LGBTQ+ History Month: Allan Gordon, a ship’s boy
In 1902 a 15-year-old sailor, Allan Gordon, was arrested in Bristol on a charge of ‘wandering about without visible means of subsistence.
This was odd because Allan’s ship had only just docked and he was collecting his wages in the Board of Trade offices so was neither wandering about nor without subsistence. So, what was the real reason for his arrest?
When the ship’s crew had to undergo a compulsory medical check, Allan had refused and was then ’compelled to admit her sex’. Once the press got hold of the story, they were determined to find out just who Allan Gordon was and why they had gone to sea.
Discover more about this fascinating story in our partnership event with Outstories Bristol for LGBTQ+ History Month 2022.
Speaker: Norena Shopland, who promotes LGBT+ history and Welsh heritage.
- One of Wales’ most influential gay women 2021
- On the Pinc List: Wales’ most influential LGBT+ people (2021, 2020 & 2019)
- On Wales Arts Review 100 Women of Wales on Twitter 2020
- Wen Wales 100+ Welsh Women 2020
- Diversity Officer for Women’s History Network
- Twitter: @NorenaShopland
How to take part
This free, online talk will be held over Zoom. Please book your place below. Details of how to join the session will be in your registration email. Please check your spam folder if the email does not arrive. Bookings close at 11am on Thursday 17 February.
Although this talk is free, we would be grateful if you could consider making a donation.
Please visit the Zoom website for guidance on joining meetings.
