Take pride: Smithsonian livestreams LGBTQ+ history—and the Pet Shop Boys—in YouTube broadcast

At a loose end this lockdown weekend? Why not fly the flag for gay pride (in a virtual way) and log on to YouTube on 31 May for the Smithsonian’s Project Pride event, billed as a “virtual concert and digital time-capsule celebration of LGBTQ+ heritage, culture and history featuring LGBTQ+ musicians, artists and allies” (look out for the Indigo Girls, Rufus Wainwright and the Pet Shop Boys). This free broadcast is organised by the Smithsonian Pride Alliance, an LGBTQ+ employee affinity group which encompasses all of the institution’s 19 museums. In a stroke of genius, the programme will be rounded out with visuals of LGBTQ+-related artefacts and stories from Smithsonian collections based in Washington DC such as the National Museum of African American History. These include a poignant colour photographic slide of the late activist and LGBTQ+ heroine Marsha P. Johnson marching in a gay rights demonstration (1982).We love you Marsha. Project Pride premieres on YouTube 31 May at 8pm EDT; the broadcast is free, but please send a digital RSVP.