LGBT+ stories from Three Rivers to be recorded as part of sound archive project

An ongoing project to record the individual stories of people who live in, work in and visit Three Rivers is appealing to members of the LGBT+ community to share their stories.

Three Rivers Museum, in Rickmansworth, is working in collaboration with Three Rivers District Council on the long-term oral history project to document local experiences. As part of LGBT+ History Month, the project is inviting people to share their stories and record their experiences with the aim of creating a comprehensive sound archive.

Those who volunteer to be part of the project will be able to give accounts of their experiences living and working in the district.

Fabian Hiscock, chair of Three Rivers Museum, said: “The experiences of the LGBT+ community are a vital part of our wider local story and we want our sound archive to be able to tell that story. We’re delighted to be launching this appeal during LGBT+ History Month.”

LGBT+ History Month is celebrated every February across the UK, and was founded in 2004 by Schools OUT co-chairs, Paul Patrick and Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders. It was first celebrated in February 2005.

The Progress Pride Flag has been raised over the headquarters of Three Rivers District Council in recognition of LGBT+ History Month by Council Leader Cllr Sarah Nelmes and Chair Cllr Debbie Morris.

Cllr Nelmes said: “This month is about increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. Their individual experiences as well as a shared history are stories that must be told to help raise awareness and advance education on matters affecting the LGBT+ community. This is an important issue and I am delighted that as a council we are recognising the month, and that we are continuing to sponsor this year’s Herts Pride event which brings together huge numbers of people in celebration and recognition.”

Cllr Morris said: "I would like to encourage members of our LGBT+ community to participate in the Three Rivers Museum project. By sharing your experiences, you will broaden the understanding of the challenges you've faced and hopefully, help remove any residual hate and prejudice that regrettably, still remains."

To take part in the oral history project, email enquiries@trmt.org.uk or call 01923 727333.