Queer histories

‘Queer Histories’ are coming under the microscope on Friday 26th February at 4.30pm as part of the highly popular New History Lab at the University of Leicester.

The session has been arranged to coincide with the LGBT History Month, which takes place in February each year, and offers an opportunity to learn more about the histories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Britain and Northern Ireland and to celebrate its diversity.

The ‘Queer Histories’ Lab will feature the work of two leading researchers from the University’s School of English.

Dr David Clark will be talking about intimate relationships and friendships between Medieval men and Dr Holly Furneaux will discuss themes from her recent book, ‘Queer Dickens: Erotics, Families, Masculinities’.”

Postgraduate student Mark Small, who is organising the session, commented: “We see this as an important event because, despite twenty-odd years of growth in the field, queer history is still an under-represented topic, and to have access to new areas of analysis such as Victorian novels and Medieval society is exciting.

“New History Lab likes to promote discussion right at the spearhead of historical thought and education. Neither the School of Historical Studies nor the Centre for Urban History have before entertained a discussion primarily about queer history, so I felt it was high time to sort one out.”

Mark was able to tie in the opportunity to explore these issues with the national LGBT History Month this February, organising speakers who were hot off the press with brand new research.

Dr David Clark specialises in medieval literature with a current focus on medieval gender and sexuality and the modern reception of medieval literature. Among his many publications is the monograph, Between Medieval Men: Male Friendship and Desire in Early Medieval Literature (Oxford University Press, 2009).

Dr Holly Furneaux's main research interests are in the nineteenth century, especially in gender, sexuality, the body, medicine and the Victorian novel. Her book, Queer Dickens (Oxford University Press, 2009) explores the affirmative representations of same-sex desire and non-normative 'families of choice' in the novels of Dickens, and how this fiction draws on and develops wider cultural strategies of queer expression.

Mark explained the concept behind the event: “Queer history is often described as 'the history of the "other"'. This means that it’s not just the history of gay men or lesbians, or any other genders, or of sex. It’s a cumulative history of anyone who doesn't fit into the constructed gender norms of society.

“Queer history provides a new and wider perspective from which to view sources, concepts and themes, shedding different light on material previously only assessed through a narrower perspective.

“Its aim is to provide a voice and a viewpoint for those who were not part of the dominant discourse of the period, and might not have been considered in previous histories of the period, including heterosexual men and women, homosexual men and women, people who identify with neither, any age, any class, any ethnicity and any heritage.”

The New History Lab is run by postgraduate students for students and others with an interest in the subject. Since it was set up in 2008 it has developed a reputation for lively discussion and exchange of ideas in a friendly, informal setting that moves between a meeting room and the local pub.

Among the trademarks of NHL meetings is a selection of home-made cakes and the quirky predominance of a deep fuchsia pink.

Malcolm Noble, co-founder of the New History Lab with fellow postgraduate student Matt Neale and Professor of English History, Rob Colls, commented: “I am delighted at this special session for LGBT History Month. The history of the family and of friendships offers vital lines of historical enquiry, and this excellent showcase for this research will hopefully inspire much more.

“The New History Lab is enjoying a highly successful second year, with a range of sessions to support research training in the School of Historical Studies and other interested disciplines.

“This term we have focused on solving problems: researching, writing and publishing. Our first day conference, on 30th January, had nearly fifteen interdisciplinary papers from postgraduate students around the country, and wide-ranging discussion amongst the fifty delegates present.”

The New History Lab is supported by the University of Leicester Graduate School.

The NHL session, ‘Queer Histories’ will take place on Friday 26th February at 4.30pm, at 1 Salisbury Road, Leicester. It is open to anyone interested in tea and cake, and dynamic discussion.