LGBTQ+ young people across Ayrshire have lent their voices to a first-of-its-kind social history project that will preserve their experiences, stories and hopes for the future.

This is part of LGBT Youth Scotland’s "(Un)Seen, (Un)Heard" initiative, which is capturing and conserving the stories of young people to create a new permanent archive within the National Library of Scotland and increase visibility around this topic.

More than 150 messages full of hope for the future have already been gathered from young people in Ayrshire and beyond in various forms including attendance at six Pride events across Scotland.

This will form part of a unique national exhibition at venues all over Scotland in early 2024.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Young people are encouraged to get involved in the initiative Young people are encouraged to get involved in the initiative (Image: LGBT Youth Scotland)

Ali Kerr, head of partnerships at the charity, has been thrilled with the response from young people in Scotland.

She said: "It’s vital we capture the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people to give them a sense of pride in who they are, as well as giving them hope for the future.

“The response we’ve had for this project is incredible and we hope that bridging the past and present will help us all make Scotland a place where all young people can thrive. 

“We’re looking forward to building on the exhibition for its launch early next year, and we’re urging those that haven’t taken part and would like to share their story to get in touch.” 

Largs and Millport Weekly News: This will form part of a unique national exhibition at venues all over Scotland in early 2024This will form part of a unique national exhibition at venues all over Scotland in early 2024 (Image: Doro Weber)

The National Library of Scotland, where the project’s stories will eventually be held, has welcomed groups to learn about its current collections and make their own zines inspired by the archives providing a safe, welcoming space for all groups to get involved.

The charity are inviting LGBTQ+ young people to get involved by sharing their lived experiences through workshops, online submission forms and social media.

Anyone interested in submitting their story to the (Un)seen, (Un)heard archive or would like to know more about the project are asked to email unseenunheard@lgbtyouth.org.uk.

For more information on LGBT Youth Scotland, visit lgbtyouth.org.uk.