Smithsonian adds LGBT artefacts to American history collection

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History has added a number of artefacts from lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) history.

Among the fascinating pieces are a tennis racket belonging to Renee Richards, the first trans woman to be permitted to play in the US Open, in 1976, and the first ever transgender pride flag.

Smithsonian LGBT
The items collected include the first transgender pride flag

Also featured are a wealth of materials pertaining to Will and Grace, the first TV show featuring openly gay main characters to achieve mainstream success in the US.

The museum commented:"The LGBT narrative is an important part of that American story, and the Smithsonian has been documenting and collecting related objects for many years."

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