But it still doesn't sound like they are going to call her a lesbian. Quoting the York LGBT Forum statement (see lines in bold);
Following a planned meeting of York Civic Trust, the Churches Conservation Trust, York LGBT Forum and York LGBT History Month, all four partners wish to publicly share our agreed way forward to address the concerns raised with us relating to the wording of the first permanent Rainbow Plaque in York.
The wording on the plaque which commemorates Anne Lister and Ann Walker taking sacrament at Holy Trinity Church has received a huge amount of feedback, which we, the partners, wish to take time to address. The plaque is intended to be a positive celebration of the union of Anne Lister and Ann Walker, and this remains the case. The last thing we wanted to do was to cause offence or upset to any community. As such, we have jointly taken the decision to change the wording on the plaque, taking into account the feedback we have received.
To ensure an open and transparent process, the partners intend to move forward in the following way:
• The partners will consult with key historians and experts on the works of Anne Lister to develop alternative wording.
• Any proposed wording will be based on the following principles:
• It will recognise the union of Anne and Ann, which is directly related to the taking of sacrament at Holy Trinity Church.
• It will reflect as accurately as possible Anne’s own view of herself.
• It will where possible be based on the words Anne chose to describe herself, her actions and her lifestyle.
• All wording will be checked for historical accuracy by academic experts who have extensively studied Anne’s work prior to consultation.
• The proposed wording, along with an explanation of how it has been chosen, will be shared for public comment, and revised in light of public feedback before being finalised.
• A clear governance process has been agreed by the four partners to consider the consultation findings and approve the final wording prior to casting.
• The partners aim to have a new plaque in place by Spring 2019.
• The existing plaque will remain as a placeholder until the consultation has taken place in order to show our commitment to commemorating Anne Lister and Ann Walker’s union at Holy Trinity. This in no way should be interpreted as hesitancy in changing the wording on the final plaque.
If you wish to take part in the consultation please register your interest by joining the mailing list at eepurl.com/dCzwyP