'Keep the GLC working for you' badge
Object
Badge
Production date
1984-1987
Object number
2023.59
Physical Description
Metal circular badge with a blue text stating 'Keep the GLC working for you!'. The design includes a white background and a pastel pink triangle pointing down.
Object history
This badge was owned and worn by Hackney activist Ian Rathbone.
The pink triangle is a symbol of the LGBTQI+ community. The Greater London Council (GLC) made a significant impact LGBT rights during the 1980s.
In 1981 it established a ‘Gay Working Party’ to investigate community issues within London. With funding linked to equal opportunities, by 1984 it had issued around £300,000 in grants to Gay and Lesbian groups. In 1985 it established the London Lesbian and Gay Centre in Islington, and produced ‘Changing the World: A London Charter for Gay and Lesbian Rights’ to be sent to organisations. In an accompanying letter the Leader of the Council, Ken Livingstone, stated the GLC’s commitment to tackling the discrimination that the lesbian and gay community face ‘in every sphere’.
After the 1983 Conservative manifesto pledged to abolish the GLC, the council produced materials relating to lesbian and gay rights as part of its wider campaign against abolition.
The pink triangle is a symbol of the LGBTQI+ community. The Greater London Council (GLC) made a significant impact LGBT rights during the 1980s.
In 1981 it established a ‘Gay Working Party’ to investigate community issues within London. With funding linked to equal opportunities, by 1984 it had issued around £300,000 in grants to Gay and Lesbian groups. In 1985 it established the London Lesbian and Gay Centre in Islington, and produced ‘Changing the World: A London Charter for Gay and Lesbian Rights’ to be sent to organisations. In an accompanying letter the Leader of the Council, Ken Livingstone, stated the GLC’s commitment to tackling the discrimination that the lesbian and gay community face ‘in every sphere’.
After the 1983 Conservative manifesto pledged to abolish the GLC, the council produced materials relating to lesbian and gay rights as part of its wider campaign against abolition.
Associated Organisation
Greater London Council (Produced for)
Associated Person
Ian Rathbone (Owner)
Material
Metal
Dimension
Diameter (Front): 3.8cm
On display?
No
Inscription
KEEP the GLC working for you!