Footprints of LGBTQIA+ Humans in Stratford is a pilot project created by Cameye Arts for Newham Heritage Month 2024. This project aims to peel back the layers and present the rich, hidden and vibrant LGBTQIA+ history in Newham.
The project embraces this years’ NHM theme by immersing itself in the historical queer places and spaces of Stratford. We have focused on capturing a small glimpse of the stories, landmarks and cultural gems that reflects this vibrant presence in Stratford spanning back to the early 1960s.
As part of the process we are creating a living archive which is currently made up of filmed conversations, old photographs, event flyers, activist posters and other ephemera that highlight the unique LGBTQIA+ history and contributions to the cultural fabric of the Borough.
Since the 1960s Newham has appealed to the queer community – due to a combination of factors from cheaper rents / property, to a variety of queer nights in the Borough, and the appeal of having a large LGBTQIA+ community.
At this initial stage of the project, we wanted to focus on learning the queer history of Stratford, so we focused on recording conversations with senior members of the community and people that have lived in the Borough for more than thirty years. We found five people who have generously shared stories and memories. Our process was very organic we did not use any set questions, we simply listened and were curious in our approach.
For this record we have selected to present four important community-led activist groups and the most popular queer event – all based in Stratford.
In addition, as part of the Footprints of LGBTQIA+ Humans in Stratford project, we are delivering a set of walking tour guide training sessions which will precede a queer historical walking tour of Stratford co-led by queer activist / long term Newham resident Philip Rescorla, and queer locals who participate in the training sessions.
Footprints of LGBTQIA+ Humans in Stratford
- What is Footprints of LGBTQIA+ Humans?
Cameye Arts is creating a living archive of LGBTQIA+ humans, places and spaces in the borough of Newham for Newham History Month 2024.
Using multimedia storytelling we are gathering histories, herstories, theystories of the local community from past to present.
- If you are a local LGBTQIA+ person how do you get in touch with us?
Please send us an email. The form is very short and quick to fill in. We just want to get to know you a little.
- Why?
We want to enrich cultural heritage by preserving diverse intergenerational LGBTQ+ stories, voices and experiences.
- What type of people are you looking to take part?
We would love to speak with people of all ages and backgrounds. All are welcome. If you have any stories, memories, leads or ephemera to share then please get in touch with us.
THIS PILOT PROJECT HAS NOW BEEN COMPLETED. WE ARE CURRENTLY APPLYING FOR FUNDING TO ENLARGE AND CONTINUE THIS CREATIVE ARCHIVE.
You can see the fruits of the initial pilot, commissioned by Newham Heritage Month, in the link below:
AND CON
This project is being funded by:
Newham Heritage Month
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Newham Council
We are collaborating with the following community partners:
Newham LGBT Seniors
CAYA @ Stratford Youth Zone
Our archival research is taking place at:
Bishopsgate Institute
Newham Archive