What if you could bring decades of LGBTQ+ history into your classroom, college or youth group, all from one suitcase? The Roots of Pride Story Suitcase is an exciting, interactive educational resource created by OUT North East to bring LGBTQ+ histories, stories, and experiences to life.

Packed with fascinating objects, historical photographs, replica artefacts and engaging learning activities, the suitcase invites young people to explore the people, events and movements that have shaped LGBTQ+ lives and the fight for equality.

From the first UK Pride march to the impact of Section 28, the HIV and AIDS epidemic and the extraordinary stories of LGBTQ+ activists, every object has a story to tell.



And the best part? Everything you need fits inside one portable suitcase!

Why LGBTQ+ history matters

LGBTQ+ people have always been part of our communities, contributing to science, politics, literature, culture, social movements and everyday life. Yet many of their stories have been overlooked, hidden or excluded from mainstream history. The Roots of Pride Story Suitcase helps bring those stories into the classroom and beyond.



By exploring the past, young people can better understand the present, challenge stereotypes, appreciate diversity and recognise the importance of standing up for equality and human rights.

What's inside the suitcase?

The Roots of Pride Story Suitcase is much more than a collection of historical objects. It is a ready-to-use educational experience designed to spark curiosity, discussion and creativity.

Each suitcase contains:

• Historical objects and props: A carefully selected collection of items, photographs, replica artefacts and memorabilia that bring LGBTQ+ history to life.
• Comprehensive Facilitator Pack: Background information, historical context, discussion questions and ready-to-use activities to support educators and group leaders, including scannable QR codes for videos and talks.
• Curriculum-linked activities: Creative and thought-provoking learning opportunities across History, English, Citizenship, PSHE, Geography, Art, Drama and other subjects.
• Interactive learning experiences: Opportunities for young people to investigate historical evidence, explore different perspectives, develop empathy and understand how social change happens.



The suitcase includes stories exploring Alan Turing, the origins of Pride, LGBTQ+ solidarity with mining communities, the evolution of Pride flags, queer spaces, drag culture and much more.

Add some fun with LGBTQ+ Guess Who!

Want to make your learning experience even more interactive? We also have four mini travel-sized LGBTQ+ Guess Who style games available to accompany the Story Suitcase. These games offer a fun, engaging way for young people to discover LGBTQ+ people and their contributions while encouraging conversation, curiosity and learning through play. Perfect for small-group activities, classroom challenges, youth sessions or as an introduction to LGBTQ+ history, the games provide another opportunity to get learners involved.

Simply indicate on the booking form if you would also like to borrow our LGBTQ+ Guess Who style games. We have four available, subject to availability.

Perfect for schools, colleges and youth groups

Originally designed for Key Stages 3 to 5, the Story Suitcase is ideal for secondary schools, sixth forms, colleges, youth organisations and other educational settings. Whether you're planning a single lesson, a themed workshop, an enrichment activity or a wider educational project, the suitcase can be adapted to your group's needs.

It is particularly useful for:

• LGBT+ History Month in February.
• Pride Month in June.
• PSHE, Citizenship and History lessons.
• Assemblies, tutor groups and enrichment days.
• Youth group activities and community workshops.
• Equality, diversity and inclusion education throughout the year.

The Facilitator Pack supports learning about Fundamental British Values, equality, human rights, democratic participation, social change and respectful relationships.

You do not need to be an LGBTQ+ history expert to use it. The accompanying resources provide the information and activity ideas you need to confidently lead engaging discussions and learning sessions.

Small suitcase. Big stories.

We've made the Roots of Pride Story Suitcase easy to transport, store and use.

Suitcase dimensions:

• Length: 40 cm
• Height: 24 cm
• Depth: 10 cm
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Compact and portable, it can easily be carried between classrooms, taken to youth groups or used at different educational venues. Despite its small size, the suitcase is packed with powerful stories and opportunities for learning.

Hire the Roots of Pride Story Suitcase

Bring LGBTQ+ history to your learners for just £50.

Hiring the Story Suitcase gives your organisation access to the collection of educational objects, props and accompanying Facilitator Pack. You can also request our four mini LGBTQ+ Guess Who games on your booking form, subject to availability.

Hiring, collection and returning your suitcase

Each Roots of Pride Story Suitcase can be hired for a maximum of one month, giving your school, college or youth group plenty of time to explore the resources and deliver engaging learning activities.

We offer two convenient ways to receive and return your suitcase:

·      Free collection from the ONE Centre: Collect your suitcase directly from the ONE Centre at no additional cost. At the end of your hire period, simply return it to the ONE Centre.

·      Postal delivery to your organisation: Can't collect? We can arrange for the suitcase to be posted directly to your school, college or youth group. Additional postage and packaging costs will apply. At the end of your hire period, you can either post the suitcase back to us at your own expense or return it in person to the ONE Centre.

The hire fee is £50 per suitcase for up to one month, excluding any postage costs. All suitcases and accompanying resources must be returned by the agreed return date so that other organisations can enjoy them.

Ready to unpack LGBTQ+ history?

Give your learners the opportunity to discover stories they may never have encountered before, explore the importance of equality and understand how ordinary people have helped create extraordinary change

Book a Roots of Pride suitcase here.

Remember to indicate on the booking form if you would also like to request the LGBTQ+ Guess Who style games. For questions or further information, contact OUT North East at contactus@outnortheast.org.uk.

Because LGBTQ+ history is not separate from history. It is part of everyone's history.