For some members of the LGBTQ+ community here in the north, three words will spark reflections and memories of a very important movement at a crucial time for the country: Never Going Underground.

Those three words were used during Manchester’s historic campaign against Section 28 on February 20, 1988. The rally saw more than 20,000 people march through the city centre to Albert Square against the Local Government Act’s clause which banned the promotion of homosexuality in schools and local authorities. It is regarded as the largest LGBTQ+ demonstration in British history still to this day.

Using a design adapted from the original London Transport logo, the Never Going Underground original campaign motif was designed by activist Ian Wilmott and has, in the years since, become synonymous with themes of protest and resilience amongst the community.

Described as being a ‘bold declaration of resistance, solidarity and pride’, the original Never Going Underground poster has now been presented to the London Transport Museum in order to be preserved and remind people of its impact on not only British history but advancements within the LGBTQ+ movement. 

"In 1988 we borrowed the London Transport logo without permission as an act of political creativity and protest,” Ian recalls now. “Nearly forty years later, it feels deeply appropriate to present one of the last remaining original posters to the Museum - as a gesture of respect and gratitude.”

The 1988 protest featured campaigners including Sir Ian McKellen and actors Sue Johnson and Ricky Tomlinson from Brookside. It has since been recognised as a pinnacle mobilisation which helped galvanise the national opposition to Section 28 and contributed towards its successful repeal in 2003.

(Ian Wilmott presented the museum with the original Never Going Underground poster (pic: Jasmine Sandhu)

Ian visited London last week to hand over one of the last remaining original posters to the Transport Museum. Joining him at the ceremony were a number of Manchester LGBTQ+ activists, including Paul Fairweather and Cllr Pat Karney, as well as Elly Baker, the London Assembly Lead on Public Transport.

Councillor Pat Karney, representing Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester has always stood for solidarity, inclusion and the defence of minority communities. The events of February 1988 remain a defining moment in our civic history. This handover recognises the importance of preserving that story - and of acknowledging the pivotal role Manchester always plays in the national fight for equality and inclusion.

“We are honoured that this historic artefact will be preserved within London’s transport heritage collection and the link between the two great cities of Manchester and London in their stand for justice.”