Tuesday 22-02-2022 - 10:22

By: Bronnie Caine (they/them)

Lampeter Campus LGBT+ (Open Space) Part-Time Officer 2021-2022

It’s pretty safe to say that you are all aware of major events that have aided the equalisation of LGBTQ+ rights: Stonewall, the legalisation of gay marriage etc. You probably know some LGBTQ+ celebrities: Freddie Mercury, Angelina Jolie, Elliot Page etc. But everyday, throughout history, there have been ordinary people making small acts of rebellion against anti-LGBTQ+ behaviour.

2900-2500 BC: The first record of a transgender person!

One of the earliest records of an LGBTQ+ individual was found just outside Prague in 2011. While buried in a ritual that is specifically reserved for women, it is noted that the skeleton was assigned male at birth. This has led the archaeologist to believe that this is the early case of what can be described as a transexual individual or evidence of a third gender in the Czech Republic.

A lot of early history didn’t have the prejudice and exclusionary laws that have made up the last several hundred years. There’s endless evidence to the existence of LGBTQ+ people and acceptance of them in society. I mean, the first same-sex marriage happened during the Roman Empire – why did we have to make it illegal later?

1914: A Florida Enchantment

A Florida Enchantment is a silent film that is recognised for its depiction of lesbian, transgender and bisexual themes.

An engaged Northern woman stops at a curiosity shop and buys some seeds that change men into women and vice versa. The morning after she decided to test them, she wakes up as a man (this is sometimes read as a transformation into a butch lesbian. (This is supported by her fiancé’s transformation into what could be an effeminate gay man.) However, they are both shown as attracted to each other and the same sex, and has often been considered the first documented appearance of bisexual characters in American motion picture history.

20th Century: The importance of Lavender

Lavender, with all its subtle shifting hues, has historical significance in representing resistance and power. It all began in the 7th century BC when Sappho used ‘violet tiaras’ in her poetry. This symbolism carried as in the 1920s, lesbians gifted violets to each other as an expression of sapphic interest.

The 1930s were a dark period where gay American men were taunted for having a ‘lavender dash’ or ‘streak’. The Lavender Scare describes a national witch hunt in which homosexual men and women were purged from government. The suspicion and fear led to around 5,000 employees losing their jobs based on their sexuality.

By 1969, the colour came to symbolise empowerment. Lavender sashes and armbands were distributed throughout the gay power march to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. The actor and writer, Quentin Crisp, had lavender hair as a way of disrupting gender norms.

Nowadays, the colour is worn with confidence, nonchalance and something that feels like defiance. The Met Gala 2019 was themed ‘Camp: Notes on Fashion’ in which featured several lavender looks and triggered a resurgence of the colour on 2020 catwalks.

Don’t know about you, but I’m definitely going to be keeping my eye out for some lavender pieces to add to my wardrobe now.

1966 onwards: Sip-Ins, Die-Ins, Kiss-Ins

Did you know that gay bars were created, not just because regular bars were unsafe for the LGBTQ+ community, but because homosexuals were informally barred from being served alcohol? Apparently, they were dIsOrDeRlY by nature.

In 1966, the Mattachine Society organised a ‘Sip-In’. Essentially, homosexual men go into a bar, make the bartender aware that they are gay and then waited to be served. This was to challenge the discriminatory liquor laws.

In 1990, Act Up stages a die-in outside the National Institute of Health in Maryland. These protests draw attention to policies that literally contribute to the deaths of many people. Most specifically to LGBTQ+ history, die-ins are heavily associated with the AIDS crisis.

A Kiss-in is held to protest blatant homophobia, particularly from governments and institutions. It’s a peaceful form of protest in which same sex people kiss in public places to demonstrate their sexual orientation and challenge anti-LGBT laws and rules.

1978: Say it with me: Y M C A!

The Village People got their start in gay clubs, and after a string of hits, expanded to tours and TV. While deemed a necessity for any party or wedding reception, the lyrics actually allude to homosexual encounters at the local YMCA. The member’s themselves were coy about their sexuality, but liked to say they were sticking their tongue in society’s cheek.

1970s onwards: Rep your queer tokens

The LGBTQ+ community has found a way to subtly communicate their orientation, interest and existence as a peaceful revolt against anti-LGBTQ+ behaviour and laws.

A labrys is a double headed axe that is associated with Amazons, Laphria, Artemis and Demeter. In the 1970s, lesbians used this symbol to represent lesbian feminism.

Y’all will know this one: the RAINBOW! It relates to 1978 and the creation of the Pride flag by Gilbert Baker.

A black ring on the middle finger of one’s right hand is recognised as a way for someone to signify their asexuality. The ring is deliberately worn in a similar manner to a wedding ring, and came about in 2005.

2021: And that’s P1 for allyship

Formula 1 have been making efforts to create a more equal sport through their ‘We Race as One’ campaign. However, they still race in several countries that illegalise homosexuality. Lewis Hamilton made a small but stunning demonstration of solidarity by donning a new helmet which features the Progress Pride flag. The last two races of the season are in anti-LGBT countries, and Hamilton wore this helmet in blatant protest of their lack of human rights.

Fellow racer, Sebastian Vettel has also been outspoken this season. He donned a ‘Same Love’ Pride t-shirt during the Hungarian national anthem to protest against their anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. He also incorporated the rainbow symbol in his trainers, helmet and facemask.

2022: Now it’s your turn!

LGBTQ+ individuals have always existed, that much is clear. Thankfully we live and love in a time that is becoming more inclusive and accepting of the community. Everyone can make a difference; the smallest moments can have the biggest impact. Being prideful, being an ally, being overt in existence and support is one of the most important things we can do at the moment.

Change begins with me and you. Small things we can do can make a massive difference to your peers, friends, partners at UWTSD.

You can utilise the Big Ideas that go to our Campus Councils here: https://www.uwtsdunion.co.uk/thestudentvoice

Or… you could work with the Presidents, like I am!

Following the recent changes to law to increase LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the curriculum, I would love for there to be better education around inclusive sex ed. Together with the campus Presidents, we intend to have monthly meetings to discuss the progression of this project and meet with the Academic Office to kickstart change. James (Lampeter’s President) is hoping to organise sex ed talks on his campus; and lastly we’re hoping to develop a campaign of inclusive information and resources that will be widely available to all of you through the SU and the university.

I’m excited to see these plans come into fruition as LGBT+ (Open Space) Part-Time Officer, and I hope you’ll support me. Keep your eye out!