Finding the Rainbow Needle in the Research Haystack

Abstract

This article will discuss the fundamental importance of community-led, organic research methodologies when uncovering and revealing LGBTQIA+ identities within the Irish national collection. Using the National Gallery of Ireland as a case study, the paper highlights the importance of this research in an Irish context. The representation of the LGBTQIA+ community in historical and cultural institutions in Ireland has grown in the past four years. This is partly due to the Marriage Equality Referendum passing in favour of equal marriage in 2015. With this increased acceptance from the people of Ireland, more members of the community are actively reflecting on their place in society and history. To best direct this communal reflection, a cyclical research methodology was applied to uncovering previously overlooked LGBTQIA+ representation in the Gallery’s collection. Initial research into key works was disseminated via public LGBTQIA+ tours of the collection. Tour participants’ feedback and ideas were gathered over several months and guided further research. This community-led approach has yielded a new directory of some 30 works and artists that will be shared on the Gallery’s website for the general public to access. Engaging with the LGBTQIA+ community when carrying out this research has been of fundamental importance. Until recently, this community in Ireland has been largely ignored by historians, researchers, and curators. To reveal, commemorate, and celebrate queer stories and sources from these times, the voices of the existing community are essential. The foundation of the LGBTQIA+ Research Network and plans for an island-wide database will ensure that these voices will no longer be ignored.