Tales of Yester-Queer: A retrospective exhibition of the LGBTQIA+ clubbing scene in Liverpool (1980s and 1990s)

Tales of Yester-Queer was an exhibition that formed part of the Pride House Liverpool programming at RIBA North in Liverpool for the 2023 Eurovision song contest.

It included a display of curated records, pictures, and archival material from the late 1980s and 1990s to document and celebrate the vibrant gay and lesbian clubbing scene in Liverpool, broadening modes of representation through a selection of LGBTQIA+ artifacts.

RIBA North, 21 Mann Island, Liverpool waterfront, L3 1BP

2 May to 8 May 2023: 9am to 5pm (6 May: 9am to 8pm)

9 May to 13 May 2023: 9 am to 8pm (10 May: 9am to 5pm)

Tales of Yester-Queer was an exploration of the lives and experiences of the people who occupied clubbing spaces in Liverpool, as well as the music, fashion, and culture of the period. The exhibition included vinyl records of the popular music within the LGBTQIA+ community; photographs from within the nightclubs; and statements of experiences and memories which promote visibility, to transport the audience back to the space and time.

This exhibition centred on Lynn McLaughlin’s collection and experience.

Lynn was a popular DJ at several Liverpool gay nightclubs during this period, often hosting ‘women’s only nights’ for the lesbian community, which provided a safe space for many women. The photographs and records are accompanied by the tales of Lynn from the clubbing scene in the 1980s and 1990s.

Thanks to Lynn McLaughlin, Valmai Roberts, and Connor McLaughlin for generously giving their time to help make this exhibition possible, including the loan of Lynn's collection of records.

Tales of Yester-Queer was part of the Pride House Liverpool programming at RIBA North in Liverpool for the 2023 Eurovision song contest, delivered by LCR Pride Foundation.

This exhibition was curated by Eve Blunsden- BA History of Art and Museum Studies at Liverpool John Moores University, and with support from Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool John Moores University.