Bradford’s Gay Switchboard
Developed in collaboration with Alice Parsons of Castles in the Sky Projects, this pack explores the rich history of LGBTQ+ activism in Bradford and the development of Bradford Gay Switchboard as a resource for the community in the 1980s. Learners will investigate how people in Bradford organised and connected before the internet and will design their own inclusive spaces.
This pack includes original images of the posters, magazine covers, and leaflets created by gay activists to promote events and fundraise for the switchboard.
- Recommended for: Ages 14-18 (Key stages 4 and 5)
- Includes: Story / Original Artwork / Design task / Discussion questions / Research task / Ideas for further reading
- Links to: History / Local learning / PSHE / SMSC / Media / Art and design
Pack content at a glance
- Story – Discover hidden stories from Bradford’s communities
- Investigate – Prompts and questions to spark discussion, reflection, writing, worksheets, or other follow-up activities after hearing the story.
- Get Inspired – An artwork that helps learners connect with the historical context and themes.
- Learn and Create – Creative activity ideas inspired by the story and artwork, encouraging imaginative responses.
- Dig Deeper – Suggestions for extension activities, further exploration, and links to additional resources.
