Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has lent his support to the campaign, saying such a museum would “shine a light on to its communities’ rich and complex history”

“As Mayor, it’s so important to me that London is seen as a city where LGBTQ+ people feel valued, happy and safe,” said Mayor Khan. “This sends a clear message to the world that London is a beacon of diversity.”

“I look forward to the opening of the new museum and the role it will play in shining a light on LGBTQ+ history.”

Former editor of Gay Times, Joe Galliano who is leading the campaign, told the Guardian: “We don’t underestimate the challenge. But artefacts and people’s stories are being lost every day and we need to save them.

“Already many of the people – inevitably mainly men – who directly experienced the situation before the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967, are no longer with us.”

A press release from the organisers reveals that the purpose of the museum is to “preserve” LGBT+ history.

“Given that many LGBTQ+ lives have been, and some continue to be, led in private, there is a gaping hole in British culture. Many stories have been lost, forgotten or buried and Queer Britain will preserve these vital accounts of LGBTQ+ history.

“Between now and the anticipated opening of the museum in 2021, Queer Britain will be collecting stories from the LGBTQ+ community nationwide and their allies to ensure these vital pieces of history are understood and celebrated for years to come.”

Although the museum’s planned opening date isn’t until 2021, a launch campaign for the project takes place in London tonight (February 28)