Culture And Memory

Scene but not Heard: Uncovering HU3's Queer Heritage

Three Ways East's work in HU3 in Hull unearthed a body of photographs documenting the LGBTQ+ and drag performance scene in working class venues in the area, in the 1980s/90s. As the work of at least 6 photographers (including renowned photographer Daniel Meadows), it is an important record of LGBTQ+ heritage, and working- class venues as safe spaces for those who considered themselves othered. Currently dispersed in private collections, it is not available publicly. We would like to change this. Alongside the original photographers, LGBTQ+ communities, local residents, some of the original drag acts and musicians, plus contemporary artists and performers, we aim to curate, present and archive a new collection of historical photographs, oral histories, exhibitions and presentations across Hull and online. This will make visible important hidden narratives, adding to authorised heritage discourses, and empowering LGBTQ+ and local communities to shape their local heritage.