V&A Dundee achieves LGBT Youth Scotland Charter
We welcome the news that V&A Dundee has achieved LGBT Youth Scotland’s Silver Charter accreditation. This status, which lasts for three years, signals the organisation’s commitment to creating an LGBTQ+ inclusive environment for its workforce and audiences.
V&A Dundee is the second arts and culture organisation to be awarded an LGBT Youth Scotland Charter. Historic Environment Scotland attained Charter accreditation in February 2024.
V&A Dundee’s achievement was acknowledged in a Scottish Parliamentary motion proposed by Joe Fitzpatrick, MSP for Dundee City West, in July. The motion stated that the Scottish Parliament “recognises the hard work and dedication of young people and staff to achieve this prestigious award from LGBT Youth Scotland, and welcomes the training and the review of policies, practice and resources that aims to ensure that the V&A Dundee is inclusive for all young people, staff, families and the wider community.”
The Charter accreditation follows a range of LGBTQ+ inclusive initiatives undertaken by the museum since it opened in 2018. This includes the creation of an LGBTQ+ working group, updating interpretation of LGBTQ+ objects in the museum’s Scottish Design Galleries, and a range of Pride Month events.
Our goal was to take a holistic approach across all aspects of our work — from public programmes to internal culture, ensuring everyone feels safe and that they belong.
Blair Leeson, Visitor Services Supervisor at V&A Dundee
Blair Leeson, Visitor Services Supervisor at V&A Dundee and a member of their Champion Charter Group, said: “V&A Dundee is proud to have received the LGBT Youth Scotland Silver Charter Award.
“Our goal was to take a holistic approach across all aspects of our work — from public programmes to internal culture, ensuring everyone feels safe and that they belong. This achievement was only possible through collaboration — working closely across teams, with colleagues, supportive partners, and LGBT Youth Scotland.
“This award is hugely encouraging, and we’re excited to keep building on this important work across V&A Dundee.”
V&A Dundee’s efforts to acquire the Charter Mark align with the diversity and inclusion aims of Scotland’s Museums and Galleries Strategy. Our Senior Museum Development Manager Ellie Muniandy welcomed the achievement, saying: “V&A Dundee’s progress represents another step towards a more equitable museum sector in Scotland.
“We encourage museums and galleries to create safe and welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ visitors, volunteers, and staff. This can be achieved by signing up for initiatives like LGBT Youth Scotland’s Charter or the Equality Network’s Rainbow Mark, and by engaging with resources such as the University of Leicester’s guidance for trans-inclusive cultural organisations.”
For more information, visit V&A Dundee’s LGBTQ+ Network page.
