Associations and Support

Formal and informal associations have been vital in providing mutual support for LGBT people in Scotland. We can also gain pride and confidence from our history and heritage, which is where OurStory Scotland plays a part.

The story of rescuing our heritage is also part of that heritage. By enabling people to tell of their lives and experiences, and to have their stories preserved for the future, we have turned out to make history. History Scotland has published the story of our first ten years (Vol 12, 1 & 2, Jan/Feb & March/April 2012):

see the two-part article
>> Turning Out to Make History - Part 1
>> Turning Out to Make History - Part 2

Here is an earlier account of the origins of OurStory Scotland:
>> Origins of OurStory Scotland

The LGBT community has had to fight hard to establish associations that provide services and support. One of the key needs of our community is for safe space to meet. In 1977 Glasgow made history in establishing the first Gay Centre in Britain. The Glasgow Gay Centre was established through the efforts of the Scottish Minorities Group, which in 1978 became the Scottish Homosexual Rights Group, and a first-hand account of this key period in our history has been written by a member of OurStory Scotland:

>> Glasgow Gay Centre, SMG and SHRG