‘Nish the chat and pin back your aunt nells’ - Queer Creative Writing and Polari workshop hosted by Queer Tours of London with special guests from the Gay Liberation Front
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
5th April
Seng Tee Lee Seminar Room
Polari, the gay slang which faded away with the decriminalisation of male homosexuality and the advent of gay liberation, is making a comeback. Polari flourished in the difficult years between the trial of Oscar Wilde and the 1967 Sexual Offences Act. Today as our community continues to evolve – in the cabaret bars, on stage, in bedrooms and in the streets Polari exists to protect ourselves against rising LGBT homophobia, as a vocabulary for talking about our sexuality, communicate on our own terms and as a way of asserting our identity.
Have you ever wanted to have the time to share your queer story, inspirations, desires, vulnerabilities, hopes and dreams? Have you been inspired by queer literary writers and maybe one day inspire others? Have you ever wanted to explore what it means to queer up culture, literature and storytelling? Do you want to create a queer community that can support you in your journey as a queer writer?
Well then - look no further. In this interactive workshop, we will explore the legacy of London’s queer writers, develop our own stories and share them amongst the group. This workshop is open to anyone who want to not only develop their craft but also learn how to perform in front of an audience.
For this year's 50th anniversary of partial decriminalisation of homosexuality ‘QUEER TOURS OF LONDON – A Mince Through Time’ are being set up to bring forth the visibility of our incredible community at large and the journey to how we became who we are today. Against the backdrop of the mass closure of LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex) cultural spaces and support services, ‘QUEER TOURS OF LONDON’ are being developed to support London’s current queer activism, culture and performance in all its glory.
“London’s LGBTQ+ heritage is rich, diverse and important: but is often hidden and in danger of being forgotten. Our collaborations with Queer Tours are energetic, hopeful and vital explorations of this history” Tom Furber and Jan Pimblett – London Metropolitan Archives
If you would like to find more about Queer Tours of London visit their Facebook page which is buzzing with activity or see their website
This event is free, all we ask is that you register your attendance with the booking button above.