Archive Researchers

I wanted to learn more about London Friend - as a volunteer myself, I think it's very interesting to learn more about the charity you're supporting, how it started and who were the everyday heroes who back then, in a less accepting society, created a welcoming space for our community.

A lot of really interesting findings, both interesting (it was great to hear about a vague magazine issued by one of the groups to have another person in the archive research actually unearth the Glad Rag for instance) or infuriating (I had to read more of the Sun from the 70s-80s than what is humanly tolerable). The highlight that remains for me is the visit to the Bishopsgate archive given by the Head Archivist which was incredible in many ways.

I wish a very happy birthday to London Friend, thanks for being a great space for our community!

It was amazing to play a part in London Friend's 50th Anniversary celebrations.

I really admire the work that they do, so I jumped at the chance to delve into the archives and ensure the organisation's history is available to future generations of LGBTQ+ people. 

It was a particular joy to discover the fascinating journals of The Transvestite/Transsexual Group, based at London Friend in the 1970s and 80s, which vividly bring back to life a vibrant community from LGBTQ+ history

I was inspired to get involved in the project as, having previously volunteered for London Friend, I've seen first-hand the incredible and vital work they do across the community. It's hard to believe that they've been in existence for 50 years, not only providing help and support for such a long time, but also the way they've adapted to the changing needs of the LQBTQ+ community over time, and as society has evolved. The opportunity to delve into the archives to explore this in detail was of huge interest.

The archives are a real treasure trove of information, milestones, and insight into London Friend and LQBTQ+ history. The big standout moment for me was the discovery of their Women's Line logbook from the mid-90s - it gives a real 'on-the-ground' view of the work that the volunteers were carrying out, in supporting the service users via the phone lines. It really brings to life the vital role that they played.

I wish London Friend the happiest of 50th birthdays - here's to the next 50!

I wanted to get involved in London Friend’s 50th birthday research project because I wanted to learn more about their history, as well as queer history in general. I think that it’s so important for all people to have access to queer history, and London Friend’s amazing work and heritage deserve to be brought to life!

Looking through the archive material was incredibly interesting. I enjoyed putting all the pieces together, in collaboration with the other members of the team, to create a bigger picture of London Friend’s heritage. One particular moment that stands out was reading through a letter about London Friend’s future that had been written about 25 years ago. It felt surreal to be reading someone’s hopes for the future whilst revisiting London Friend’s history for its 50th birthday.

I was keen to be involved in the Timeline project because research and writing are activities I enjoy a lot and also because I have huge admiration for the work London Friend does, and for its aims and values. As if that wasn’t enough, it was obvious at the induction session that I’d be working with some very nice people!

Out of many amazing moments, I think the one that probably stands out the most is reading a desperately sad letter to London Friend from a married man who lived in the wilds of East Anglia in the 1970s. He had come to the realisation that he was gay and wanted to know whether London Friend could help him. As well as reassuring him that his situation was far from unique, London Friend’s general secretary was able to put him in touch with one of its befrienders, another married gay man—who just happened to live in the same area!

I should like to wish London Friend a very happy 50th birthday and all the very best for its second half-century!