Martin McGloghry with new mayor of Islington Troy Gallagher
THE new mayor of Islington hopes a heritage trail with plaques celebrating the borough’s LGBT+ history will be an opportunity for young people to learn about and appreciate civil rights.
Islington’s Pride – funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and part of the council’s heritage team – includes tributes to individuals, organisations, and famous venues.
The first plaque, at Islington Town Hall, celebrates the late Bob Crossman, who became the first openly gay mayor in the entire UK back in 1986.
Councillor Troy Gallagher, who began his turn as mayor last week, said Mr Crossman was a “trailblazer” and “set the standard for equality and LGBT rights and made Islington not just a home and a safe place, but the bastion and the champion of inclusivity and diversity at a time when it was frowned upon.”
Bob Crossman. Photo @islingtonspride
Cllr Gallagher, who is himself gay, was joined by Mr Crossman’s partner Martin McCloghry for the unveiling and Tessa Havers-Strong from Forum+.
He said: “We’ve got equality in the workplace, there are civil partnerships but the problem is equality is not always felt on a personal day to day reality. I think there is more to be done to ensure equality seeps through everyday normal life.”
He added: “I hope young people don’t think this is just a piece of local history from 30 years ago that isn’t relevant to them. The problem is there needs to be more of an awareness of what the struggle was, and there should be an attitude for gratitude, recognising how important civil rights and equality are across the board.”
Osh Gantly
The trail marked by plaques to be installed in the coming weeks will include tribites to Arsenal fans group, the Gay Gooners, pioneering trans lawyer Sonia Burgess, the home of the LGBTQ+ helpline Switchboard, pubs and clubs such as the Carved Red Lion and Trade at Turnmills. London’s first trans councillor Osh Gantly, and the home of campaigning group Stonewall will also feature.
In total, there will be 50 interactive plaques, each one uniquely scannable to find out its personal history. Many contain images and references to Islington’s Pride Archive, and lots will contain snippets of the oral histories to listen to.
Cllr Gantly, said: “Islington residents will be amazed to find out that so much of the rights people fought for, and the community spirit we’ve built, all began here in Islington. One borough really has made a huge impact.”
Seán McGovern, Islington’s Pride Project Manager, added: “There’s inspiring people and community organisations right across the borough.We celebrate our heritage by shining a light on the unsung heroes of Islington.”
