Perspectives: A guided LGBTQ+ tour of the National Museum of Scotland

Researcher Joe Setch presents a free guided tour that highlights some of the LGBTQ+ histories in the National Collection.

Explore the museum’s collections from a queer perspective. Discover stories of creativity, innovation and love, alongside often hidden truths about harm and exclusion. 

Working with members of LGBTQ+ communities and Museum curators, Joe has created a thoughtful and informative experience celebrating often unseen highlights of the collection.  

This nuanced tour and guided walk will explore stories of repression and representation. From building communities through communication, expressing identity with fashion to the sexual diversity of the natural world.

Good to know

• This guided tour covers four different floors at the National Museum of Scotland (Levels 5, 3, 1, and -1). All areas are accessible by lift.
• The tour will be delivered in English. Visual descriptions of the objects and a visual guide of the tour will also be provided.
• Contact us via communities@nms.ac.uk to let us know about any additional access needs. 

About Joe Setch

Joe Setch (he/him) is an Edinburgh-based heritage worker from the Highlands. He advocates for better LGBTQ+ representation in Scotland’s museums, having recently written a chapter on this topic for Queer in a Wee Place, an anthology of queerness in Scotland.

Accessibility and facilities

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.  

Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Scotland. 

Get in touch

Contact us via communities@nms.ac.uk to let us know about any additional access needs. 

Tour creators

This tour was created in consultation with the organisations OurStory Scotland, Lavender Menace and LGBT Youth Scotland. Many thanks to all participants for their insights and support in helping to shape this tour.