LGBTQ+ Art and Artists

To celebrate Pride month we are exploring a range of LGBTQ+ stories in the Royal Collection. Diverse forms of love and identity have always existed, but LGBTQ+ experiences have often been left out of history or rewritten entirely. This article represents that diversity, and celebrates LGBTQ+ identities across different periods and cultures.  

The terms we use today to talk about LGBTQ+ identities did not exist in the past – many of the individuals represented in the trail would not have identified as LGBTQ+. Where possible, the language employed by the artist or sitters to define themselves has been used alongside their own writing, diary entries and letters. Their words give voice to a long history of diverse desire.