A NEW app package that evokes memories of Welsh LGBTQ+ History is set to launch this month, as museums across Wales come together to develop content for people living with dementia in the queer community.
Created through National Museums Liverpool’s House of Memories dementia programme, the LGBTQ+ in Wales app package uses the memories of communities from across Wales and items found in Welsh museum collections.
The main aim of this project is to spark conversations between people living with dementia and their loved ones. Using items found in the app as cues and talking points, people living with dementia can have meaningful conversations, as well as personalising the app to focus on items that hold particular significance to them.
Launching during LGBTQ+ History Month, LGBTQ+ in Wales is a digital archive of memories from Wales’ LGBTQ+ communities, with experiences of pubs, Pride marches, queer activism, drag acts and more. This new package is an addition to the House of Memories Cymru programme launched at the Senedd in 2023.
Museums across Wales have supported and contributed to the project to create a selection of memory prompts from queer culture in Wales.
The museums involved are: Conwy Culture Centre, Swansea Museum, National Museum Wales, Glamorgan Archives, West Glamorgan Archives, Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery and Museum of Cardiff.
Key events like the support of Welsh miners by LGBTQ+ communities in 1984 are covered in the app using a mixture of audio, video and images of historical items. Other highlights for people to explore include homemade placards for the riots of Section 28, photographs of iconic places for the community and celebrations of Pride Cymru.
House of Memories Cymru is available through National Museums Liverpool’s My House of Memories app. Alongside the dementia community, the app is co-created through the award-winning House of Memories programme and features memories from a range of community groups in the UK and further afield.
Dawn Carroll, head of House of Memories, said: “Following the success of House of Memories Cymru, it was important for us to explore stories from communities that are underrepresented in Wales. With the support of Welsh Government and museums from across the country, we have gathered a collection of LGBTQ+ memories that we hope will help LGBTQ+ people living with dementia in Wales.
“The LGBTQ+ in Wales app package has queer communities at its heart and we want to thank all those who have shared memories. Their input will help improve the lives of people living with dementia and help them develop meaningful connections between their families or carers.”
The LGBTQ+ in Wales package will contain items that relate to specific areas of Wales. Already existing items from museum collections will be brought together to showcase the country’s rich and diverse queer history.
Jack Sargeant, minister for culture in Wales, said: “This LGBTQ+ in Wales app package will be such an insightful resource, celebrating the rich history and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ communities throughout our country.
“This Welsh Government-supported initiative not only helps preserve our shared heritage but also provides an invaluable support for people living with dementia and their loved ones to connect through meaningful memories. Projects like this demonstrate the power of heritage and inclusive storytelling in strengthening communities across Wales.
“Wales is striving to be the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe. Our LGBTQ+ Action Plan sets out steps to strengthen equality, challenge discrimination, and create a safer, more inclusive society.”
House of Memories’ LGBTQ+ in Wales app package is available now through the My House of Memories App. For more information on the project, House of Memories workshops and to find out how you can download the app, visit the National Museums Liverpool website.
