Gay right’s charity Gay Surrey has added its archives to the history of the county.
Set up in 2005 to support the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in the county, Gay Surrey deposited its archives this month with the Surrey History Centre in Woking.
The centre already holds five million archives, some dating back to the 12th century, that reflect the social, religious and economic history of Surrey.
The centre said it was important to add to these the experience of the county’s LGBT community.
Di Stiff, collections development archivist at the centre, said: “As the official custodians of Surrey’s history we feel it is important to preserve all areas of the county’s written heritage and the records of Gay Surrey are a vital part of this.
“We want our archive collections to develop in a way that reflects Surrey’s diversity and encourage the public to explore wider aspects of the county’s rich heritage.”
The charity is also making preparations for next February’s LGBT history month. Volunteers will research the archives to uncover aspects of Surrey’s gay past and highlight both the life of the gay community in the county and the work of Gay Surrey.
If anyone would like to be involved in the work of Gay Surrey or would like to be involved in LGBT history month, contact the charity’s chairman Gino Meriano on 07971 277609.
Alternatively, you can call Di Stiff on 01483 518737 or email di.stiff@surreycc.gov.uk.
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