Exhibition | We have always been here. And we always will be.

A student-led display is now showing in the Usher Building. Entitled "We have always been here. And we always will be.", the exhibition is a powerful testament to LGBTQ+ histories within The University of Edinburgh.

Developed as part of a Student Partnership Agreement-funded project, the display draws on a database of LGBTQ+ student-related sources from the University archives, spanning from the 1970s to the present day. The research was conducted by a team of joint honours students from the School of History, Classics and Archaeology: Paige Cooper, Hannah Freitag, Olivia Norbury, Nora Quigley, Freya Wilson and Ash Scholz.

Photograph showing the student exhibition entitled "We have always been here. And we always will be."

In collaboration with the School, Ash Scholz curated the exhibition – weaving together personal testimonies, archival material, and interactive elements to highlight often-overlooked narratives. It explores themes of identity, representation, and the ongoing pursuit of equity, offering a space for reflection and encouraging action toward a more inclusive community within the University.

This small exhibition is an accumulation of some of our work. It provides glimpses into the incredible work of queer student activists and community members throughout a time of significant repression and discriminatory laws against queer life. 

Ash Sholz History and Politics student and passionate campaigner of human rights and queer topics

Displayed directly opposite the Usher 1898 Café in the Usher Building, the exhibition is open to all members of the University and the public for the months of April and May - inviting everyone to engage with the narratives that shape our collective heritage and aspirations.

Photograph showing the student exhibition entitled "We have always been here. And we always will be." displayed within the Usher Building

Find out more about the exhibition

“We have always been here. And we always will be.” | Teaching Matters

"We have always been here. And we always will be." | History Classics and Archaeology

Further resources

The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine is developing a Community Strategy focused on inclusion and equity. All University staff, students and our visitors are invited to share what’s working well - and what could be improved.College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine’s Community Suggestion Box | The University of Edinburgh

If you are a staff or student member of Usher, you’re invited to share your thoughts with Usher’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee.Usher’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Question & Suggestion Box | The University of Edinurgh [University login required]

Open to all University employees – including PhD students who prefer to attend staff events - the Staff Pride Network is an inclusive group serving and supporting the rich diversity of LGBTQ+ identities across the institution. Staff Pride Network | The University of Edinburgh

 

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