An exhibition examining the relationship between Irish republicanism and the gay liberation movement will be launched in Derry's Guildhall on Thursday, August 6 at 7pm. The event is hosted by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Grace Uí Niallais.

Titled "Irish Republicanism & ‘The Gays’: Cherishing all the children of the nation equally", the exhibition is a joint production by the Bloody Sunday Trust/Museum of Free Derry, Áras Uí Chonghaile and OUTing the Past. Organisers described it as providing a more nuanced look at how the two movements interacted from the onset of the conflict through to the peace process.

The display draws on interviews and rarely seen archive material to show how both movements, emerging from a conservative society and often seen as opposing forces, came to recognise shared experiences and interests. It illustrates the development of a supportive relationship that intertwined ideals of national and gay liberation.

Tony Doherty, chairperson of the Bloody Sunday Trust, said the exhibition uncovers a previously hidden history of Northern Ireland from recent decades. He noted that the story is now presented with an evidence base that is difficult to dispute. Doherty described a personal connection to the narrative, recalling that his own brother had to leave Ireland to seek a better life because of his sexuality.

Following the launch, the exhibition will be on display at the Museum of Free Derry from August 7 during normal opening hours. It will later be made available for display in other venues across the city and beyond.