Glad to be Gay

LSE Library

9 JANUARY - 7 APRIL

Free

The Sexual Offences Act 1967 decriminalised homosexuality in private. Over the last fifty years, Parliament has introduced significant further legislation intended to prevent discrimination on the grounds of sexuality. This exhibition at the LSE Library focuses on the various victories and progress over the years for Gay rights and liberation.

When arriving at the exhibition, I was somewhat shocked by how small it was. A single room with two glass boxes with a few objects in them was all it had to it, however, I resolved to not be brash in my judgement. The information went from the Wolfenden report right through to Civil Partnership and eventually, legal homosexual marriage. It made sure to note the point that although progress has happened, Gay people still face a large inequality it today's society.

Despite holding some interesting historical objects (e.g. 'Jenny lives with Eric and Martin' and 'Outwrite' women's newspaper), the exhibition on the whole was a bit underwhelming. There is so much to document relating to this issue, and so much more to be said. The exhibition felt less like an exhibit of Gay Rights but more of an introduction. Most of the things included we should already know, at least I did, meaning that the only real value was viewing these objects.

The exhibition had a feedback book where visitors could share their thoughts. Responses were mixed - some praised the LSE for doing something as good as this, and yes, it is good, but if you're going to do it I think it should be given more than a small room in a University Library - this simply cannot hold the amount of information needed on such a bodied and important subject. Overall, worth a visit only if you're passing by, or as a 15 minute revision break if you happen to be in the LSE library itself. I wouldn't recommend coming out purely to see this, as unfortunately, you will be disappointed.