Sylvia Rivera: a positive voice in defence of the most vulnerable and marginalised

By Anna Chivers (she/her)

In the past, I have been invited to speak on behalf of the charity Mermaids [link: www.mermaidsuk.org.uk] at Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR) events at the University of Lincoln. So, it was especially meaningful to be asked to speak in my own right at the most recent, student organised TDoR event and vigil, on Sunday 20th November 2022.  On Monday 20th February I have been invited to speak by the University of Lincoln’s student Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Humanities and Heritage School.  Please join me!

LGBTQ+ History Month - An event with Anna Chivers, an artist, carer and former Mermaids volunteer and trustee. - Date of event - Monday 20th February 6-7pm - Location NDH0020 - Funded by College of Arts EDI committee fund. Image of Sylvia zine and "mother of all gay people"
LGBTQ+ History Month event with Anna

The social impact of the COVID pandemic had emphasised the importance of connection, community and solidarity to many of us in the trans including non-binary community, where the isolating effects of prejudice and discrimination are already significant challenges. This has been compounded over recent years in the UK by a growing trend of hostile rhetoric in politics and the media, creating an environment where reported hate crimes and incidents break shameful new records year on year.

 

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The Zine and Queer Self Expression

Jamie Markham (BA History Student)

SEDIC (Humanities and Heritage: Students Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee) Student Representative

 

This past December, I was given the opportunity to create my own zine (available here on the Library website: Queer Love: An Invisible History) with the workshop that the lovely University of Lincoln staff hosted in the Library. Knowing little about zines, this event allowed me to unravel a rich queer history of self-expression. Much more than a booklet, the zine was a movement, an outlet, and a message to society. One in which allowed LGBTQ+ people to become fiercely visible in the face of oppression. Let me guide you through this rich cultural history as I take you back in time.

Picture of zine Queer Love: An Invisible History by Jamie Markham
Queer Love: An Invisible History by Jamie Markham

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Queer People ‘Behind the Lens’

By Jemima Sims
Library Assistant in the Main University Library

Founded in 2004, LGBTQIA+ History month is upon us, and the theme is “Behind the Lens”. In February 2023, the UK will celebrate the people behind the scenes of stage and screen, such as costume designers, composers, playwrights, screenwriters, make-up artists and many more. Queer actors and actresses are gaining more visibility than ever, however the people off-screen are often unknown, and their contributions are huge.

Photograph of LGBTQI+ history month display
LGBTQ+ History Month in the main Library

The University Library have put together some social media posts to celebrate these talented and creative people, beginning with some of the most exciting costume designers in history; Adrian, Orry-Kelly and Patricia Field.

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