please be aware that this is not the same statement that has been issued on line by the York LGBT forum, I would suggest that all the partners use the same response. My understand is that there is to be an open meeting to discuss this plaque at the LGBT forum open meeting on 9th August

Dear Leigh

Thank you for your message, we are very sorry you feel let down by the wording, the plaque consultation group comprising of York Civic Trust, YORK LGBT Forum, York LGBT History Month and The Churches Conservation Trust, have released a statement (click on link above). If you would like to be involved in the future consultation on the wording of the plaque, please consider joining the email list at http://eepurl.com/dCzwyP or follow @yorklgbthistory for updates.

I don’t feel let down by the wording, I believe this was well intentioned, I do however feel let down with the ill informed responses by the partners to the legitimate issues raised by the lesbian community and the offence this plaques wording continues to cause.

I am a York resident and Lesbian and would be more than happy to be part of any consultation process the partners propose.

The plaque has alienated a huge section of the LGBTQ+ community which I am sure was not the intention. The partners have the opportunity to put this right by hearing that voice and listening to the collective rather than one limited section of the York LGBT community which has few lesbians represented.

I note that the Civic Trust have used the term “modern Lesbian” to describe Anne throughout all your published information. The Phrase “Gender non conforming entrepreneur” seems to have come from a minority voice in the LGBTQ+ community.

I would also suggest that consultation with the historian who knows Anne best should be undertaken, Helena Whitbread has extensively researched Anne’s life and I wonder if she was ever asked if this is how Anne saw herself.

Hi Julie, we understand your concerns over the wording of the Rainbow Plaque. In response, we will be releasing a press statement this week with the 3 other groups involved in forming its creation (The Churches Conservation Trust, York LGBT History Month, York LGBT Forum). We do, however, feel that the installation of the plaque is good news for the community as a whole. The intention of the commemorative Rainbow Plaque at Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, is to recognise the impact that Anne Lister has had on so many people and to celebrate an important figure, and moment, in LGBT history. We are really sorry that you feel let down by the wording of the plaque.