We Have Always Been Here: A Community Ritual with London's Trans Ancestors

We’ll begin with some stories remembering historic trans Londoners, from medieval sex worker Eleanor Rykener to Black migrant and labourer Paul Downing to transfeminist activist and tarot master Rachel Pollack. Jack will lead a conversation about how our trans and gender-diverse community members – past and present – have made London home as immigrants, spiritual leaders, artists, organisers, workers, and more.

We’ll make space to ask the trans and queer Londoners who’ve come before us for protection – whatever that looks like to you – in the lead-up to this year’s Trans Pride and in the face of global anti-trans violence. Participants are invited (if you want!) to bring objects, photos, and memories of loved ones or chosen trans ancestors to make into a protection talisman and/or leave as offerings on the communal altar, which will be displayed in the Pulse & Pickle until 27 July, the day after London Trans Pride. Craft materials will also be provided. Jack will lead us in a ritual celebrating London’s trans ancestors and connecting their legacy to London’s vibrant, resilient trans community today. 

This is a trans-centred space to share grief, hope, rage, and joy with local trans and queer community when we need it most. Cis people are welcome – you’re encouraged to pay at least the solidarity ticket price to help cover trans people’s costs. We’ll have space on the day to donate to The Outside Project to support their Trans Winter Night Shelter. Come to meet neighbours, make an offering for the communal altar, or just listen and learn a few things about London’s couple thousand years of trans history!

This event will involve some discussions of historic and present-day transphobia, racism, police/medical violence, grief, and suicide. We’ll have a quiet space and a facilitator available to chat if you need to talk to someone. Please get in touch if you have questions or access needs we can help meet.

–•–•–•–•–

Accessibility

• Shrine will be in front room near air purifier by the bar

• Step-free accessible entrance and toilet

• Gender-neutral toilets available

• Crafting station will be in the back room for people to create offerings