Lemons, Laws & Secret Doors

29 Apr

A Hastings Queer History Collective Exhibition

When: 25 April – 30 August 2026
Where:Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, Bohemia Road, TN34 1ET
Opening Times:
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 4.30pm. Free entry

Step into the queer histories of Hastings.

Created by the Hastings Queer History Collective, this exhibition brings together personal objects, fashion, film, sound and multimedia works, alongside a major new commission by artist Emma Frankland.

Within it are stories of joy, defiance, community and survival. Of people who loved, made art, danced, organised and refused to disappear. Of LGBTQIA+ lives lived here, even when they were not always recognised.

The Collective are not separate from the heritage they uncover. They are part of it. Their creative responses in this exhibition bring past and present together.

These histories are part of our town. Now everyone is invited to discover them.

Upcoming Events

Alongside the exhibition, a programme of events, including panels, performances, a picnic and a party, will be announced soon

Follow the Hastings Queer History Collective on Instagram to be the first to hear updates.

About this Exhibition

This exhibition was researched and curated by the Hastings Queer History Collective in collaboration with local LGBTQIA+ communities.

Produced by Home Live Art in partnership with Hastings Museum & Art Gallery.

This exhibition is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players. Additional funding from Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Home Live Art and Hastings Museum & Art Gallery.

Access
The building has flat access and an accessible toilet.
A gender neutral toilet is available.
The Museum website has the full building access information.
More detailed access information for the exhibition content will be made available.
Image: Victor Kenneth Jones, Hastings, c.1950s. Trans pioneer. Image courtesy of Joel Lewis