Queer Britain, the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ museum, has opened its doors to a major new exhibition this autumn — and it’s one that promises to resonate deeply with visitors.
Top by acclaimed artist Claye Bowler is now on display in King’s Cross, running until 23 November 2025, marking its London debut following its celebrated premiere at the Henry Moore Institute in 2022.
At the heart of Top is Bowler’s deeply personal seven-year journey through the UK’s healthcare system in pursuit of gender-affirming top surgery. Drawing on his professional background as a museum registrar, Bowler transforms his own lived experience into a fictionalised archive that blends the deeply intimate with the institutional. The installation features more than a hundred objects — from drawings, films, and letters to sculptures and collected artefacts — all carefully assembled to document both the struggle and the triumph of transitioning.
What makes Top truly remarkable is its dual power: it’s a chronicle of resilience and a celebration of trans existence. “When creating Top, I initially thought it was about dysphoria,” Bowler reflects. “But through sharing it, I realised it’s actually a celebration of being trans and overcoming struggle.” Now, presented in the perfect context of Queer Britain, the work invites audiences to consider not only trans joy, but also the politics of museums and whose stories are preserved within them.
Alongside Top, visitors can also explore a display from the Museum of Transology, the UK’s most significant collection representing trans, non-binary and intersex lives. This season also brings the final chance to experience the award-winning We Are Queer Britain exhibition, marking 50 years since the UK’s first Pride march, before the galleries temporarily close in December to prepare for a brand-new exhibition launching in February 2026 for LGBTQ+ History Month.
Queer Britain’s autumn programme adds even more reasons to visit, with special events designed to spark conversation, reflection and community. Highlights include:
A Conversation with Claye Bowler and E-J Scott, curator of the Museum of Transology, at W Hotel London on 17 September, 6.30pm
Visualising Queer Spaces and Utopias, a talk on 11 October at 1pm
Black History Month: The Black Lesbian Movement, on 19 October at 2pm
Queer Domesticity in 20th Century Fiction and Poetry, on 15 November at 2pm
Queer Britain’s Chief Executive Andrew Given says the exhibition couldn’t be more timely: “A celebration of the trans community is needed right now — their voices are being silenced, and their right to exist peacefully in society is being challenged. Trans rights are human rights, and the community will always have a place at Queer Britain Museum.”
Queer Britain is open Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm–6pm, with admission offered on a Pay What You Can basis. Advance booking is recommended at queerbritain.org.uk
