In this film, Professor Cook importantly points out how significant the recent interest in local histories has been to discover LGBTQ+ history across the UK rather than just in the cities. Those local history projects have often included oral histories which had also importantly added to the scholarship and study of the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.

Professor Cook explores the way in which studying London and other urban areas can both strengthen our collective understanding of what it meant to be LGBTQ+ in the past but also cloud our understanding as key cities do not always represent wider society.

Much of the history he discusses is around UK history. LGBTQ+ history is one of those key areas of study that only some countries’ academics are investigating, either through choice or because they are not allowed to explore it. Professor Cook is keen to point out that a wider understanding of LGBTQ+ history across communities is needed. He hopes that the academic post that he holds will help to do that.