We are excited to be hosting an LGBTQ+ History Month panel on queer history with speakers and authors Dan Glass, David Shenton, and Special guest Dr Frances Hurd on 1st March from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm.
The discussion will focus on our queer past and future with Dan who is the thought-provoking author of ‘Queer Footprints - A Guide to Uncovering London’s Fierce History’ and “United Queerdom - from the Legends of the Gay Liberation Front”. David Shenton is a cartoonist and author of “Forty Lies: A Work of IPSEDIXITISM”. Dr. Frances Hurd is a dedicated historical researcher, with a profound interest in exploring the social and emotional ramifications of the First World War. For the last three years, she has been exploring the impact of the war on queer men.
- Doors open at 6:30 pm and discussions from 7 pm
About Dan Glass
Dan Glass is an award-winning human rights activist, performer, educator, film presenter, investigative reporter, art activist, speaker, and mentor. Dan is the network developer for ‘The Glass Is Half Full’ collective whose programs outlined here take pleasure in overcoming injustice through performance, popular education, and movement building.
About David Shenton
David Shenton is a queer cartoonist who reflects on over 40 years of using humor and creativity to address LGBTQI+ issues, sharing personal stories of Coming Out, navigating societal challenges, and advocating for the community. The book, "FORTY LIES=LIFE STORY," is a whimsical and vaguely chronological collection of anecdotes that blend reality and honesty, tackling topics like family rejection, dodgy relationships, societal prejudice, HIV/AIDS, and the fight for equal rights. It's a unique blend of history and personal narrative, presented in a comic book format with a touch of humor and even knitting patterns.
About Dr Frances Hurd
Dr Frances Hurd is a historical researcher specialising in the social and emotional impact of the First World War. She regularly gives talks and publishes about her work. For the last three years she has been exploring the impact of the war on queer men. Prosecutions significantly increased during the war, and harsher penalties were more regularly used. In particular, it appears that there was a 'purge' of queer officers in 1916. In 2023 the Imperial War Museum invited Frances to give an online talk on her research as their contribution to LGBTQ+ History Month, which had the highest listening figures of any in the museum's history. She looks forward to reconnecting today's queer community with this lost piece of their past.