Marie Maitland - author of the earliest Sapphic poetry, in Scots, since Sappho herself
The Maitland Quarto manuscript (dated to 1586) is a truly remarkable manuscript of historical Scots poetry on two counts: one, for its multiple rich connections with women and, two, for its inclusion of among the earliest surviving instances of lesbian love poetry in any language in Europe since Sappho of Lesbos herself - who gave us the very words “lesbian” and “sapphic”, and who lived and wrote more than 2,000 years ago.
Poem 49 of the manuscript in particular, almost undoubtedly written by Marie Maitland, has been ‘hiding in plain sight’, with its lesbian meaning and female authorship often overlooked by the academic world.
Joins us in conversation with Ashley Douglas, researcher, writer and multi-lingual translator, specialising in the Scots language, as we discuss her research into Poem 49, the female-authored poetry of the Maitland Quarto manuscript, and Scotland's Sappho: Marie Maitland.
Porty Pride is a grassroots, community-led Pride. Our ethos is to provide an intergenerational, celebratory and educational Pride weekend. Porty Pride consists of events organised by local Portobello groups, businesses and residents. Contributing to the already unique and distinctive character of Portobello, Porty Pride aims to provide a place where all aspects of LGBTQ+ lives can be seen and celebrated. Find out more at portypride.com