Out & Proud in Chichester

Join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and pride in Chichester and discover the powerful stories of our community.

In September 2022, we began an inspiring collaboration with Chichester Pride (opens new window) to create a unique project aimed at increasing visibility, fostering education, and providing a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to share their stories. This collaboration has resulted in Out & Proud in Chichester, a co-curated exhibition that celebrates LGBTQ+ history, with a special focus on the personal experiences of individuals within the Chichester community. 

Discover Local, National, and International LGBTQ+ History

Out & Proud in Chichester shines a spotlight on LGBTQ+ history from all corners of the globe, with a special focus on the personal experiences of individuals within the Chichester community. This exhibition showcases personal stories, objects, and archival materials, marking a significant step in amplifying voices that have historically been overlooked or erased.

Celebrate the Journey of Chichester Pride

Since 2018, Chichester Pride has been a cornerstone of local LGBTQ+ advocacy and visibility. The exhibition highlights this incredible journey, celebrating the milestones, struggles, and triumphs of the local LGBTQ+ community.

Personal Stories Through Powerful Objects

A key feature of Out & Proud in Chichester is the inclusion of personal items loaned by members of Chichester's LGBTQ+ community. In September 2024, The Novium Museum and Chichester Pride issued a social media callout, inviting individuals to share objects that hold deep significance in their LGBTQ+ journeys. The response was overwhelming, resulting in a rich collection of items, including:

• Pride flags carried in local marches.
• Clothing worn to Pride events.
• Personal letters and much more.

Each object is accompanied by labels written by their owners, offering intimate insights into their experiences. These deeply personal stories provide a rare opportunity to explore the connections individuals have with these items, representing moments of pride, struggle, and self-acceptance.

Archival Treasures and Community Contributions

In addition to personal submissions, the exhibition features items from The Novium Museum's and Chichester Pride's archives, highlighting the organisation's history and accomplishments. The contributions of the Chichester Pride committee have been instrumental in shaping the exhibition, ensuring community voices remain at its heart.

Thanks to Our Supporters

Out & Proud in Chichester has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Barratt David Wilson Homes and Chichester City Council. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ history and celebrate the vibrant voices of our community.

Local LGBTQ+ Support and Social Networks

Chichester LGBTQIA+ Drop In - This weekly meet-up group, for all the letters of the Pride family, meets every Tuesday at a local venue in Chichester.  Find them on Facebook by searching Chichester LGBTQIA+ Drop In.

Sussex Transcendence - An informal meet up group where trans, nonbinary, intersex, gender-variant and gender-questioning people can come along to connect with each other, chat and make friends.  Last Sunday of the month 2-4pm at a local venue.  Find them on Facebook by searching Sussex Transcendence or email sussextranscendence@gmail.com

Lesbian/Gay, Bi, Queer Women - Chichester, West Sussex.

This group is for women interested in women, to connect, find friendship, love, and anything in-between. They welcome women and trans-women who also identify as lesbian, bisexual, pansexual or queer, living in West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and surrounding counties. They also welcome non-binary people, and intersex people who identify as female. Their meet-up is on the 3rd Sunday of each month at a pub in Chichester. Details are in events, on their Facebook page by searching Lesbians, Gay/Bi Women - Chichester, West Sussex, UK. 

Members are encouraged to create their own events, too. They are a warm, friendly and welcoming group and look forward to meeting more like-minded and like-hearted members.

Support Organisations

Mind support groups

Rainbow Mind (LGBTQ+ specific support offered by Mind mental health charity offering online support for 18-25 year olds.): Rainbow Mind | Championing LGBTQ+ Mental Health in London and Greater Manchester

Mermaids UK: Transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse charity.

Sussex Police: Equality diversity and inclusion.

West Sussex Community Peer Support Group: Mindout

Allsorts Youth Project: Sussex-wide project based in Brighton that listens to, supports and connects children and young people who are LGBTQ+ or unsure of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

Stonewall Young Futures: Information, advice and support for young people. 

Terrance Higgins Trust: Advice on sexual health 

Gendered Intelligence: Information and online support group. 

The Clare Project: Supporting trans, non-binary and intersex adults in Sussex.