Liverpool has a diverse history and many iconic activists, artists and celebrities in the LGBTQ+ community are from Liverpool.
February is LGBTQ+ History Month, so here are some of Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ legends, who deserve celebration.
Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Back in the 80s, Frankie Goes to Hollywood were a huge deal, with two openly gay band members and music that has become huge in the gay community. Formed in Liverpool, the band went against Thatcherite conservatism and were absolute icons for the LGBTQ+ and working class communities.
Gary Millar
Gary Millar became the first Lord Mayor in the country to be in a civil partnership, in 2013. Gary Millar, Liverpool City Council Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Investment, and ward councillor for Old Swan, has consistently fought for diversity and equality in Liverpool and raised thousands for local charities.
April Ashley MBE
April Ashley was a model, actress and author, born in Liverpool. In 1961, the Sunday People outed her as transgender, and she is one of the earliest British people known to have gender reassignment surgery. She received an MBE for her work towards transgender equality.
Dame Angela Eagle
Dame Angela Eagle is a Labour Party politician, who has been the Member of Parliament for Wallasey since 1992. She was the second openly lesbian MP, after Maureen Colquhoun came out in the 1970s. Eagle became the first British female MP to enter a civil partnership, in 2008.
Paul Amann
Paul Amann is the founder of Kop Outs, a LFC fan group for LGBTQ+ supporters. In 2011, he requested that LFC take homophobia more seriously, and they became the first Premier League club stadium to display an anti-homophobia sign. The sign read ‘Anfield has given violence, racism, foul language & homophobia the boot’.
