In 1967, the Sexual Offences Act legalised consensual, private, homosexual acts between two men who were aged 21 or above.
Read about the history of same-sex marriages and civil partnerships in Hertfordshire.
Acclaimed writer E M Forster spent his childhood in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
Edward John Edwards was a rector of Essendon in the late 19th century who had to flee the county after being accused of gross indecency.
Oscar Wilde was an Irish poet and playwright who had a friendship with Lady Desborough of Panshanger.
Peter Frank Ashman was a lawyer who campaigned against legislation discriminating against LGBTQ people.
Quentin Crisp was an English writer and actor who modelled for the St Albans School of Art.
Ronald Wright, sometimes known as Sir Gay, was an artist, writer and model born in Puckeridge.
Same-sex relationships have been legislated since the Tudor period.
Help us expand our LGBTQ+ collections.