Gender identity: A resource list
As our new production of I, Joan opens this month, we’re sharing books, digital resources, podcasts and more, to further explore gender identity throughout history
This August, as part of our Summer 2022 season, we’re exploring the legendary leader, Joan of Arc, who in a new play I, Joan by Charlie Josephine, uses the pronouns ‘they/them’.
Theatre allows us to consider the possibility of a world elsewhere and is a place of imagination. We cannot wait to share I, Joan with everyone and rediscover this cultural icon.
Below, we share some of our favourite non-binary and transgender resources, including books, digital resources, research projects, organisations, museums, archives and podcasts, where people’s experiences of gender identity through the ages can be explored, and where learning and discussion can start.
Most of these resources can be accessed for free online. For book purchases, please support your local independent bookshops – we’d recommend Gay’s The Word.
We share some of our favourite non-binary and transgender resources where people’s experiences of gender identity through the ages can be explored, and where learning and discussion can start.
Books (Fiction)
The best transgender fiction (tg fiction) by trans authors, or stories of real-life experiences
Variations by Juliet Jacques
Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl by Andrea Lawlor
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
Tell Me I’m Worthless by Alison Rumfitt
Books (Non-Fiction)
Vital transgender and non-binary titles exploring legal, social and political issues around gender identity
None of the Above by Travis Alabanza
Gender Outlawby Kate Bornstein
Gender Euophoria: Stories of Joy from Trans Non-Binary and Intersex Writers Edited by Laura Kate Dale
What’s The T? The No-Nonsense Guide to all Things Trans and/or Non-Binary for Teens by Juno Dawson
The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice by Shon Faye
Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman by Leslie Feinberg
Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender by Kit Heyam
Trans Like Me by C N Lester
Tomorrow Will Be Different by Sarah McBride
Transgender History by Susan Stryker
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon
Yes, You Are Trans Enough by Mia Violet
Charities & Organisations
Book 28 Library
A small LGBTIQ+ library in Borough, London. They also run virtual events and have a free digital library of LGBTIQ+ eBooks, podcasts, films and digital archives
ELOP
A holistic lesbian and gay centre that offers a range of social, emotional and support services to LGBT communities
Exist Loudly
Creating spaces of joy, community and care for Black LGBTQ+ youth from London through creative intervention
Gendered Intelligence
A trans-led and trans-involving grassroots organisation that exists to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve trans people’s quality of life
London LGBTQ+ Community Centre
A pop-up LGBTQ+ community centre running a holistic programme of services, events, talks and workshops
Mermaids
Mermaids has been supporting transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children, young people, and their families since 1995
Outbox Theatre
OUTBOX make theatre and performance projects that reflect the communities and artists they work with, their mission is to create spaces that queer people can dream and imagine
The Queer House
An agency representing queer actors, writers and makers
Spectra
A not-for-profit organisation providing supportive, knowledgeable, non judgemental and peer based engagements to marginalised communities, including LGBTQ, trans and BAME
Stonewall
Stonewall stand for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people everywhere
TransPlus
The first integrated gender, sexual health and HIV service commissioned by NHS England
Digital resources
A Bit Lit
Conversations about history, culture, and creativity with scholars from all over the world, with a rich selection of queer topics
Roaring Girl: London’s Sharp-Elbowed, Loudmouthed Mary Frith and Life Story: Thomas(ine) Hall
Two stories of extraordinary gender-nonconforming people from the 17th century
Museums & Archives
LGBTQ+ Archives at the Bishopsgate Insitute
One of the most extensive collections of LGBTQ+ history, politics and culture in the UK, covering the late nineteenth century onwards
Queer Britain
Get in early, and support this charity working to establish the UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum
Online publications & articles
DIVA Magazine
A leading magazine for LGBTQI women and non-binary people
Gay Times
A worldwide LGBTQ+ media brand with queer content
Gendering Joan of Arc isn’t that straightforward
Historian Florence Scott explains the difficulty with assigning modern-day gender terminology to historical figures
Pink News
A worldwide source for LGBTQ+ news
Podcasts
The Blurry Bits
A weekly podcast exploring masculinity, with all it’s beautiful and brutal, complex nuances, presented by Charlie Josephine and Rob Watt
Gender Stories
In this podcast Alex Iantaffi reflects on how gender impacts different areas of our lives, such as relationships, spirituality, parenting and more
One From the Vaults
A trans history podcast by Morgan M Page, bringing all the dirt, gossip, and glamour from trans history
What The Trans!?
A UK-based news podcast for trans and non-binary folks and allies. Join snarky trans fact-finding team Michelle and Ashleigh as they dissect the news, interview guests and chat about pop culture
Research projects & Journals
Engendering the Stage
UK-Canadian project investigating early modern women’s performance, as well as traces of trans and queer identities on the early modern stage
Journal for Early Modern Cultural Studies: Early Modern Trans Studies
A special issue exploring early modern English literature through the lens of trans studies, edited by Simone Chess, Colby Gordon and Will Fisher
FINIS.
I, Joan plays in our Globe Theatre from 25 August – 22 October 2022 as part of our Summer 2022 season.
Dive deeper into I, Joan in our free post-show events. Meet members of the Cast & Creative team in a Post-Show Discussion and Q&A on 24 September and learn more about making Queer Theatre for everyone in Straight to the Point on 8 October.
