ABSTRACT
Northern Ireland remains a deeply divided society that continues to emerge from a devastating conflict. The needs of the two opposing ethnic identities have dominated socio-political discourse as a means to maintain a fragile peace. Those oppressed minority groups falling outside of this conflict narrative have been overshadowed and, in some instances, obscured entirely by a process that struggles to bring their needs to the fore. In this chapter, I advocate for the increased representation of LGBTQ+ heritage in Northern Ireland's museums and argue that doing so can deconstruct oppressive national myths.
In the last decade, the region's heritage sector has sought to reinterpret ingrained misconceptions that contribute to division across the island of Ireland by presenting alternative narratives. However, one of the most controversial and enduring figures associated with British unionism in Northern Ireland has remained untouched – William of Orange. Current museum interpretation has focused on his victory in battle and his role as an icon for unionist identity. What has not been explored, however, is the multifaceted nature of William's identity and more specifically his alleged relationships with men. This is particularly poignant given that his greatest supporters have been the loudest opponents of LGBTQ+ rights in contemporary Northern Ireland.
Utilising my own work on LGBTQ+ programming with Historic Royal Palaces, I present a methodology for queering William of Orange. In doing so, I present an alternative interpretation that seeks to improve the lived experience of LGBTQ+ people in Northern Ireland and beyond.
