As a group that works very closely with the Library and Information Service, we were disheartened to learn that the ‘Trans Friendly Space’ poster has been removed from the window of Norfolk Millennium Library. As a project that actively practises inclusivity and acceptance – something that Norfolk County Council is also committed to – we feel compelled to express our disappointment and concern.
The ‘Trans Friendly Space’ poster served as a visible affirmation of support for transgender individuals who use the space. Its absence sends a message that trans people’s presence and needs are not prioritised within the library. We dedicate our time and passion to the Queer Norfolk project, which is helping to build the collection at the Norfolk Heritage Centre at the Millennium Library. We must, therefore, express our disappointment and frustration.
In Norfolk County Council’s Equality, Diversity and inclusion policy, it is stated that Norfolk County Council wants “everyone to feel included and able to play their part in making Norfolk a great place to live, learn, work and visit.” As volunteers working extensively with the archive based at the Norwich Millennium Library, we currently feel excluded and unable to play our part in making Norfolk a great place.
We implore the senior leadership team at the library to reconsider their decision and reinstate the ‘Trans Friendly Space’ poster. Doing so would reaffirm their commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
We hope that the library will continue to engage positively with the local LGBTQ+ community and that we can move forward to a positive resolution that benefits both library users, staff and volunteers.
~The Queer Norfolk Volunteer Team
See the poster on our Archives pages.
Click here to send an email to the library service requesting the poster be reinstated.
Queer Norfolk is a volunteer-led archiving project that hands ownership of queer collections back to communities, empowering people to access, discover, and contribute to local collections that reflect our shared histories.
