On Wednesday Feb 23rd from 7.30pm, we will discuss “Queer: A Graphic History” online via video-call. Please click to contact us for the details. You can buy a reduced copy from The Yellow Lighted Bookshop (RRP is £14.99 but add coupon “StroudRadical” at the checkout to buy a copy for £13.19 – saving £1.80 or 12%).
“Activist-academic Meg-John Barker and cartoonist Jules Scheele illuminate the histories of queer thought and LGBTQ+ action…”
“A kaleidoscope of characters from the diverse worlds of pop culture, film, activism and acaedia… guide us on a journey through the ideas, people and events that have shaped queer theory. From identity politics and gender roles to privilege and exclusion, Queer explores how we came to view sex, gender and sexuality in the ways that we do, and how culture can shift our perspective of what’s ‘normal’.” – book jacket
It’s harder than usual to create a focus text this month, but as ever we welcome people who are not able to read the book (or read it in full). If you can’t access the book, please try to watch the videos below. People are always welcome to come along and listen if they’ve not had time to engage with any of the content
The first video is under 3 minutes and offers a very quick glance and overview of the book:
The second, 20 minute, video features an interview with Meg-John Barker on a tour of places that are important to them – queer and trans friendly hairdressers Open Barbers, LGBT health and well-being centre London Friend where Meg-John works as a counsellor once a week, and the Open University branch in Camden where Barket often attends events or hosts meetings. They talk about “lots of topics including therapy, love, gender, sexual and relationship diversity, the need (or not) for labels, kink, and what kind of cake I prefer!”
February is LGBTQ history month in the UK, coinciding with a major celebration of the 2003 abolition of Section 28 (which prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities – effectively banning discussion and presentation of resources).
Stroud Radical Reading Group 