An exhibition documenting LGBT+ histories in North Staffordshire is on display at two Stoke-on-Trent libraries this autumn.
Always Here brings together portraits, archive photographs and personal stories collected through workshops, interviews and oral-history sessions.
Visitors can see the exhibition at City Central Library in Hanley until 30 November, and at Stoke Library until 16 November.
The project explores the experiences and contributions of local LGBT+ people in fields including culture, industry, education, healthcare, housing and community life.
It was produced by GRAIN Projects in partnership with the North Midlands LGBT+ Older Peoples Group, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England. Photographer Ming de Nasty created portraits for the project.
Councillor Sarah Hill, the city council’s cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty, governance and corporate services, said the libraries offered a place to explore local history and discover new perspectives.
She said: “Our libraries are for everyone.”
Maurice Greenham, chair and founder of the older LGBT+ group, described the project as a lasting record of personal stories and oral histories from the region.
The group says the exhibitions are accompanied by a book which brings together the project’s stories and connections with Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Readers should check the relevant library’s opening hours before visiting.