Join us for “Locating Transness in History” on Thursday 7th November, 5-7pm at Westminster City Archives. Professor Pippa Catterall will explore how transness has been understood across different cultures and eras. Stay for a Q&A and networking! 
 

Title: “Locating Transness in History”

Date: Thursday 7^th November 5-7pm

Location: Westminster City Archives, 10 St Ann’s Street, London, SW1P 2DF

The London Trans Pride march traverses the City of Westminster and ends every year in Soho Square. Yet it only started in 2019. It is thus easy to see transness as modern, a product of advancing medical knowledge and possibilities. Indeed, the word ‘transsexual’ was only coined by David Caudwell in 1949, and the term ‘transgender’ only came into vogue in the 1990s. However, a phenomenon does not need to be named to exist (the term heterosexuality only emerged in the late Victorian period!). Yet there’s a problem with raiding history for examples of gender nonconforming people – of whom there are myriad, including saints, warriors and even Roman emperors – and applying to them anachronistic labels. In this talk Professor Pippa Catterall will instead suggest that we need to locate transness within broader understandings and expressions of sex and gender that have varied over time and space and will continue to do so in future. 

Biography: 

Pippa Catterall is Professor of History and Policy at the University of Westminster. She is a trans woman and her many publications include her co-authored report for the Royal Historical Society on LGBT+ Histories and Historians (2020) whilst her current work focuses on LGBTQ+ inclusion in public space.

Programme:

5:00 – 5:30 PM
Welcome & Introduction

5:30 – 6:00 PM
Talk: “Locating Transness in History”
by Pippa Catterall

6:00 – 6:30 PM
Q&A Session

6:30 – 6:45 PM
Networking & Socialising
 

Support Our Event: To make this event accessible to all, we offer free tickets to those facing financial difficulties. However, if you’re able, we kindly ask for contributions to help cover the costs of organising this event, which totals around £275 (including £100 for administration and promotion, £75 for drinks, refreshments, and snacks, and £50 each for the speakers’ contributions). Your support is greatly appreciated.
 

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Access: From the street, wheelchair users should be aware there is a downward gradient that leads to a level entrance. The event will take place in the ground floor. There is level access to an accessible toilet.
 

Acknowledgments: A huge thank you to our supporters; this event wouldn’t be possible without you.
 

Ticket link