TL;DR
- New Pride audio tour launched in London
- Features LGBTQ+ artists and community members
- Available until the end of June
- Part of TfL’s Pride Month celebrations
- Connects public art with personal stories
Hold onto your rainbow hats, Londoners! The London Underground has just rolled out a brand new Pride-themed audio tour that’s sure to tickle your fancy and your ears. Developed by Art on the Underground in partnership with OUTbound, TfL’s fabulous LGBTQ+ staff network, this audio experience is a delightful way to celebrate Pride Month while navigating the city’s iconic transport system.
Available until the end of June, this audio guide isn’t just a one-stop shop. Oh no, darling! It takes you on a journey through five distinct works of art, each paired with personal stories from the artists and community members who breathe life into them. Talk about a ride worth taking!
One of the standout pieces is We Move Through Scales of Blue by the talented Phoebe Boswell, which spans the Bethnal Green and Notting Hill Gate stations. Here, you’ll hear from Zahara C-Jones, a swimmer who shares her reflections on freedom as a queer woman. Honey, if that doesn’t make you want to dive right in, what will?
Next stop: St James’s Park station, where Dr. Maggie Matić discusses Angels of History, a creation by artists Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings. It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to soak up some queer history while riding the rails.
But wait, there’s more! Trafalgar Square is another highlight, where you can hear from Abel Holsborough, one of the 726 trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming faces featured in Teresa Margolles’ stunning Fourth Plinth installation, Mil Veces un Instante. Talk about a powerful statement!
And let’s not forget about Nina Wakeford’s Pink Depot and the fabulous SisterMatic, the UK’s first lesbian-run sound system, who chat about their role in Rudy Loewe’s mural The Congregation at Brixton station. These voices are not just part of the tour; they’re part of the vibrant tapestry of London’s LGBTQ+ community.
Emma Strain, TfL’s customer director, expressed her pride in this initiative, stating, “London’s transport network reflects the city’s diversity, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate Pride Month by bringing these wonderful LGBTQIA+ stories to our customers.” Can we get a round of applause for that sentiment?
Dr. Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London’s deputy mayor for communities and social justice, also chimed in, calling the initiative a “great way to bring to life stories from both TfL colleagues and the wider community” during Pride Month. It’s a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the rich history of LGBTQ+ lives in the city.
So, don’t miss out! Grab your headphones and hop on the London Underground for this fabulous Pride audio tour. It’s free, it’s enlightening, and it’s a celebration of everything that makes London a beacon of diversity. Let’s ride the rainbow together!