Navy uniform hat, paper flowers and wedding photo in museum display case
We have recently added some fantastic new items to our community case in the Tales from the city exhibition. This case enables us to reveal LGBT+ stories not represented in the exhibition, which people contact us about and would like to share.
The items were very kindly loaned by Emma and Ann Miller-McCaffrey and tell the story of their relationship.
Emma and Ann tied the knot on 19 November 2016 at St George’s Hall, Liverpool. Just four months earlier Ann had very publically proposed to Emma on stage at Liverpool Pride. The proposal, in front of thousands of people, soon went viral! Ann, a Chief Petty Officer, was wearing full Naval uniform, including this cap on display.
After the wedding ceremony, the couple partied the night away, with family and friends, on board HMS Eaglet. The ship was decorated with these rainbow and trans pride roses.
Emma and Ann first met in 2013 through Diversity Role Models, a charity which tackles bullying related to gender and sexuality in schools. Emma is a role model and ambassador for the charity and Ann one of its trustees.
Ann tells us more about her proposal –
“The ‘Come Out of the Shadows’ campaign by Liverpool Pride to light up architectural landmarks across the city with rainbow colours really resonated with me and my personal journey. Having been born, grown up and met my future wife in Liverpool – proposing at Liverpool Pride in 2016 just seemed the natural thing to do. The Royal Navy has been a huge part of my life so proposing in uniform made me very proud!”
Thank you to Emma and Ann Miller–McCaffrey. If you would like to share your story please get in touch by emailing museumofliverpool@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk