“The archive aims to give voice to the important, fascinating and often moving stories told by members of the global LGBTQ+ Roma community, and to highlight the valuable roles that these individuals play in the rich complexity of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller life. The result is a dynamic resource that not only documents and archives but also celebrates the intersectional heritage, culture and experiences of Roma LGBTQ+ across the world. This timely project uncovers the often hidden stories that our community members carry with them whilst at the same time offering greater insight into the wider LGBTQ+ Roma world.

This new online resource is the result of research carried out by the RCAC (Romani Cultural & Arts Company), with the support of the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture, and gives insight into the experience of LGBTQ+ individuals from a variety of international Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. This unique initiative brings to light the important, fascinating and often moving stories told by members of the global LGBTQ+ Roma community, highlighting the valuable roles that these individuals play in the rich complexity of their life. The result is a dynamic online resource that not only documents and archives but also celebrates the intersectional heritage, culture and experiences of LGBTQ+ Gypsies, Roma & Travellers across the world.

The need for such a project became clear following recommendations made by the RCAC in their report following the first Gypsy, Roma & Traveller LGBTQ+ International Conference in the UK which was held by the RCAC at the Senedd – National Assembly of Wales on July 4th 2019, with the support of the Welsh Government. This event featured an international selection of speakers including activists, academics, artists, community champions and government ministers each of whom focused on the current and historic experience of LGBTQ+ Roma people and the future possibilities for improving equality and opportunity across our communities.

The conference took place in the context of the Romani Cultural & Arts Company’s ongoing programme of increasing visibility, opportunity and equality for all members of communities across Wales and beyond. The aim was to showcase emerging international voices within the field of LGBTQ+ Roma awareness and to facilitate the development of dialogue across communities about how articulations and negotiations of difference continue to inform the lives of individuals within the communities today.”
This timely project gives a long-overdue voice to the often hidden stories that our community members carry with them and at the same time offers greater insight into the wider Gypsy, Roma and Traveller experience—insight which feels particularly relevant during this current period of social isolation during a global pandemic. 
Interviews for the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller LGBTQ+ Spoken History Archive were conducted by Christine Virginia Lee and Daniel Baker. Both also participated as subjects for the project along with RCAC Director Isaac Blake. This publication was compiled and edited by Daniel Baker.

To read the whole book click on the link: http://www.romaniarts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RCAC-GRT-LBGTQ-BOOK-download-copy-final.pdf

Link to their web: https://www.romaniarts.co.uk/