M Shed unveil virtual events programme to mark LGBTQ+ History Month

M Shed unveil virtual events programme to mark LGBTQ+ History Month

Posted on: 02 Feb 2021

Access panel talks, Q&A discussions and more, all for free, throughout February.

 

Bristol's M Shed have unveiled a new virtual events programme for February, hosting a series of online talks, panel discussions and Q&As in recognition of LGBTQ+ History Month 2021.

 

With the museum itself still unable to reopen amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, attendees are encouraged to browse the M Shed website and sign up for the event of their choice to get involved from home.

 

Bookings can be made in advance, free of charge, with donations welcome to support the organisers. Read on for a quick rundown of what's coming up in February, from an exploration into Muslim views on queer relationships to a history of gender in sport.

 

 

Muslim Views on Queer Relationships Over Time | Thursday 4 February

 

According to LGBTQ+ charity Hidayah, research shows that Muslim views on sexual diversity became more conservative in the last century, and today many Muslim communities worldwide do not accept same-sex activity.

 

Some Islamic states imprison gay people under morality laws, while others go as far as imposing the death penalty.

 

In this online talk, Hidayah Outreach Volunteer Osman will reflect on queer Muslim art and poetry from the past, considering how queer Muslims have become increasingly visible over the years and challenging views of hetero-normative attitudes in Muslim society today.

 

Sign up for the talk, taking place via Zoom from 18:00-19:00 this Thursday 4 February, here.

 

Michael Dillon: Trans Pioneer | Wednesday 10 February

 

One of the key figures in 20th century trans history, Michael Dillon was one of the first people to use testosterone as part of his treatment, and possibly the very first to receive a penis through plastic surgery.

 

Dillon's importance, however, goes far beyond his medical transition. His writing on the medical treatment of trans people was decades ahead of its time, and he later became the first Western European to be ordained as a Buddhist monk.

 

Join Outstories Bristol Co-chair Cheryl Morgan as she explores Dillon's life, and brings to light some of the latest research on his time in Bristol.

 

In Conversation with Nicola Griffith | Tuesday 16 February

 

Saint Hilda of Whitby is a key figure in the history of Christianity in early Britain. Born into a royal family in Northumbria in 614 CE, Hilda entered the church and founded Whitby Abbey.

 

In her historical novel, Hild, based on the early life of the Saint, award-winning novelist Nicola Griffith chose to make her heroine bisexual.

 

As part of the M Shed's LGBTQ+ History Month programme, Griffith will (virtually) sit down with Cheryl Morgan to discuss the research underpinning the novel, and explore our understanding of sexuality and gender in the ancient and early-medieval world.

 

The History of Gender in Sport | Wednesday 24 February

 

Closing the M Shed's 2021 LGBTQ+ History Month programme will be a panel discussion looking at the history of gender segregation in sport, from the women gladiators of anceint Rome to female involvement in the modern Olympic Games.

 

Down the centuries, the question of who can partake in sport has always been controversial and not least for the LGBTQ+ community. In the 20th century, thanks to advances in medical science, the focus has switched over to definitions of womanhood.

 

Panel members Cheryl Morgan, Sonja Erikainen (University of Edinburgh), Samantha Walker (Women's National League), Verity Smith (Leeds Rhinos) and Noah Riseman (Australian Catholic University, Melbourne) will discuss the relationship between sport and gender throughout history, and what that means for intersex and trans athletes today.

 

Find out more about the panel and book your place here.

 

For more information about the M Shed's LGBTQ+ History Month programme, or to see what else they've got coming up in 2021, head to their website.


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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.