LGBTQ+ History in Glasgow

When we think of February, it’s likely that the first thing we’ll think of is Valentine’s Day. But did you know that February is also LGBTQ+ History Month? Not only that, but Glasgow has great LGBTQ+ history. Below are five of Glasgow’s interesting tales form the past. 

The Two Roberts  

If you’re a big fan of romance, you’ll love this story. In 1933, Robert Colquhon met Robert MacBride on his first day of Glasgow School of Art. The pair had a lot in common, with both coming from working-class backgrounds in Ayrshire. Despite still living in a time when homosexuality was illegal, they became life partners. The story of the two Roberts is a beautiful story that shows that love triumphs all.  

The Scottish Minority Group (SMG) 

The Scottish Minority Group was a Glasgow-based self-help organisation founded in 1969 by Ian Dudd. In 1971, they started sending out monthly newsletters and organised Glasgow’s first gay disco, The Cobweb disco. Many of the rights that we have as a community today, are thanks to organisations like SMG.  

Glasgow’s First Pride  

Glasgow hosted its first pride march in 1996 following the opening of the Glasgow LGBT centre. The event, which took place at Glasgow Green, had a very festival-like feel and paved the way for many more LGBTQ+ celebrations. Today, Glasgow Pride is the largest pride event in Scotland, with thousands of participants and spectators taken part every year.  

Homophobic Crime Line  

In 2002, a homophobic crime line was started in a bid to tackle anti-gay offences in Scotland. The introduction of the helpline made a very important step in acknowledging homophobia as a serious issue and helped to restore faith in the justice system for the LGBTQ+ community.  

If you or someone you know has been affected by a homophobic crime, you can find resources here. You can also report anything that happens at the college through the Report and Support platform. Incidents can be reported anonymously, or you can report it and chose the option to receive support from a Student Advisor. 

A trans-inclusive Jesus  

In 2009, The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven, written by Scottish playwriter Jo Clifford premiered at Glasgow Tron Theatre.  

The one-woman show shows Jesus returning to earth as a trans woman, reimagining stories from the bible and sharing wine and bread with the audience. Clifford wrote the play in a response the cruel and hostile way she was treated as a newly transitioned woman.   

If you want to learn more about LGBTQ history in Scotland, you can take part in The Queer Glasgow Tour.