Rainbow Stories book shares 50 years of Doncaster’s LGBTQ+ history

A collection of stories from Doncaster’s queer community aims to share their history and educate the younger generation.
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The book named Rainbow Stories is focused around LGBTQ+ history in Doncaster over the last 50 years, it covers topics such as the social scene, the underground community, and individual stories.

Jenny Dewsnap, Chair of Doncaster Pride, said: “The social history of the LGBTQ+ community in Doncaster wasn’t available and we realised that the history would die with the older generation.

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“It’s meant to educate the younger gay community - for them to be able to see what it was like back in the day.

Rainbow Stories by Doncaster Pride.Rainbow Stories by Doncaster Pride.
Rainbow Stories by Doncaster Pride.

“It was illegal to be gay until 1967 and the age of consent didn’t become equal until 2000.”

February is LGBTQ+ history month in the UK and the release of this book coincides with the community’s reflection of events such as Stonewall.

“We hope that the book will also help parents of LGBTQ+ kids - give them a chance to see local people who have come out the other end and just living normal lives and are a part of the wider community,” Jenny continued.

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“It also gives the older gay community a chance to reminisce - the book covers the old gay bars and characters.

“Back in the day Doncaster was known for its gay scene - people would come here from all over South Yorkshire.

“We had pubs like The Vine and The Warehouse which didn’t necessarily have rainbow flags flying but everyone looked after each other.”

Rainbow Stories was made as part of Pride Projects - which have also included Gender Bender, Doncaster 50 and the Youth Project.

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The book covers all sides to the LGBTQ+ history in the town from joyous events like Pride to the struggle against homophobia.

Jenny said: “The book covers the HIV crisis in the 80’s - which brought such homophobia and really took the country back two steps.

“There are stories from trans people, stories about gender and the drag community.”

The book is free and can be obtained by contacting pride at 01302 590830.