Never Going Underground at People’s History Museum

Polly Checkland Harding
Pits and Peverts Poster, 1984.

Never Going Underground: the fight for LGBT+ rights at People’s History Museum (PHM), City Centre 25 February — 3 September 2017 Entrance is free

‘Never Going Underground’ was the name of the North West’s campaign against Section 28 of the 1988 Local government act, which forbade the promotion of homosexuality. Subversively adopting the symbol for the London underground as its logo, the campaign included the UK’s largest ever gathering for LGBT+ rights in Manchester the same year. Now, the People’s History Museum has adopted this title for an exhibition charting the fight for LGBT+ rights, opening in a year that marks the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexual acts: the result of two years of planning and curated by volunteer Community Curators, Never Going Underground explores the political and societal shift from the time when it was illegal for men to have sex together, lesbianism was seen as a medical misfortune, and there were no trans rights whatsoever – to attitudes today.

Ian McKellen – People’s History Museum.

Opened by actor and activist Ian McKellen on 2 March, the exhibition documents the stories and objects that have been part of a political struggle over 50 years. There’s a photograph of the (in)famous ‘abseiling lesbians’, who descended from the public gallery to the chamber of the House of Lords in protest on 3 February 1988. There’s an example of the Campbell’s Soup costume worn by LGBT+ rights group Stonewall at London Pride after a Heinz TV advert showing two men was withdrawn following 200 complaints. There’s even an example of the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners ‘Pits and Perverts’ t-shirt made famous by 2014 hit film Pride – ironically displayed in a small wooden closet. The overall feel of the exhibition is defiant; both jubilantly and seriously so.

Sadie Lee. Image courtesy of People’s History Museum.

Never Going Underground focuses on the political importance of being seen, showcasing the ways the LGBT+ movement has championed visibility in both grand and small ways. There’s a section on the Pride marches that now take place internationally (with some nuanced questions about how these events have evolved), but also nods to smaller interventions such as rainbow shoelaces for footballers and pansies planted on sites of homophobic abuse. It also highlight that there is nothing inevitable about that progress, and that in the long and complex story of over 60 years of activism, it’s important to remember that there were steps back as well as forward.

Never Going Underground: the fight for LGBT+ rights at People’s History Museum (PHM), City Centre 25 February — 3 September 2017 Entrance is free

Where to go near Never Going Underground at People’s History Museum

Coral Island Sign
Blackpool
Coral Island

When you think of Blackpool, Coral Island is the type of place that takes front and centre: big, bold and flat-out fun.

Bar and pub 2
Liverpool
Restaurant
Hobo Kiosk

Hobo Kiosk is an independent pub in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, celebrating all things bohemian with its décor, drinks and events.

Doric Hotel Blackpool
Blackpool
Hotel
Doric Hotel

Previously ranked TripAdvisor’s number 1 family hotel in the UK, Blackpool’s bright and airy Doric Hotel offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea.

Cliffs Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
Cliffs Hotel

A hit with families seeking the all-inclusive treatment, this Baroque-style hotel on the north shore is one of Blackpool’s oldest and most popular.

King's Boutique Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
King’s Boutique Hotel

Set in a Victorian townhouse, Blackpool’s King’s Boutique Hotel is within walking distance of Blackpool’s main attractions, but not so close that you won’t get a decent night’s sleep.

Boulevard Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Boulevard Hotel

With its own signature restaurant, two bars and a sleek lounge, this award-winning hotel on New South Promenade offers visitors to Blackpool luxury in spades.

The Big Blue Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
Big Blue Hotel

At The Big Blue Hotel, guests have some of the UK’s most exciting rides right on their doorstep – and can even get free Blackpool Pleasure Beach day tickets.

The Lawton Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Lawton

Thanks to its lime green-painted brick frontage, this family-friendly guest house certainly stands out from the crowd in Blackpool.

The Ruskin Hotel
Blackpool
Hotel
The Ruskin

Sitting in the shadow of the town’s famous Blackpool Tower, this established three star hotel is popular for its handy location and family-friendly pricing.

Traditional green and beige tram in blackpool
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Heritage Tram Tours

Embark on a unique and educational journey along the famous Blackpool Tramway, on board the best of the iconic Heritage Trams.

Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Sandcastle Waterpark

Bring the whole family together for a day of fun, thrills and exciting aquatic adventures at Sandcastle Waterpark.

What's on: Exhibitions

Wolf in Yellowstone
Until
ExhibitionsManchester
Wild at Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum explores the concept of ‘wild’ nature as a means of tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis in a new exhibition.

free entry

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.