FLP welcomes back the incredible Eleanor Medhurst. Join her as she unpicks the history and significance of lesbian fashion over the last 200 years. This is a winding story - one that can’t be easily pinned down. So much of lesbian history has been deliberately forgotten or misremembered, but placing a microscope over the role of clothing and self-expression in these communities might just help breathe some life back into it!

During the session, we will hop from Anne Lister, a lesbian heiress in the early 19th century, to the lesbian activist group ‘Lavender Menace’ in the 1970s, taking some pit stops along the route and after. Eleanor will set the scene for a revival of lesbian fashion history, leading us into discussions around what this can teach us – whether that be in the context of broader fashion history, LGBTQ+ history, or the situation of lesbians today. Through artefacts of paintings and photographs, letters and diaries, we will gain a closer insight into lesbian fashion, and how these sources played an important role both in their own time, as well as today!

Crucially, this lecture is built upon foundations of inclusivity, this time taking a moment to specifically focus on lesbian (fashion) history. Biphobia or Transphobia has no place within this discussion and will not be tolerated.

We are committed to making our sessions as accessible as possible. If you are unable to pay the full amount for this class, please reach out to us via email at [email protected] and we will provide you with a discount code.