The Imperial War Museum collects and interprets people’s experiences of modern war and wartime life in Britain and the Commonwealth. The experience of gay and lesbian communities, within the context of conflict, war and military service, is largely a hidden history.

Imperial War Museum North has created Military Pride, a small and powerful display built around personal testimonies which reflect how war and conflict has shaped lives in gay and lesbian communities.  The exhibition is set within a historical context highlighting changes in the law, Armed Forces policies and social attitudes from 1945 to the present day.

In a series of interviews with volunteer participants, both serving and ex-Armed Forces, IWM North explores how law and social attitudes impacted on personal lives and Military service.  Through personal testimony and specially-commissioned portrait photography, Military Pride celebrates the achievements and positive contributions of gay and lesbian communities to the Armed Forces.

Timed to coincide with the Military Pride exhibition is A Closer Look: Pride. This free tour of the Museum and its artefacts explores the themes of Military Pride.

Also part of this season is Military Pride Night on Saturday 16 August.