An exhibition is showcasing the lives of Hertfordshire’s most prominent LGBT+ people and their work campaigning for changes in the law supporting the rights of the LGBT+ community.

Launching today (February 1) Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies is presenting an online exhibition and talk in recognition of LGBT+ History Month.

The event will showcase some of the richest LGBT+ stories and historical events linked to Hertfordshire with members of the community invited to share their own personal stories and memories.

The 'Protest and Progress' exhibition features stories illustrating the lives of some of the county's most prominent LGBT+ people, and their work campaigning for changes in the law supporting the rights of the LGBT+ community.

This includes former England and Arsenal football Kelly Smith, who was born in Watford, Esmé Langley, the co-founder of the Minorities Research Group and Arena Three - two early organisations that advocated the interests of lesbians in the UK - who died in St Albans, and Arthur Gore, The 8th Earl of Arran, who lived in Hertfordshire, and brought a bill before the House of Lords in 1965 to decriminalise homosexuality. This later turned into the 1967 Sexual Offences Act.

A virtual talk entitled 'Protest and Change' will take place on February from 7.30 until 8.30pm. This will further explore fascinating moments during the LGBT+ rights movements from 1965 to present day, whilst also highlighting the hospitals and charities that influenced changes in how homosexuality was perceived in Hertfordshire and beyond.

Tickets cost £6 and can be booked via the Herts Memories website.

Cllr Terry Douris, executive member for education, libraries and lifelong learning at Hertfordshire County Council, said: "We are proud to be able to celebrate and represent the diverse and inclusive history of our county.

"Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies preserves the county’s history, but it also continues to collect these histories and expand its collections. This online exhibition is fascinating, and I would highly recommend you visit."