Focus on... ‘The Secret Public’ exhibition – How LGBTQ+ Performers Shaped Popular Culture

Focus on... talk presented at Together24: The University of Manchester Library Staff Conference 2024 on Wednesday 12th June 2024.

This talk introduces ‘The Secret Public’, the inaugural exhibition in the refurbished Rylands Gallery space: opening in Spring 2025. ‘The Secret Public’ examines the profound influence of LGBTQ+ performers, artists and activists on mainstream pop culture.

Using the book ‘The Secret Public - How LGBTQ Performers Shaped Popular Culture 1955-1979’ by Jon Savage as a basis and influence, the exhibition utilises and presents key pieces from Savage’s extensive archive and research materials.

The exhibition pulls in supporting material from our Special Collections and further afield to present a story of queer culture moving from the margins to the mainstream, changing the face of global pop culture forever.

Mark-Taylor Hutchinson, Reader Services Assistant

Mat Bancroft, Curator (British Pop Archive)