Queer: Then & Now (exhibition & lectures)
An exploration of how narratives and conversations within the LGBT+ community have changed, and continue to change.
About the exhibition
Through a dynamic collection of artefacts, memorabilia, and artworks contributed by staff and students, this exhibition explores how queer narratives have evolved over time—socially, politically, and personally. The diverse range of media and personal items on display reflects the shifting conversations within and about the LGBTQ+ community, mirroring the 2025 LGBT+ History Month theme of Activism and Social Change.
This exhibition is a celebration of LGBTQ+ art, culture, and history, exemplifying Loughborough University’s unwavering commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). In alignment with the university’s core values, Queer: Then & Now offers a proactive response to systemic discrimination, creating a vibrant space where diversity is celebrated, and anti-discriminatory practices are visibly embedded into campus culture.
This initiative integrates talks, films, and creative works into a cohesive program designed to educate, inspire, and celebrate. By amplifying marginalised voices and showcasing a diverse spectrum of queer experiences, Queer: Then & Now ensures that Loughborough University’s EDI values are visible, impactful, and central to our shared campus culture.
There will be a private view event on Friday 7 February 4-6pm in the gallery.
Accessibility
There is step-free access into the gallery via a ramp and side door. During opening hours, there will be an invigilator on duty in the gallery. If you require their assistance, then please alert them on arrival by calling to them or waving at them – the entrance to the gallery is fully glazed and the main entrance door should be open.
For more information about the venue, including photographs, view the access guide for Martin Hall on AccessAble.
If you have any specific access requirements, then please contact LUArts@lboro.ac.uk in advance of your visit and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Facilities
There are toilets located on the ground floor of Martin Hall including an accessible toilet. There is step-free access into this building.
Martin Hall Cafe serves light refreshments and is open from 8.30am to 5pm Mon-Fri. It is located behind the gallery, accessed through the main entrance to Martin Hall.
Parking
Please note that visitors are now required to register their vehicle and pay to park on campus. There are various ways in which you can register and pay (both in advance and on arrival).
More information on visitor parking
Public transport
If you are travelling by public transport, you can take the Sprint Bus from Loughborough railway station or the town centre (Ashby Square) and alight at Loughborough College. Cross Epinal Way at the pedestrian crossing and keep going straight ahead to enter campus. This brings you onto Shirley Pearce Square with Martin Hall on the left.
View the full Sprint Bus timetable.
About the lectures
Booking is not required for the lectures or drop in sessions. Info can be found below.
Wednesday 12 February: Claire Barlow, Curator of Queer Britain 2017 Tate London, and the newly appointed Director of the Peoples Museum Manchester .
Wednesday 19 February: Pip Doran ( A.K.A Sister Sister )
Wednesday 26 February: Sarah -Joy Ford , Artist, Post-Graduate Researcher and Associate Lecturer at Manchester School of Art. Ford works with textiles to explore the complexities and pleasures of queer communities, histories, and archives.
Also on Wednesdays, there will be drop-in sessions for a weekly quilting workshop, 12pm-2pm in Martin Hall with student artist Mya Kelly.