This is the second post in a three-part blog exploring the history of feminist housing activism in the 1970s and 1980s. Following on from yesterday’s post on the feminist squatting […]
Category: From the Archives
Feminist housing activism in the 1970s-1980s, #1: Making space for feminist infrastructures
Where are you reading this blog? Are you on the move, commuting to work or school? Perhaps you’re in a public space like a park or a café. Me, I’m […]
Camden Lesbian Centre and Black Lesbian Group: The fight for a home
Tucked down a narrow, leafy street on the edge of Camden, just behind the hustle and bustle of London Euston and King’s Cross St Pancras stations, is the former site of the UK’s only dedicated lesbian centre. It doesn’t bear the usual markers of a heritage site – no commemorative plaques, no signage, not a QR code in sight – but for nearly a decade, 54-56 Phoenix Road was home to Camden Lesbian Centre and Black Lesbian Group (CLC&BLG).
A History Lovers Guide to the Archives at GWL
A couple of weeks ago when the restrictions let up and Glaswegian’s could travel again I drove my friend and I to Wigtown: Scotland’s National Book Town. It was on […]
NMRD Programme of the Month: July 2021
As we enter into the thick of summer, we here at GWL would like to encourage everyone to have a great and SAFE summer. Hopefully there is more good weather to come, and happiness, health, and progression for all.
Enjoy your summer!
NMRD Programme of the Month: June 2021
The use of puns, humour, and popular cultural references are ubiquitous in the world of roller derby. It is often used to highlight the brutal nature of the game and to twist social norms of females in sports.
NMRD Programme of the Month: May 2021
Pop culture references are woven throughout the entire fabric of this sporting culture including bout names, player names, and team names. One way of integrating pop culture and local culture references is through the use of puns. This particular bout from April 2011 pays tribute to David Bowie’s Space Oddity but also pays homage to the physical exercise taking place and the use of the quadricep muscles.
NMRD Programme of the Month: April 2021
Roller derby dismantles what it means to be ‘feminine’. It mixes adrenaline with ferocity and the provocative. It used to be that players would wear outfits similar to the one depicted in the artwork above. Shorts and skirts were paired with fishnet tights and tank tops. This is often illustrated in the graphics and artwork of roller derby bout programmes, posters, leaflets, and ephemeral materials such as postcards and stickers etc.
NMRD Programme of the Month: March 2021
In response to the increasing brutality of the sport, players wear helmets, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards to help minimise injury. However, players show off their track rash and bruises proudly and it has become such a huge part of the roller derby sporting culture, which is now predominantly female led.
NMRD Programme of the Month: February 2021
Roller derby is a grassroots sport which is built, developed, promoted, and fundraised by the players and supporters. This DIY attitude has fostered a very welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community. LGBT+ rights are supported and fought for within this sport and the LGBT+ community have found a home in roller derby, which supports their sexuality and genders.