The Hastings Queer History Collective
A community-led project uncovering and sharing the LGBTQ+ history of Hastings.
About
The Hastings Queer History Collective is a group of dedicated volunteers committed to collecting, preserving and sharing the queer history of Hastings and the surrounding areas.
Originally formed in early 2020 to support Hastings Museum & Art Gallery in enhancing the visibility of queer history embedded in their collections, they have since worked on multiple LGBTQIA+ heritage and history projects. Their goal is to create a more inclusive and accepting community for everyone.
Follow the Queer History Collective on Instagram
The collective is open to new members on an ongoing basis, whether you are an experienced historian, a skilled researcher or just someone who is passionate about LGBTQIA+ history. Email Lorna to get involved or if you have any questions.
Queer Stories of Hastings and St Leonards
In summer 2023, the Hastings Queer History Collective (pictured here) began a new three-year project that will lead to a major exhibition at Hastings Museum and Art Gallery in 2026.
Together, they are researching and gathering stories, memories and artefacts that celebrate Hastings’ queer spaces and personal histories. The aim is to make space for queer voices - past and present - to be seen, heard and remembered.
Past Events
Kai presenting at the Queer Spaces and Places event, 2024. Photo by Alice Denny.
Queer Lives, Queer Objects (2025) Live conversations with group members and local LGBTQIA+ folks, sharing how personal objects reveal queer stories and connect to wider LGBTQIA+ histories.
A Captured Moment: Dawn & John Paul (2024) Uncovering the remarkable story behind the photograph of Dawn and John-Paul Simmons’ 1969 marriage blessing in Hastings, a powerful moment which defied norms of race, gender and visibility.
Hastings' Queer Places and Spaces (2024) An event featuring insights from the Hastings Queer History Collective alongside a talk by radical cultural historian Dr. Diarmuid Hester, exploring the importance of remembering queer spaces.
Queer History Trail Map and Tours (2022/23) Walking trails highlighting objects with LGBTQIA+ histories in the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery collection, along with an accompanying map for self-guided tours.
‘We’re here. We’re queer.’ exhibition (2021) showcasing personal objects related to the participants lives and wider LGBTQIA+ narratives, featuring a series of videos created by the collective exploring the history of each object.
