Explore the experiences and stories of LGBTQ+ people in our collections, and find out more about the Museum's role in helping communities find new spaces for expression.
Queer Histories talks
We aim to offer a queer history talk at least once a week at The National Maritime Museum. Talks are written and performed by our Visitor Assistants and by members of our Queer History Club.
Each talk lasts around 20 minutes. (Talks are subject to change and, as a last resort cancellation due to staffing problems.)
Look out for queer history talks at 3.30pm on the following days at the National Maritime Museum:
June talks
| Date | Talk title |
| Sun 7 Jun | Revealing attitudes in the 19th century: the case of a ship's surgeon, executed for his sexuality |
| Thurs 11 Jun | Queer Merchant Sailors |
| Thurs 18 Jun | Attitudes - A Nelson, Hamilton Affair |
| Sun 21 Jun | Mary Read and Anne Bonny |
| Thurs 25 Jun | Queer life at sea |
| Sun 28 Jun | The incredible astronaut Sally Ride |
Highlights
Sailors and sexuality
Go in search of some of the hidden histories within the Caird Library and Archive collections
Read more
Life and love at sea: Merchant Navy oral histories
Seafarers Michael Rudder and Dominic Brown spent years working in the Merchant Navy. A chance encounter and a missed departure led to a life at sea together
Queer histories in the Navy
As part of LGBT History Month author and LGBT/gender historian, Jo Stanley, discusses queer history in the navy.
Queer Histories in the Queen’s House
Royals, courtiers and complex relationships – what can we learn from exploring the lives of those who loved at the Queen's House?
Researching queer histories: a fresh look at 'female sailors'
Queer History Club researcher Ema explores the lives of people raised as women who lived and sailed as men in the 19th century
Queer (Re)Interpretations
Queer History Club | Rocking the boat
How the Queer History Club Choir bent traditional shanties
Tito Bone's favourite things
Spend some time with Tito as they audio describe their way through some of their favourite things at the National Maritime Museum
Breaking the Spell with Bird la Bird
Watch a queer rebuff to the Queen in a ruff with performance artist Bird la Bird
Mermaids and merpeople
Tales of mermaids date back to the first written accounts of humanity, but how much do we know about the mythical sea creatures?
Craft activities
Make a rainbow badge
Learn how to make your own colourful badge with our step-by-step instructions
Create a water-goddess mask
Celebrate Carnival under the Sea and learn how to make your very own mask!
Make your own Pride badge
Follow these instructions to make your own Pride badge
Make a paper bead bracelet
Create a rainbow bracelet to give to a friend or someone you love to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community
Create a merfolk badge
With this activity you can create your own Merfolk badge, giving space to your creativity!