Researching Scotland's Trans History with Sam Rutherford

A workshop on what historical sources can tell us about what it might have been like to be an ordinary trans person in Scotland 1850-1950
About this Event

For every Ewan Forbes, there were dozens more people in nineteenth- and twentieth-century Scotland who lived lives that moved away from the gender to which they were assigned at birth. How can we find them, and what can (and can't) we learn about them? In this workshop, we'll discuss what historical sources can tell us about what it might have been like to be an ordinary trans person in Scotland around 1850–1950, and point you to some tools for doing your own trans history research. 

By day, Sam Rutherford is Lecturer in LGBTQ+ History at the University of Glasgow. By night, he is a member of Glasgow's trans community who tries to use the past as a resource to build power, find solidarity, and get organised in the present.

What to expect

An informal research workshop in a small-group setting. The workshop lasts for 2 hours with a break in the middle. No experience necessary and no advance preparation needed. 

Booking

Tickets are pay-what-you-can. Booking in advance is essential as places are limited so, if you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else.

Venue & Accessibility

The event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car, along with access information, on our location & accessibility page. 

Any other questions

Please email us: [email protected]