It will help complete the nation’s family tree.”

• Nov 29

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