As part of LGBTQIA+ history month, I wanted to spotlight a pre-modern historical find which demonstrates the complexities of gender identity and presentation throughout history. One claim that many transgender and gender non-conforming people are faced with is the assertion that their experiences are somehow a new phenomenon. The “we never had these ideas in … Continue reading “LGBTQIA+ History Month – Burying the truth: gender, the media, and accessing the past”
Author: Abigail Hudson
LGBTQIA+ History Month – ‘Passing the love of woman’: Romantic Female Friendships in the Eighteenth Century
In contrast to male homosexuality, same-sex female attraction in England has not been historically tainted with criminalisation. Referred to as the ‘silent sin’ by church authorities, it was thought that if kept out of popular consciousness, women would be unable to even think of same-sex relationships, let alone take part in them. As a result, … Continue reading “LGBTQIA+ History Month – ‘Passing the love of woman’: Romantic Female Friendships in the Eighteenth Century”
LGBTQIA+ History Month – Male Homosexuality in Ancient Rome
In honour of LGBTQIA+ history month, Ancient History alumni Ollie Burns takes a closer look at the social, political, and cultural implications of homosexuality in ancient Rome. Trigger Warning: sexual violence, homophobia, paedophilia, nudity. The presentation and perception of homosexuality in the Roman world was vastly different than how it is today, and gives us … Continue reading “LGBTQIA+ History Month – Male Homosexuality in Ancient Rome”
LGBTQIA+ History Month – ‘Innovate, don’t assimilate’: The Gay Liberation Front Manifesto, 50 years on
Trigger Warning: homophobia, transphobia, violence, mental health issues The advent of LGBTQIA+ history month entails a mixed bag of emotions for many; though an essential and uplifting opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of queer people throughout history, it also prompts a sober reflection on the casualties of the struggle for liberation, and the … Continue reading “LGBTQIA+ History Month – ‘Innovate, don’t assimilate’: The Gay Liberation Front Manifesto, 50 years on”
Approaching the Archive – 5 top tips!
5 tips to help you in the archives For many History students, trips to archives and accessing primary sources are part of the excitement of undertaking a History degree. Despite ongoing COVID-19 restrictions limiting in-person visits, there are many sources that are available digitally and may act as a way of fulfilling that gap. Thus, … Continue reading “Approaching the Archive – 5 top tips!”
Diss Diaries – Emilia Cherry, Single honours History
When we were asked to write our research proposal, I only had a very vague idea of what I wanted to write my dissertation on. All I knew is that I wanted to study modern history, but I did not have an immediate preference on the country or topic. Because of this, I started … Continue reading “Diss Diaries – Emilia Cherry, Single honours History”
Diss Diaries – Ollie Burns, Ancient History Graduate
‘How justified is Domitian’s historical reputation as a ‘bad’ Emperor?’ Fortunately for me, coming up with a topic for my dissertation was never something I particularly struggled with. From the age of 15 or 16, I knew I wanted to go to University and study Ancient History, and write my dissertation on one of … Continue reading “Diss Diaries – Ollie Burns, Ancient History Graduate”
Meet this year’s Editors!
Hi, my name is Isabel, I am from Surrey and am currently a first-year student at Birmingham. In year one we study Discovering the Middle Ages and Making of the Modern World, which is quite fascinating as it’s something I’ve never had the opportunity to study in depth before, but my interests mainly lie … Continue reading “Meet this year’s Editors!”