ALES Lunchtime Talk February 2023

Dr Kit Heyam (they/he) is a Lecturer in Medieval and Early Modern Studies at Queen Mary University of London, a trans awareness trainer, and a queer history activist. Their latest book, Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender, – a global history of gender nonconformity which calls for a new, expansive and anti-racist approach to trans history – is out now, published by Basic Books UK and Seal Press.

This session will consider what counts as ‘real’ queer history. How can we find it, and how do we talk about it? Who are our stakeholders when we do this work, and how do we do it in a way that treats all of those stakeholders with respect and care?

In this talk, Kit will discuss how we might find new ways to identify and talk about queer histories which move beyond the narrow lens of personal testimony and legal records. Drawing on their recent book, Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender, Kit provides starting points for reflection on the importance of doing this work, and on negotiating its historical, political and emotional stakes.