LGBTQ+ communities research guide

This is a new area of study for Sheffield Local Studies and Sheffield Archives. We have produced this guide in an attempt to open up some of the collections within our care and point the researcher to information sources that will aid their studies.

Considerable time is required to search records which, at first view, do not appear to contain any references to LGBTQ+ persons or communities, but searching within the records may yield results. Many official documents refer to the issue from a legal, administrative viewpoint, which until recent times, would almost always be negative.

As more items are catalogued and the collections are used by researchers, it is likely that additional LGBTQ+ references will come to light. More detailed searching of our catalogues for a broad range of relevant terms (such as equal opportunities or Section 28, for example) may reveal additional material. It is always worth contacting the service points or checking our website for updates to this study guide.

Contact us on archives@sheffield.gov.uk to find out more, book in advance or order archival materials.