LGBTQ+ people have existed throughout human history, but often those stories leave little evidence. Due to the nature of changing language, even when the evidence exists, it can easily be misinterpreted or presented in a completely different way.

The book '50 LGBTQ+ Finds', published in April 2025, highlights objects found by members of the public, which are recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme. In this book, these objects are used to tell the stories of LGBTQ+ history and culture, focusing on five key areas:

• historical figures,

• the natural world,

• language and symbolism,

• mythology and folklore

• and communities.

Did you know that 18% of male sheep are bisexual or that pirates created their own form of marriage to allow same-sex partnerships? 50 LGBTQ+ Finds provides a brief glimpse into the deep and diverse nature that is sexuality and gender.

In this talk, author and curator Ben Paites will be talking about what inspired him to write his latest book, why it is important in providing the reader with evidence to combat the bigotry that many LGBTQ+ people face and give a bit more detail about the history of some of the objects and subjects mentioned. Whether you are interested in history, science, art or just love a good story, this talk will certainly have something for everyone.