Bi & Queer History at Bishopsgate Institute

Bisexual people have always been here! The words we've used have changed over the years but the experiences have been remarkably unchanged, ever since monosexism and heteronormativity were ingrained in patriarchy. Our history is just as important, and just as diverse (if not more so) as the rest of queer history - its all entwined and yet bisexuality and bi people's contributions are often erased or appropriated from both the broader narrative and our own efforts.

The UK's bi groups are almost all small and grassroots level; we aren't required to document our story in the same way as charities or incorporated non-profits (unlike in America/some other countries, which have many more bi-specific legal entities). One archive we do have though, has been built, archived and curated by Mel Reeve (@BiHistory instagram / blog).
When Mel ran out of space a few years ago (in her home), the Bishopsgate Institute took it on, which is handily in London and available for all to visit alongside the rest of their gigantic archive of queer and kink history.

So come peruse Mel's archive at its London home, and discover some of the fascinating history of bi and queer people. Its late for LGBT History Month, but is in proximity to the book launch event at Queer Britain (queer history museum) on 9th - and do you know many bisexuals who're always on time 😋?

No glass cases, no white gloves required; books, magazines, signs, flyers, posters, photos and more from a less-accepting time that show how much has changed, how much has stayed the same, and how bi & queer people got to where we are now.

We're also bringing and donating some of our own items recording our bi history from the last 15+ years of the group! Have anything yourself to donate? Old bi badges,protest material, flyers?
I'll bring some printed bi history A3 posters by Bi Community News (for sale there @ £3, or £2.50 with us direct on high-quality silk-finish paper stock - come along to avoid postage costs or see and buy them in person.

If our group history interests you, check out the timeline website I made the other year and see how long we've been running!

⚫ Travel:
Walk: two minutes' walk from Liverpool Street Station.
Tube: Liverpool Street station (Central, and others)
Bus: served by major bus routes.
Bicycles: public bike parking is directly opposite the main entrance. Santander cycle hire docking stations are on the corner of Brushfield Street.
Vehicles: Parking is restricted (some available for blue badge holders).
Taxis: can drop off on Brushfield Street (immediately outside Brushfield side entrance) - a no-through road. Nearest taxi rank is Liverpool Street station (by platform 10).

⚫ Accessibility:
They describe themselves as "a quiet space in the heart of the city for reading, work or study".

From their site: Brushfield street entrance has step-free access. The main halls, library, ground floor and reception are fully accessible. We will be in the Rear Library.
The Boardroom and Brushfield Wing are not (enquire for details).
Assistance dogs are welcome. Large print versions of their brochures are available. There are accessible toilets on every floor.
For any further details, see their accessibility page or enquire.

⚫ More Info:
Institute:
- address: 230 Bishopsgate, EC2M 4QH
- website: [bishopsgate.org](https://www.bishopsgate.org.uk)
- tel: 020 7392 9200
- email: enquiries@bishopsgate.org.uk
- hours: public viewing, Monday-Friday 10am-5pm. Weekends for special events. Researchers’ area is open Mon-Fri 10:00 - 17:00, and til 8pm on Wednesdays.
- donations appreciated to support their work

Mel's Bi History: @BiHistory / Blog
Our group's history timeline: bit.ly/lbmghistory
(any donations to help cover our own running costs are also welcome).