Museum of Liverpool tells tales from the city

The 1967 Sexual Offences Act saw the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality. And to mark the anniversary, the Museum of Liverpool is staging a new exhibition which looks at the last 50 years from a city perspective.

Tales From the City features memories and objects from Liverpool's LGBT+ community, reflecting how people’s lives and experiences have changed in the past half-century.

Items going on display include Section 28 protest material, costumes including Lily Savage’s snow leopard outfit and a Vivienne Westwood suit worn by Holly Johnson, an order of service from the UK’s first same sex civil partnership on religious premises at Ullet Road Unitarian Church, and the Brookside sign – accompanied by the story of the first pre-watershed lesbian kiss.

Gary Everett, artistic director of Homotopia, says: “The criminalisation of male homosexuals is a deeply shameful period of our social and political history. The 50th anniversary of decriminalisation of homosexuality is a moment for both celebration and reflection.

“The Tales From the City exhibition is a timely and essential part of the anniversary celebrations and an opportunity to interrogate, reclaim and present our shared histories.”

Other exhibits include a collection of objects and interviews related to The Magic Clock, a city centre pub which was part of an underground gay scene between 1940 and the 60s, and artwork including Yankel Feather’s Wheel of Fortune.

There will also be the chance to watch and listen to the experiences of LGBT+ people living in the city, with one film featuring DJ Pete Price and Roger Merchant talking about gay aversion therapy.

Tales From the City is at the Museum of Liverpool from October 13 to late 2018.