The inaugural celebration of trans, non-binary, gender-diverse, and intersex trailblazers from history is taking place 6-12 May
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY TRANS+ HISTORY WEEK
Breaking new ground in the realm of education and celebration, the inaugural Trans+ History Week is poised to launch from the UK, illuminating the millennia-old tapestry of transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse, and intersex histories. Taking place from 6 – 12 May, this pioneering initiative, spearheaded by QueerAF launchpad project, aims to shed light on the often overlooked yet monumental contributions and struggles of Trans+ communities.
At its core, Trans+ History Week endeavours to educate the public, both in Britain and globally, about the profound historical significance of trans+ individuals. Through articles, podcasts, and a meticulously crafted lesson workbook founded on academic research principles, the initiative delves into a history stretching back to ancient times. Notably, it highlights figures like Enheduanna, the earliest known author in human history, whose work in ancient Samir (modern-day Iraq) acknowledged gender fluidity as far back as 2270 BCE.
Moreover, Trans+ History Week designates 6 May as Trans+ History Day, commemorating the 91st anniversary of the Nazi raid on the world’s first trans clinic. This poignant moment in history, often overshadowed, serves as a reminder of the systemic challenges faced by Trans+ communities.
Marty Davies (she/they) (Founder of Trans+ History Week CIC) said: “Everyone is talking about Trans+ people, but few Trans+ people are able to tell their own stories. That’s what Trans+ History Week is here to do. Exactly a year ago, I found out I’d been denied 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 – if it’s an image we all saw in school, what else was denied to us?”
They continued: “If we deny people their history, we deny them their humanity. Writing about this moment set me on a path to learn more and make our history accessible to everyone. We have created space for all of 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.”
Supported by sponsors like Clifford Chance, Verizon Business, and Deloitte UK, alongside a crowdfunding campaign, Trans+ History Week has garnered widespread support from leading LGBTQIA and Trans+ organisations and media outlets. The launch event in London on 7 May 7 promises to be a highlight, featuring a live podcast recording with Felix Mufti and Anthony Lexa from Netflix’s Sex Education, setting the stage for a week of enlightenment and celebration.
Jamie Wareham (he/him) (Founder of QueerAF CIC) said: “Watching a QueerAF article about one of the first and most infamous Nazi book burnings taking place at the world’s first sex and gender clinic and quickly becoming a regular tool used to shut down ‘transgender trend’ chatter online was fascinating. It was immediately evident we needed more stories, told in the same way – to do the same. That meant investing in Trans+ talent. The success of the first article, and the content since is a testament to the power of trusting people with lived experience to guide creative projects. We’re humbled to have powered the launch of Trans+ History Week into a Trans+ led and owned social enterprise as our first-ever launchpad initiative as part of our mission to model the change we want to see in the industry, as the UK’s only regulated, non-profit LGBTQIA publisher”
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