Norena Shopland has a Master's degree in heritage studies. Originally from Cardiff, she has worked for the British Museum, National Museums Scotland and the Museum of London and other heritage organisations. Now specialising in LGBT+ studies, women's and Welsh histories she is responsible for several ground-breaking projects. Norena conceived and secured a NHLF grant for Welsh Pride the first project in Wales to highlight the country's LGBT+ people, allies and events; and managed Gender Fluidity, the first funded transgender project in Wales. Her book Forbidden Lives: LGBT stories from Wales is the first completely historical work on Welsh sexual orientation and gender identity. Norena lectures extensively and has appeared in the press, radio, and TV. She is currently working with the Big Pit museum on the first exhibition of women miners in Wales; with Swansea's Waterfront Museum on an exhibition of Welsh button badges; and Race Council Cymru on their Windrush Cymru NHLF project. Her book The Curious Case of the Eisteddfod Baton celebrates Welsh choral singing and the mining of Welsh gold; The Veronal Mystery examines a real-life gay crime; and Women in Male Attire: their fight to wear trousers (Pen and Sword Books) is forthcoming June 2021.