The inaugural event will take place between 6–12 May this year
BY ELLA GAUCI
In a landscape where Pride events might seem to be facing constraints, the emergence of initiatives like Trans+ History Week underscores a profound commitment from corporations and organisations to celebrate and educate about the rich history of the LGBTQIA community.
Trans+ History Week, running from 6–12 May represents a significant milestone in recognising and honouring the diverse experiences of transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse, and intersex individuals throughout history. Spearheaded by a coalition of prominent LGBTQIA and Trans+ organisations in the UK, including Stonewall, DIVA, Gendered Intelligence, and London Trans+ Pride, this inaugural event aims to provide a platform for reflection, celebration, and education.
The enthusiastic support from corporate entities like Deloitte UK, Clifford Chance, Verizon Business, Reddit, and NQ64 demonstrates a genuine commitment to amplifying historically marginalised voices. These sponsors are not just lending their names but actively participating in events like live podcasts and panel discussions, showcasing their dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding within the community.
Marty Davies (she/they), founder of Trans+ History Week, said: “The entirety of my schooling took place under Section 28. Earlier this year, I found out I’d been robbed of important history about myself and my community. Learning that one of the most famous Nazi book burnings was at a trans clinic was a huge surprise to me. But it made me wonder why – it’s an image we all saw in school, why didn’t we get the full context? Like myself, most people didn’t get the chance to learn about the complex history of the world’s first trans clinic. Learning about it set me on a path of wanting to learn more and go deeper. If we rob people of their history, we deny them their humanity. I want to create space for us to stand joyfully in our present with our hands wrapped around our past. Using this knowledge to steel us as we carve out a better future.”
One of the flagship events of Trans+ History Week is a live recording of the QueerAF podcast on 7 May, featuring discussions on groundbreaking TV representations and panel discussions on the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA rights.
Jen Longstaff, Arcus UK Co-Chair of the Clifford Chance LGBTQ+ network, added: “We are honoured to support Trans+ History Week as it aligns with our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates diversity. We are honoured to be part of this event as we recognise the importance of acknowledging and understanding the rich history and contributions of the trans and non-binary community. This support is a testament to our dedication to promoting equality, both within our firm and the wider community. We believe that engaging with and supporting such events can help to educate and inspire, fostering a culture of inclusivity that benefits everyone.”
QueerAF and Trans+ History Week CIC have invested in 20 trans+ creatives to produce content that reflects on history and offers insights for a better future. From collaborative articles to podcast series, these initiatives serve as a testament to the power of storytelling in driving social change.
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