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"Fashion history is about people", writes Eleanor Medhurst at the start of Unsuitable.Thus begins a journey through history exploring the personal and political meanings behind lesbian fashion. Unsuitable uses fashion as a lens through which to explore a vast and beautiful history of lesbian life, a history too-often hidden, forgotten or ignored, with Eleanor seeking to bring "lesbian histories back to life, dragged out of the grave by the sleeves of their smartest suits." We travel back in time exploring the clothing and accessorising of key figures in lesbian history, both known and unknown, from Sappho and her consequent legacy, to trans lesbians in Weimar Berlin, to the Butch-Femme politics of the mid-century lesbian bar scene, all the way up to the present day. If you've always wondered about the origins of why certain items of clothing came to be associated with lesbian identity, or perhaps how fashion is being used today as a political signifier on social media, this event is for you.
The evening will begin with introductions and a short reading from Unsuitable: The History of Lesbian Fashion. This will be followed by a discussion with Eleanor Medhurst all about her book and research with author and historian Jane Traies. The evening will end with time for an audience Q&A and book signing.
Copies of both Eleanor's and Jane's books will be available to purchase on the evening.
Tickets
Tickets are available at £6.50 for in person admission. There are also discounted admission options for tickets bought alongside a pre-ordered copy of Unsuitable.
If you aren't able to join us in person you can also purchase a ticket to stream the event online via Zoom.
Accessibility
Access to our shop is through a large door (91cm wide) and a ramp (77W x 48L x 12H with 240kg max weight) can be placed for wheelchair access. If you require assistance or the ramp to enter the shop, please ring the doorbell that is located on the right hand side of the front door and one of our staff will come and help you.
Our chair dimensions are the following:
Width - 40 cm
Depth - 41 cm
Legs height - 47 cm
Back of the chair height - 30 cm
Our gender-neutral toilet is located on the basement level, which sadly due to structural restrictions, is not wheelchair accessible. The basement is accessed via 10 stairs with a handrail on the right hand side. We have on-site baby changing facilities in our bathroom.
If you'd like to familiarise yourself with the space beforehand, you can find photos of the space on our website.
We can't wait to see you there!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
48 Upper North Street, BN1 3FH Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom, 48 Upper North Street, Brighton, BN1 3FH, United Kingdom,Brighton and Hove
Tickets
