A new exhibition at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu will explore hidden histories and signpost a way forward for more inclusivity in motorsport.
The Museum has worked with Racing Pride to showcase LGBTQ+ heritage and achievement in motorsport – a fascinating part of the history of motoring in Britain.
LGBTQ+ people have always been part of motorsport, but their stories have all too often been hidden rather than celebrated. This exhibition shines a light on the unique personal journeys of LGBTQ+ individuals across motorsport disciplines from early trailblazers such as Roberta Cowell to heroes and role-models who are racing today. Using photographs, film footage and showcase displays the exhibition includes gay and lesbian history and culture in the Formula 1, motocross, rallying and Indie 500 motorsports. The displays unlock the histories of some surprising unsung characters; people who challenged wider society’s conventional ideas of gender and sexuality from the 1930s to the present day.
The exhibition recognises the crucial role of vocal, visible allies in creating a sport for everyone, from Formula One World Champions who have spoken up in support of the LGBTQ+ community such as Sir Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, to motorsport’s global fan community. It tells the story of the rise of Racing Pride – the world-leading movement launched in 2019 which is championing LGBTQ+ inclusion through motorsport internationally from grassroots to Formula One.
Motor racing driver and Racing Pride CEO & Co-Founder, Richard Morris says, “Motorsport has a huge reach and by galvanising the sport to promote inclusivity, Racing Pride can inspire positive attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in society more broadly. This exhibition seeks to inspire all LGBTQ+ people who visit it that they are valid, they are valued, and they belong in our sport.
This is the first time that the National Motor Museum has worked with an LBGTQ+ group to co-curate an exhibition. Senior Curator (Archives & Trading), Sarah Wyatt says:, “We are delighted to collaborate with Racing Pride on this land-mark exhibition which is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Museum is committed to more inclusive and diverse programming as it looks to the future and the transformation of the exhibition spaces. Highlighting and celebrating LGBTQ+ heritage can be complex. Whilst some LGBTQ+ histories are overt and well-known, others are more obscure and speculative. The influence of the LGBTQ+ community on Britain’s social, cultural, intellectual and economic spheres resonates throughout history and we are proud to present this exhibition”.