‘The Fags Have Lost that Wounded Look’: Piccadilly Tour
‘History is not the past, it is the present. We carry our history with us. We are our history’ says James Baldwin.
Ever wanted to learn more about the queer history of Piccadilly? Dan Glass, author of ‘Queer Footprints: A Guide to Uncovering London’s Fierce History', is here to guide you in partnership with OUTbound - TfL's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT+) Staff Network Group.
Highlights - stops include the formation of Gay News the first LGBTQIA+ publication since partial decriminalisation in 1967, first sold at Pride; the foundations of the Homosexual Law Reform Society (HLRS), OutRage! - the radical, non-violent, direct action LGBTQIA+ movement and The London Lesbian Avengers; iconic queer club nights such as Kinky Gerlinky; saunas and scandals; sex workers stories and movements; creative direction actions from The Gay Liberation Front including the use of a 15-foot cucumber prop; the birth of the modern Pride movement and All Night Gaiety at The Caravan Club.
Meeting point - Statue of Eros, Piccadilly Circus.
Nearest wheelchair accessible stations with platform access - Tottenham Court Road - step free from street to train for the Northern and Elizabeth Lines, but from street to platform only for the Central Line.
This tour ends at Hatchards bookshop, where there will be an event. You do not need a seperate ticket to attend.
Contact - @danglassmincer / alright@theglassishalffull.co.uk
PRAISE FOR QUEER FOOTPRINTS PUBLISHED BY PLUTO PRESS - Pre-order here
‘The strength and the beauty of this book is its resolute and joyful nod to queer history, the multiplicity of our stories and the ongoing, transformative process of our queer footprints which continue to add layers onto the city I was lucky enough to grow up in. London, through the eyes of Glass, is ever-changing but always radical.’ Juno Roche.
"This electrifying book is an adventure book through London’s untold queer past. Every page is packed with inspiring, moving and downright hilarious secrets just itching to be uncovered - and with the riotously entertaining Dan Glass as your mincing tour guide - you’ll have an absolute blast as you do. A word of warning: after reading this, London will never seem the same again." Sam Arbor, Film Director
"Queer Footprints is your back pocket guide to our queer/LGBTQIA+ histories, full of joy and ammunition to claim without any shame our beautiful queer futures." Tash Walker, host of The Log Books podcast and Co-Chair of Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline (2018 - 2022).
