Exhibitions, a new publication and a community archive launch in Autumn 2026

Over the past two year GRAIN Projects have been working in collaboration with the Older People’s LGBT+ charity in North Staffordshire to develop a project that explores identity, hidden stories, pride and resilience.

Through a series of workshops, oral histories and newly commissioned protraits individuals have taken part and shared their lived experiences and memories to co- create a new public LGBT+ digital archive, a series of exhibitions and a photobook.

As well as personal and family photographs and histories, the project will include key milestones in LGBT+ history, including; Lesbians & Gays Support The Miners (during the 1984-5 strikes), the first PRIDE in Stoke-on-Trent, the first LGBTQ+ Night Club, Stoke’s first listing in Gay News, the first years of the North Staffordshire LGBT Switchboard, and the first civil partnerships.

Ming de Nasty and Daniel Lyttleton have made new photography with participants in order to celebrate identity and transform access to heritage, acknowledging its significance, ensuring that the histories are not lost in time and the stories are heard.

Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the project to date and shared their valuable stories and creativity.