Festival of Debate presents: Deviants and Trailblazers - A History of Trans Activism in Britain

Doors at 7pm

At a time when trans rights are under attack across Britain and beyond, Deviants and Trailblazers arrives as a powerful antidote, uncovering a rich, overlooked history. Spanning from the first legal gender changes in 1944 and the devastating Corbett v. Corbett ruling in 1970, to the groundbreaking Gender Recognition Act of 2004 and the ongoing battle for reform today, this is a gripping chronicle of resistance and radical change.

Far from being a recent invention or a niche concern, legal recognition of trans identities has been a demand of trans communities for generations. Rebecca Jane Morgan shows how that fight emerged, evolved, and was sustained by grassroots organising, court battles, and an unwavering demand by the trans community to be recognised by the very systems that so often try to erase them.

In a moment defined by pseudoscience, moral panic, and political backlash, this authoritative and readable account of the movement to date offers clarity, context, and hope.

Rebecca Jane Morgan is a transfeminist historian of modern Britain, popular culture, and queer identities. She is the author of Gender Heretics: Evangelicals, Feminists, and the Alliance Against Trans Liberation and Deviants and Trailblazers: A History of Trans Activism in Britain.

EVENT FORMAT & INFORMATION

• 19:00 - Doors open
• 19:00-19:30 - Attendees arrive, get a drink if they like, and find a seat.
• 19:30-20:15 - The speakers will talk from the front of the room during which time attendees are expected to listen.
• 20:15-21:00 - Q+A with the audience where participation is optional.
• 21:00 - Event ends

Attendees can use the bar, toilet, or leave at any time.

Seating: The event is seated however there is space at the back for people to stand if they want. Seating is unreserved as standard however we can reserve/save seats for you if you wish - access@weareopus.org

Audio: Microphones will be used. There will be no loud sudden or excessive noises. There is no hearing loop. There will be no BSL or interpreters present.

Masks: FFP2 masks will be available for free.

Refreshments: There will be a bar selling drinks and snacks.

Quiet space: There is not a dedicated quiet space however there is a lobby area with seating separate from the main event space. This is where the bar and reception desk is located but will mainly be empty of other attendees apart from at the start and end of the event.

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessibility information about the Showroom Workstation can be found here.

If you have any questions or requests regarding accessibility for this event, please feel free to contact us at access@weareopus.org.