How can museums tell richer and more visible stories about LGBTQ+ lives and histories?

Queer stories and perspectives in museums remain rare. Expanding and improving queer interpretation in museums is an opportunity to serve visitors better, explore a wider range of experiences and create more welcoming spaces.

This practical, in-person study day will help curators, educators and anyone doing interpretive work in museums to develop the confidence, knowledge and skills to plan and deliver queer-affirmative museum interpretation.

Through case studies, practical exercises and collaborative discussion, participants will explore how to make the case for queer interpretation, including a special focus on serving families with young children, discover effective interpretive strategies for talking about queer people in the past, try their hand at writing and editing queer-affirmative labels, and find out how to translate inclusive intentions into meaningful change.

Interpreting Queer Themes in Museums 
Study Day, Tuesday 2 March, Central London
Led by Margaret Middleton

About the study day leader

The study day is led by Margaret Middleton, an exhibit designer and museum consultant known for their research on Queer Possibility and their Family Inclusive Language Chart, a resource for welcoming all families in museums, including queer families.

Margaret has worked with museums and cultural organisations to develop queer-affirming style guides and interpretive plans, including Fallingwater, the Art Institute of Chicago, Manchester Art Gallery and MoMA. They bring extensive practical experience of helping institutions translate inclusive principles into the language, interpretation and experiences visitors encounter.

Middleton has written widely about inclusive museum practice: margaretmiddleton.com/writing

Book Tickets

Click ‘Select options’ below to book your place on the study day. Tickets are available on a sliding scale from £137 – £177. Book with colleagues for multiple delegate discounts. Book your ticket online below or email info@museum-id.com if you prefer to be invoiced.

Want to join us for several study days? You can save with our 2027 Study Day Ticket Bundle.

20% of tickets are available at a reduced rate for museum workers who may often be excluded from training and professional development opportunities, including people of colour, LGBTQ+ members of staff, students, freelancers, and those working at small independent museums. Reduced rate tickets are £97 – email info@museum-id.com to check availability and to book a ticket at the reduced rate.

Tickets are non-refundable but may be swapped between colleagues at the same organisation and between different study days (if places are available). If the workshop is postponed, your ticket remains valid for the rescheduled date.