The Importance of Being Earnest draws on elements of farce and melodrama in its depiction of a particular social world. Professor John Stokes considers how Oscar Wilde combined disparate influences into a brilliant satire which contained hidden, progressive sentiments.
Prostitution
What was the place of prostitution in 19th-century society? Judith Flanders looks at documents and publications that provide an insight into attitudes towards the profession.
What was the place of prostitution in 19th-century society? Judith Flanders looks at documents and publications that provide an insight into attitudes towards the profession.
A Doleful Dirge on the Wicked Men
The connections between the men were discovered when Hackett wrote a letter to Arden.
The connections between the men were discovered when Hackett wrote a letter to Arden.
Aestheticism and Decadence
‘Art for art’s sake’? Aestheticism and decadence shocked the Victorian establishment by challenging traditional values, foregrounding sensuality and promoting artistic, sexual and political experimentation. Dr Carolyn Burdett explores the key features of this unconventional artistic period.
‘Art for art’s sake’? Aestheticism and decadence shocked the Victorian establishment by challenging traditional values, foregrounding sensuality and promoting artistic, sexual and political experimentation. Dr Carolyn Burdett explores the key features of this unconventional artistic period.
Caricature of Oscar Wilde as ‘the Bard of Beauty’
The Bard of Beauty
The Bard of Beauty
Transgender Identities in the Past
Steven Dryden invites transgender activists to consider two newspaper articles from our collections and asks if we can find trans and gender non-conforming identities in the past.
Steven Dryden invites transgender activists to consider two newspaper articles from our collections and asks if we can find trans and gender non-conforming identities in the past.
The Men Killed Under the Buggery Act
Steven Dryden explores three executions under the Buggery Act during the 1800s, looking at how they were reported in the media of the time.
Steven Dryden explores three executions under the Buggery Act during the 1800s, looking at how they were reported in the media of the time.
Oral Histories of Love, Identity and Activism
David Govier uncovers the oral histories of a range of people from LGBTQ communities and others who fought for sexual equality.
David Govier uncovers the oral histories of a range of people from LGBTQ communities and others who fought for sexual equality.
Love, Law, Liberty: Queer Lives and Public Policy
From the passing of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 to contemporary legal cases, British Library Public Policy Manager Rob Field discusses the development of policy relating to LGBTQ and what the future may hold.
From the passing of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 to contemporary legal cases, British Library Public Policy Manager Rob Field discusses the development of policy relating to LGBTQ and what the future may hold.
Bisexuals in Print
Jen Yockney MBE discusses the longest-running magazine for bisexuals Bi Community News – how it emerged, the content it covers and its relationship with the gay press.
Jen Yockney MBE discusses the longest-running magazine for bisexuals Bi Community News – how it emerged, the content it covers and its relationship with the gay press.
LGBTQ Themes in the British Library Collections
Hannah Gabrielle takes a look at how LGBTQ people, narratives and interpretations cut through the British Library’s vast collections.
Hannah Gabrielle takes a look at how LGBTQ people, narratives and interpretations cut through the British Library’s vast collections.
Arena Three: Britain’s First Lesbian Magazine
Steven Dryden looks at how Britain’s first lesbian magazine came about and its impact on society.
Steven Dryden looks at how Britain’s first lesbian magazine came about and its impact on society.
A Short History of LGBT Rights in the UK
Tracing the journey of the LGBT community from 1533 to today, looking at the battles for equality that were fought and legislative changes made.
Tracing the journey of the LGBT community from 1533 to today, looking at the battles for equality that were fought and legislative changes made.