For this special LGBT+ History Month edition of Baroness Barker’s Book Club, Baroness Barker took the book club to an iconic venue – Gay’s the Word bookshop. As the UK’s oldest dedicated LGBT+ bookshop, it has long been a beacon for queer literature and activism, making it the perfect setting for a discussion themed around activism and social change.
Joining Baroness Barker were three remarkable authors whose work captures different aspects of LGBT+ history, advocacy, and legal battles:
- Lisa Power, author of No Bath But Plenty of Bubbles: An Oral History of the Gay Liberation Front, a foundational work documenting the radical activism of the 1970s that laid the groundwork for modern LGBT+ rights
- Marc Thompson, co-author of Our Stories Told By Us, a powerful anthology amplifying the voices of Black and Black African people affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis in the UK
- Robin Moira White, barrister and co-author of A Practical Guide to Transgender Law, a crucial legal resource advocating for trans rights and protections
LGBT+ Activism: A Legacy of Resistance and Resilience
The conversation opened with reflections on the significance of Gay’s the Word. For Baroness Barker, the bookshop had been a sanctuary in her early years – “a haven” for young LGBT+ people navigating their identities. This sentiment was echoed throughout the discussion, with all three authors emphasising the importance of community spaces in fostering activism and solidarity.
Lisa Power, a pioneering activist, shared the origins of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and how its radical, unapologetic approach challenged societal norms in the 1970s. She highlighted the importance of preserving authentic queer history and resisting efforts to sanitise the past, saying: “One of the things that infuriates me about queer history is how often it’s rewritten to suit current politics. We need to remember the actual voices of those who were there.”
Marc Thompson brought a different perspective, shedding light on the erasure of Black queer experiences from mainstream LGBT+ narratives. He spoke about the impact of HIV/AIDS on his community and the need for greater intersectionality in activism, saying: “We were all thrown into the same pot, but our experiences were not the same. Black queer men were missing from the mainstream narrative, and that’s why telling our own stories is so vital.”
For Robin Moira White, the battleground is the legal system. She outlined her work on key legal cases and emphasised the role of the courts in safeguarding rights, especially in the face of increasing attacks on trans people.
She explained: “We lawyers are either your best friend or your worst enemy. Right now, we’re on the frontlines, defending rights that others want to take away.”
Lessons for the Future
As the discussion turned towards the future of activism, the authors shared their insights on how today’s generation can continue the fight for equality. Lisa Power stressed the need for optimism and creative resistance, saying: “A central part of activism is mischief-making – challenging absurdity with humour. We are going to need that more than ever in the years ahead.”
Marc Thompson underscored the importance of unity: “If one part of our community is under attack, we are all under attack. We have to stop thinking the fight is over just because some of us have won certain rights.”
Robin Moira White reinforced the need to stay vigilant against the erosion of human rights, stating: “The narrative that trans rights are in conflict with women’s rights is simply wrong. We must focus on what unites us, not what divides us.”
Books That Inspire Change
The discussion ended with book recommendations for those looking to learn from history and be inspired to take action:
- Let the Record Show by Sarah Schulman – an oral history of ACT UP and its bold HIV/AIDS activism
- Revolutionary Acts by Jason Okundaye – a celebration of Black queer lives in the UK
- Trans by Shon Faye – an essential read on the realities of trans lives today
- The Mayor of Castro Street by Randy Shilts – the story of Harvey Milk and his enduring legacy in LGBT+ activism
Whether you’re new to activism or have been fighting for equality for years, this episode of Baroness Barker’s Book Club is a powerful reminder of the work that has been done – and the work that still lies ahead.
