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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250111T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250111T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20241126T175338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241126T175633Z
UID:2905-1736604000-1736611200@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Comics for Connection with Candice Purwin
DESCRIPTION:Lavender Menace and illustrator Candice Purwin welcome you to Comics for Connection\, an afternoon workshop in our archive where you will learn how to make your own art and zines on the topic of connection. Whatever your connection to queerness\, to spaces and places\, to self and others here and afar\, the workshop aims to show you how to create a meaningful bridge through art and storytelling.  \n\n\n\nNo experience of art\, drawing\, collage or zine-making is required to attend – just your enthusiasm! We will have basic art supplies but you are welcome to bring along your favourites. Candice Purwin is an illustrator\, graphic novelist and animator living and working in Edinburgh. \n\n\n\nHer work is feminist\, political\, poetic and fierce. Her ability to communicate powerful and emotionally complex ideas through images has led to her co-creating work with a wide range of artists\, academic bodies and collectives. While she is able to adapt her traditional hand drawn craft across many disciplines\, panelled storytelling remains her first and best language. \n\n\n\n\nBook a ticket\n\n\n\n\nBookingBooking in advance is essential as places are limited so\, if you are unable to attend\, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/candice-purwin-comics
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250205T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250205T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250121T152143Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250121T152312Z
UID:2966-1738778400-1738782000@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:'Coming Out': National Library of Scotland in conversation with Lavender Menace
DESCRIPTION:Join the National Library of Scotland for a screening of the 1983 documentary ‘Coming Out’ followed by an exploration of the Lavender Menace archive. \n\n\n\nJoin the Lavender Menace bookshop co-founder Sigrid Nielsen and other members of the community group\, for a showing of this documentary. It includes footage of the Lavender Menace bookshop which opened in 1982. \n\n\n\nThe film screening will be followed by an opportunity to see a live- streamed display of selected manuscripts from Bob Orr’s archive about the setting up of the Lavender Menace bookshop. The archive is held at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh. These manuscripts will prompt a discussion with Sigrid and the other members of the group about the establishment of the bookshop in the 1980s and the work that continues today. \n\n\n\nThe event is organised by the National Library of Scotland. Book your tickets through NLS: \n\n\n\n\nBook tickets\n\n\n\n\nLocation and accessiblity\n\n\n\nThis event will be at Kelvin Hall\, 1445 Argyle Street\, Glasgow\, G3 8AW. \n\n\n\nAccess information for Kelvin Hall is available on the National Library of Scotland website. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about this event\, contact the NLS team: nlsevents@nls.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/coming-out-national-library-of-scotland-in-conversation-with-lavender-menace
LOCATION:Kelvin Hall\, 1445 Argyle Street\, Glasgow\, G3 8AW
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ORGANIZER;CN="National Library of Scotland":MAILTO:nlsevents@nls.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250218T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250218T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250124T172619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250209T182858Z
UID:2981-1739901600-1739908800@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Desire Paths: Opening night
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an informal party to celebrate the opening of our new co-curated exhibition! There’ll be drinks and nibbles\, and the chance to hear more about the stories featured in the exhibition. \n\n\n\n\nBook tickets\n\n\n\n\nDesire Paths: Reading Queer Edinburgh is an exhibition which explores our city’s histories through a queer lens. Drawing on books from our collection and Edinburgh’s rich LGBT+ history\, this exhibition maps Edinburgh through queer literature and places. The exhibition encourages visitors to reexamine the Edinburgh spaces they encounter in their everyday lives and to add their own experiences to Lavender Menace’s archive. \n\n\n\nLocation and accessibility\n\n\n\nThe exhibition will be in Gallery 2\, on the third floor of Edinburgh Palette at St Margaret’s House. You can find directions to Edinburgh Palette on our location and access page. \n\n\n\nGallery 2 is on the third floor of the building\, which can be accessed via the staircase or the lifts. \n\n\n\nOther Desire Paths events\n\n\n\nThis event is part of our Desire Paths programme\, which includes the exhibition and accompanying events: \n\n\n\nDesire Paths: Reading Queer Edinburgh is an exhibition which explores our city’s histories through a queer lens\, drawing on books from the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive collection and Edinburgh’s rich LGBT+ history. 19th-25th February 2025\, 11am-4pm \n\n\n\nLyra Celtica: Harry Josephine Giles on Wilfion – Join us for an evening celebrating the work and legacy of genderweird Celtic Revival writer Fiona Macleod / William Sharp with Harry Josephine Giles and special guests. Wednesday 19th February\, 6pm-7pm \n\n\n\nEve by Jo Clifford – Join us for a reading from Eve by Jo Clifford followed by a Q&A with the writer and performer. Eve tells tells a story that is both gentle and passionate\, intimate and political\, to remind us that the journey towards our real selves is one we all need to make. Thursday 20th February\, 6.30-8pm \n\n\n\nThis project is co-curated by a team of volunteers from Lavender Menace and funded by Edinburgh 900. \n\n\n\nFind out more on the Lavender Menace website: lavendermenace.org.uk/events
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/desire-paths-exhibition-opening
LOCATION:Gallery 2\, Edinburgh Palette\, St Margaret's House\, 151 London Road\, Edinburgh\, EH7 6AE
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250219T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250225T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250121T165202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250222T111218Z
UID:2974-1739962800-1740499200@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Desire Paths: Reading Queer Edinburgh
DESCRIPTION:Desire Paths: Reading Queer Edinburgh is an exhibition which explores our city’s histories through a queer lens. Drawing on books from our collection and Edinburgh’s rich LGBT+ history\, this exhibition maps Edinburgh through queer literature and places. The exhibition encourages visitors to reexamine the Edinburgh spaces they encounter in their everyday lives and to add their own experiences to Lavender Menace’s archive. \n\n\n\n\nDates: 19th-25th February 2025 \n\n\n\nTimes: 11am-4pm (12noon-4pm on Sunday)\n\n\n\nLocation: Gallery 2 (third floor)\, St Margaret’s House\, Edinburgh Palette\, 151 London Road\, Edinburgh\, EH7 6AE\n\n\n\nCost: Free\, drop in (no need to book)\n\n\n\n\nLavender Menace is a community archive with roots in Scotland’s first LGBT+ bookshop. We have a mission to bring together the queer community in Edinburgh and beyond\, celebrate LGBT+ authors and their works\, and collect and preserve LGBT+ books.  \n\n\n\nThis project is co-curated by a team of volunteers from Lavender Menace and funded by Edinburgh 900.  \n\n\n\nLocation and accessibility\n\n\n\nThe Desire Paths exhibition will be in Gallery 2\, on the third floor of Edinburgh Palette at St Margaret’s House. You can find directions to Edinburgh Palette on our location and access page. \n\n\n\nGallery 2 is on the third floor of the building\, which can be accessed via the staircase or the lifts. \n\n\n\nOther Desire Paths events\n\n\n\nWe will have programme of Desire Paths events running alongside the exhibition. Book your free tickets below! \n\n\n\nDesire Paths: Opening Night – Join us for the opening night of the exhibition! There will be drinks and nibbles\, and the chance to hear more about the stories featured in the exhibition. Tuesday 18th February\, 6pm-8pm \n\n\n\nLyra Celtica: Harry Josephine Giles on Wilfion – An evening celebrating the work and legacy of genderweird Celtic Revival writer Fiona Macleod / William Sharp with Harry Josephine Giles and special guests. Wednesday 19th February\, 6pm-7pm \n\n\n\nEve by Jo Clifford – A special reading from Eve by Jo Clifford followed by a Q&A with the writer and performer. Eve tells tells a story that is both gentle and passionate\, intimate and political\, about the journey towards our real selves. Thursday 20th February\, 6.30-8pm
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/desire-paths
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250219T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250219T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250124T175025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250124T175332Z
UID:2999-1739988000-1739991600@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Lyra Celtica: Harry Josephine Giles on Wilfion
DESCRIPTION:Doors 5:30pm\, event 6pm-7pm \n\n\n\nJoin us for an evening of readings exploring the work and legacy of genderweird Celtic Revival writer Fiona Macleod / William Sharp with Harry Josephine Giles and special guests. \n\n\n\n\nBook tickets\n\n\n\n\nFiona Macleod was a well-known Scottish author in the Celtic Twilight\, a correspondent to W. B. Yeats\, and possibly the originator and probably the populariser of the name Fiona. After the death of William Sharp\, a less popular writer in the same circles\, it was revealed that Fiona was also the 12-year “second self”\, “feminine self” or “dream self” of William Sharp. The combination of William and Fiona were known as Wilfion by their wife. \n\n\n\nWilfion is featured in our Desire Paths exhbition which explores Edinburgh’s queer history. Harry Josephine Giles will join us in the gallery space to discuss Wilfion’s life and writing. \n\n\n\nAbout Harry Josephine Giles\n\n\n\nHarry Josephine Giles is a writer and performer from Orkney\, living in Leith. Her latest book is the poetry collection Them! (Picador 2024). Her verse novel Deep Wheel Orcadia (Picador 2021) won the 2022 Arthur C. Clarke Award for science fiction book of the year. Her poetry collections The Games (Out-Spoken Press\, 2018) and Tonguit (Freight Books 2015) were between them shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection\, the Saltire Prize and the Edwin Morgan Poetry Award. Her stage show of her poetry sequence Drone toured internationally in 2019\, and the performance of Deep Wheel Orcadia will tour in 2025. She has a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Stirling. www.harryjosephine.com \n\n\n\nLocation and accessibility\n\n\n\nThe exhibition will be in Gallery 2\, on the third floor of Edinburgh Palette at St Margaret’s House. You can find directions to Edinburgh Palette on our location and access page. \n\n\n\nGallery 2 is on the third floor of the building\, which can be accessed via the staircase or the lifts. \n\n\n\nDesire Paths: Reading Queer Edinburgh\n\n\n\nThis event is part of our Desire Paths programme\, which includes an exhibition and accompanying events: \n\n\n\nDesire Paths: Reading Queer Edinburgh is an exhibition which explores our city’s histories through a queer lens\, drawing on books from the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive collection and Edinburgh’s rich LGBT+ history. 19th-25th February 2025\, 11am-4pm \n\n\n\nDesire Paths: Opening Night – Join us for the opening night of the exhibition! There will be drinks and nibbles\, and the chance to hear more about the stories featured in the exhibition. Tuesday 18th February\, 6pm-8pm \n\n\n\nEve by Jo Clifford – A special reading from Eve by Jo Clifford followed by a Q&A with the writer and performer. Eve tells tells a story that is both gentle and passionate\, intimate and political\, about the journey towards our real selves. Thursday 20th February\, 6.30-8pm \n\n\n\nThis project is co-curated by a team of volunteers from Lavender Menace and funded by Edinburgh 900. \n\n\n\nFind out more on the Lavender Menace website: lavendermenace.org.uk/events
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/wilfion
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Wilfion-event.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250220T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250220T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250124T174608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250124T183949Z
UID:2996-1740076200-1740081600@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Eve by Jo Clifford
DESCRIPTION:At St Margaret’s House – on Floor 3 in Gallery 2 \n\n\n\n6pm doors open\, event 6.30-8pm \n\n\n\nJoin us for a reading from Eve by Jo Clifford followed by a Q&A with the writer and performer. \n\n\n\n\nBook tickets\n\n\n\n\nEve tells the story of a child raised as a boy\, when she knew all along that was wrong. That child grew up to be one of the 10 Outstanding Women in Scotland in 2017. With trans rights again under threat\, legendary playwright\, performer\, father and grandmother Jo Clifford tells a story both gentle and passionate\, intimate and political\, to remind us that the journey towards our real selves is one we all need to make. \n\n\n\nJo is a writer\, performer\, poet and teacher based in Edinburgh. She is the author of about 80 plays\, many of which have been translated into various languages and performed all over the world. Her transition from John to Jo has enabled her to become an actor and performer. Performances include “God’s New Frock”\, “Sex\, Chips and the Holy Ghost”\, “The Gospel According to Jesus Queen of Heaven”\, “High Heels Aren’t Compulsory”. \n\n\n\nLocation and accessibility\n\n\n\nThe exhibition will be in Gallery 2\, on the third floor of Edinburgh Palette at St Margaret’s House. You can find directions to Edinburgh Palette on our location and access page. \n\n\n\nGallery 2 is on the third floor of the building\, which can be accessed via the staircase or the lifts. \n\n\n\nDesire Paths: Reading Queer Edinburgh\n\n\n\nThis event is part of our Desire Paths programme\, which includes an exhibition and accompanying events: \n\n\n\nDesire Paths: Reading Queer Edinburgh is an exhibition which explores our city’s histories through a queer lens\, drawing on books from the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive collection and Edinburgh’s rich LGBT+ history. 19th-25th February 2025\, 11am-4pm \n\n\n\nDesire Paths: Opening Night – Join us for the opening night of the exhibition! There will be drinks and nibbles\, and the chance to hear more about the stories featured in the exhibition. Tuesday 18th February\, 6pm-8pm \n\n\n\nLyra Celtica: Harry Josephine Giles on Wilfion – An evening celebrating the work and legacy of genderweird Celtic Revival writer Fiona Macleod / William Sharp with Harry Josephine Giles and special guests. Wednesday 19th February\, 6pm-7pm \n\n\n\nThis project is co-curated by a team of volunteers from Lavender Menace and funded by Edinburgh 900. \n\n\n\nFind out more on the Lavender Menace website: lavendermenace.org.uk/events
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/eve-by-jo-clifford
LOCATION:Gallery 2\, Edinburgh Palette\, St Margaret's House\, 151 London Road\, Edinburgh\, EH7 6AE
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Eve-by-Jo-Clifford.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250417T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250417T193000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250313T163636Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250313T163641Z
UID:3085-1744914600-1744918200@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Archive-inspired poetry: writing workshop with Éadaoín Lynch
DESCRIPTION:Doors at 6pm\, Workshop 6.30-7.30pm \n\n\n\nJoin Typewronger’s writer-in-residence Éadaoín Lynch (they/them) for a practice-based poetry workshop in (and inspired by) the Lavender Menace archive!  \n\n\n\nYou’ll have the chance to interact with unique archvial materials\, plus built-in time and prompts to write with. No experience necessary\, just bring a notepad or a laptop\, whichever you prefer. There’s no expectation to share work aloud (unless you want to). \n\n\n\nSupported by Scottish Book Trust’s Live Literature programme. \n\n\n\n\nBook a ticket\n\n\n\n\nAbout Éadaoín Lynch \n\n\n\nÉadaoín Lynch is an Irish poet & researcher living and working in Edinburgh. Their debut pamphlet\, Fierce Scrow\, launched with Nine Pens Press in 2022. From December 2024-May 2025\, they are a writer-in-residence with Typewronger Books\, creating original poems in response to materials from the Lavender Menace Archive. \n\n\n\nIn 2024-5\, they are also project mentor on the ACE-funded Eff-able Anthology\, co-edited by JP Seabright and George Parker. Eff-able is a project in two parts – an anthology of poetry from the best contemporary poets identifying as queer and disabled\, and a touring showcase of this work. \n\n\n\nFind out more about Éadaoín on their website: eadaoinlynch.com  \n\n\n\nBookingBooking in advance is essential as places are limited so\, if you are unable to attend\, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/eadaoin-lynch-workshop
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250525T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250525T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250430T141638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T141642Z
UID:3123-1748181600-1748188800@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Social Sunday: Trans & non-binary open mic
DESCRIPTION:Sunday 25 May\, 2pm-4pm \n\n\n\nA relaxed Social Sunday open mic with tea\, coffee\, and snacks. \n\n\n\nSocial Sundays are usually an informal\, drop in session every 2nd and 4th Sunday. We decided to run a special open mic Social Sunday this month to celebrate trans and non-binary writing. \n\n\n\nWe invite you to bring along your favourite poem\, extract\, or piece by a trans or non-binary writer\, or share your own work. It will be a relaxed\, friendly space\, with no pressure to “perform”. \n\n\n\n\nBook a ticket\n\n\n\n\nBookingWe only have capacity for a limited number of people in the archive\, so please book in advance. If you are unable to attend\, please let us know so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location and accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/trans-open-mic
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250531T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250531T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250415T190406Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T184914Z
UID:3111-1748700000-1748707200@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Mapping Your Library with OurStory Scotland
DESCRIPTION:Doors open 1.30pm. Workshop 2-4pm. \n\n\n\nJoin Lavender Menace for a creative oral history workshop with Dom Millar-Graham\, chair of OurStory Scotland. In Mapping Your Library\, participants are invited to narrate their lives through the books that have meant something to them. Tell your queer story through books. Where do you find yourself on the library or bookshop shelves?   \n\n\n\nRefreshments provided and no preparation needed. \n\n\n\n\nBook tickets\n\n\n\n\nBookingBooking in advance is essential as places are limited so\, if you are unable to attend\, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/mapping-your-library-with-ourstory-scotland
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Mapping-Your-Library.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250727T141500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250727T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250708T162539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T162544Z
UID:15226-1753625700-1753632000@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Social Sunday: Spike\, Saturn & Friends of Storm
DESCRIPTION:On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month\, the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive is open 2pm–4pm for our informal Social Sundays.  \n\n\n\nOn Sunday 27th July\, we are running a special Social Sunday to remember our friend Lesley Storm. Lesley recently passed away and she is very much missed by the Edinburgh poetry community. In 2023\, Lesley read her poetry at a Lavender Menace event “Spike\, Saturn and Storm”. Spike and Saturn will return to share her work and remember her.  \n\n\n\nPlease join us to read her work and your own\, and learn more about her extraordinary life. \n\n\n\nNo need to book\, just drop in. \n\n\n\nVenue & Accessibility\n\n\n\nSocial Sunday takes place at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questions\n\n\n\nPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/social-sunday-spike-saturn-friends-of-storm
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250805T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250805T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250724T175350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250725T110937Z
UID:15254-1754416800-1754424000@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Queer Community Programming Group with Filmhouse
DESCRIPTION:Book here\n\n\n\n\nAre you interested in queer films?Would you like to be involved in deciding which queer films are shown atFilmhouse?Come along to our new community programming group\, a collaborationbetween Filmhouse\, Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive\, and Programmedwith Pride.Filmhouse is an independent cinema in the heart of Edinburgh\, celebrating themagic of cinema in all its forms. Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive collectand conserve LGBTQ+ books\, preserve queer history\, and provide a space forthe community. Originally established in 2018\, Programmed With Pride is avolunteer-run group of young film lovers based in Edinburgh who arepassionate about LGBTQ+ stories in cinema and bringing them to thecommunity through hosting and programming events.We will meet quarterly to discuss all things queer cinema and decide whichfilms we would like to show in the recently reopened Filmhouse on LothianRoad.BookingPlease complete the registration form to attend:https://forms.office.com/e/DSZCVVS10nWe welcome LGBTQ+ people over the age of 18 to join us on Tuesday 5thAugust\, between 6pm to 8pm at Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive\,Edinburgh Palette\, 151 London Road.The group is free to attend.Booking in advance is essential as places are limited\, and if you are unable toattend\, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place tosomeone else.If you have any access needs it would be helpful for us to know about\, or anyquestions\, please get in touch at learning@filmhouse.org.ukVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in EdinburghPalette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\,along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page.
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/filmhouse
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Banner.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250819T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250819T193000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250801T104622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T094417Z
UID:15277-1755626400-1755631800@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Archiving Queer Futures: Eman Abdelhadi in conversation with Nat Raha (online)
DESCRIPTION:Book now\n\n\n\n\nJoin Lavender Menace for an online discussion between two activist scholars on imagining and archiving queer futures.  \n\n\n\nDr Eman Abdelhadi is an academic\, activist and writer who thinks at the intersection of gender\, sexuality\, religion and politics. She is an assistant professor and sociologist at the University of Chicago\, where she researches American Muslim communities. She is co-author of Everything for Everyone: An Oral History of the New York Commune\, 2052 – 2072 (with M. E. O’Brien\, 2022). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr Nat Raha is a poet and activist-scholar. Her current research focuses on transfeminism\, practices and collectives of care and social reproduction\, racial capitalism and decolonisation\, across poetry\, art\, politics and hi(r)story. Nat is the co-author of Trans Femme Futures: Abolitionist Ethics for Transfeminist Worlds (with Mijke van der Drift\, 2024)\, and co-edited ‘Imagining Queer Europe then and now’\, Third Text special issue (2021). She is the author of four books of poetry\, including apparitions (nines) (2024) and of sirens\, body & faultlines (2018). Her critical writing has appeared in Social Text\, South Atlantic Quarterly\, TSQ and more.
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/archiving-queer-futures
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250821T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250821T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250724T164452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250725T102318Z
UID:15249-1755799200-1755806400@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Window(s) of Tolerance: Tools for Ideal Collaborations in an Un-Ideal World
DESCRIPTION:Doors open at 6pm\, workshop 6.30-8pmA workshop from Feminist Culture House\, supported by Edinburgh Art Festival \n\n\n\n\nBook here\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLet’s pollinate the cultural field with intersectional feminist working practices! This 1.5hr workshop uses verbal\, edible\, and textual prompts to guide a conversation about identifying and distributing different skills and currencies within collaborative creative practices.  \n\n\n\nDuring the workshop\, Katie will share excerpts from Feminist Culture House’s new online publication Windows of Tolerance: Tools for Ideal Collaborations in an Unideal (Art) World\, as well as a foraged pine pollen and valerian root infusion from Finland—this might prompt lucid dreaming later that night.  \n\n\n\nWelcome if you’re interested in chatting about the practicalities of curatorial and collective practices\, hanging out\, and dreaming of how to create kind working conditions that feel nourishing for everyone involved \n\n\n\nWhat to expect \n\n\n\n\nan informal group gathering of maximum 15 people \n\n\n\nan introduction round\n\n\n\nfriendly facilitation grounded in Safer Space principles and these ethical guidelines\n\n\n\nto hear someone with an Australian accent read short textual excerpts \n\n\n\nmoments to reflect upon and share about your own experiences with collaborative practices\, and how they were compensated\, if you wish \n\n\n\na take-home pamphlet with space for notetaking\, and a link to the Windows of Tolerance publication \n\n\n\ntime to reflect and write\n\n\n\na break for a drink and snack: alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available\n\n\n\ntime for informal socialising\n\n\n\n\nAbout the FacilitatorKatie Lenanton (she/her) is a queer intersectional feminist curator\, artistic researcher\, writer\, and editor who works collectively through mediums like exhibition-making\, social practice\, wildcrafting\, conceptual cocktails\, publishing\, scent\, and sustenance\, amongst others. An important question in her work is “who is in the room\, and under what conditions?” \n\n\n\nIn 2019\, she co-founded Feminist Culture House\, a Helsinki-based curatorial and editorial platform that produces exhibitions\, publications\, and tools for more equitable collaborations within the art field. \n\n\n\nBookingWe only have capacity for a limited number of people in the archive\, so please book in advance. If you are unable to attend\, please let us know so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location and accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/windows-of-tolerance
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251002T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251002T203000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250918T111100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T111104Z
UID:15344-1759431600-1759437000@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Sapphic Spaces: In conversation with June Thomas
DESCRIPTION:Join Wuthering Dykes Book Club and Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive for an evening with the lesbian legend June Thomas\, author of A Place of Our Own. June will be in conversation with Sigrid Nielsen\, co-founder of both Scotland’s first LGBT+ bookshop and Lavender Menace\, and Sophie Haynes\, who runs Wuthering Dykes.  \n\n\n\nThe event is free. Just click here to book a ticket through Eventbrite: \n\n\n\n\nBook ticket\n\n\n\n\nAbout the speakers: \n\n\n\nJune Thomas is a journalist\, podcaster\, and the author of A Place of Our Own: Six Spaces That Shaped Queer Women’s Culture. She spent 25 years as a writer\, editor\, and podcast host at Slate.com\, and her freelance work has appeared in Bloomberg Businessweek\, Marie Clarie\, the New York Times’ T magazine\, the Washington Post\, and the Advocate. She is now working on a biography of Rita Mae Brown. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto: Rachel Hein. [A photograph of June smiling outside a bookshop with stylish round glasses and a purple jumper] \n\n\n\nSigrid Nielsen is a graduate of St John’s College in Santa Fe\, New Mexico. In Edinburgh in 1979 she joined Bob Orr in Open Gaze\, the bookstall he ran at Edinburgh Gay Centre\, and worked in other bookselling and publishing groups. She and Bob opened Lavender Menace\, Scotland’s first Lesbian and Gay Community Bookshop\, as a partnership in 1982. Sigrid managed author readings\, mail order lists\, and bookshop events. She left as a partner in 1987 and later co-edited In Other Words: Writing as a Feminist (Hutchinson Education\, 1987) and published articles and short stories. In 2019\, she and Bob revived Lavender Menace as an LGBT+ books archive and heritage organisation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto: Liam Baker. [A headshot of Sigrid smiling at the camera wearing glasses and a rainbow knitted jumper.] \n\n\n\nSophie Haynes runs Wuthering Dykes Bookclub and holds an MLitt in Gothic Literature. She’s passionate about building queer community and where to find the best whiskey soda in Leith. Catch her browsing bookshops\, marching at protests or making an appearance at the best lesbian events in the city. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto: Sophie Haynes. [A headshot of Sophie who is looking straight at the camera and wears a leather jacket.] \n\n\n\nVenue & Access \n\n\n\nThe event will be held at Epworth Hall\, Nicolson Square Venues\, 25 Nicolson Square\, EH8 9BX. This is a dry event and no alcohol is allowed on the premises.The venue has step-free access and an internal lift. There is parking next door at 27\, and an accessible gender neutral toilet on the ground floor: https://www.euansguide.com/venues/nicolson-square-edinburgh-edinburgh-14614/information \n\n\n\nTo see what the event room looks like visit: https://www.nsvenues.com/the-epworth-hallFor further information about the venue contact info@nsvenues.com and for questions about the event contact themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/sapphic-spaces
LOCATION:Epworth Hall\, 25 Nicolson Square\, Edinburgh\, EH8 9BX\, United Kingdom
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251004T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251004T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20250919T111620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250919T112013Z
UID:15356-1759586400-1759593600@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Asexuality in the Archive
DESCRIPTION:Book a ticket\n\n\n\n\nThis interactive workshop introduces how asexuality was treated as a medical issue in the Victorian Age and its impact on contemporary media representation. It will begin by examining how nineteenth-century doctors constructed a set of symptoms that supposedly diagnosed individuals as asexual. Together\, we’ll look at how this conceptualisation is mirrored – or challenged – in contemporary popular culture representations of asexuality. Participants are encouraged to bring in their own examples to discuss\, alongside those provided by the workshop leader. \n\n\n\nWhat to expect \n\n\n\nThe workshop will begin with a short introductory talk on the history of asexual medicalisation\, followed by work in small groups and general discussion. Participants are encouraged to offer their own examples of asexual representation: these should be introduced with a short description of the media and the character they want to discuss. \n\n\n\nAbout the Facilitator \n\n\n\nClaudia Sterbini is a PhD student at the University of Edinburgh. Her project explores theconstruction of pathological asexuality at the turn of the twentieth century. She is interested in queer history\, the medical humanities\, Victorian literature\, and generally all that is queer and ace. \n\n\n\nBookingBooking in advance is essential as places are limited so\, if you are unable to attend\, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/asexuality-in-the-archive
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251101T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251101T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20251023T092415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251023T092427Z
UID:15460-1762009200-1762012800@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Gay Scotland Now Collage Workshop at Edinburgh Zine Fair
DESCRIPTION:Join Lavender Menace for a free and fun collage workshop remixing text and images from Gay Scotland. Gay Scotland was a staple of the Scottish queer scene when it was published in the 1980s-2000s. Explore LGBT events\, adverts\, articles\, and classifieds from the past and remix them to reflect what Scotland means to queer communities now. \n\n\n\nNo need to bring anything – we have materials and photocopies of vintage queer magazines. \n\n\n\nLavender Menace is a community archive with roots in Scotland’s first LGBT+ bookshop. We have a mission to bring together the queer community in Edinburgh and beyond\, celebrate LGBT+ authors and their works\, and collect and preserve LGBT+ books. lavendermenace.org.uk \n\n\n\n\nBook a ticket\n\n\n\n\nThis event is free. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located on Floor 3\, ScotART\, St Margaret’s House (that’s three floors above the Lavender Menace archive). There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page.
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/gay-scotland-now-collage-workshop
LOCATION:Edinburgh Zine Fair\, Floor 3\, 151 London Road\, Edinburgh\, EH7 6AE
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251103T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251103T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20251023T120615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251023T120625Z
UID:15467-1762192800-1762200000@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:3\,000 Lesbians Go to York
DESCRIPTION:Join Lavender Menace at the Filmhouse for a screening of this brilliant new film. Followed by a Q&A with author Jane Traies and director Rachel Dax\, and a booksigning.3000 Lesbians Go To York tells the extraordinary true story of how a lesbian bookseller (who also happened to be trans) created the largest gathering of LGBTQ+ women in the UK\, and how from 1998 to 2008\, the quietly conservative city of York became the unlikely centre of all things lesbian! \n\n\n\nFor one thrilling decade\, thousands of women flocked to the York Lesbian Arts Festival (YLAF) each autumn\, to meet their favourite authors\, buy books\, hear top female artists live on stage and dance the night away at the ‘disco of a thousand lesbians.’ \n\n\n\nFeaturing interviews with world famous writers Val McDermid\, Sarah Waters and Jackie Kay\, and the legendary singer Horse\, 3000 Lesbians Go To York is a real celebration of the historical significance of this iconic festival! \n\n\n\n\nBuy a ticket\n\n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event will take place at Filmhouse on Lothian Road. You can see accessibility information on the Filmhouse website. Contact Filmhouse directly if you have more questions.
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/3000-lesbians-go-to-york
LOCATION:Filmhouse\, 88 Lothian Road\, Edinburgh\, EH3 9BZ
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251112T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251112T203000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20251027T103840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T113439Z
UID:15478-1762975800-1762979400@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:CANCELLED: Scotch Verdict with Lillian Faderman
DESCRIPTION:UPDATE: Unfortunately\, we have had to cancel this event due to unforeseen circumstances. \n\n\n\nJoin Lavender Menace for a conversation with Lillian Faderman about the writing of her acclaimed book Scotch Verdict. First published in 1983\, the book details the experience of uncovering the story of a scandal surrounding a 19th-century boarding school in Edinburgh’s New Town. \n\n\n\nThis online event will be held on Zoom. We’ll email attendees a Zoom link before the event. Just book a free ticket to attend. \n\n\n\nAbout Scotch Verdict\n\n\n\nAward-winning author Lillian Faderman recreates the events surrounding this notorious case\, which became the basis for Lillian Hellman’s famous play\, The Children’s Hour. Reconstructing the libel suit filed by Pirie and Woods—which resulted in a scotch verdict\, or a verdict of inconclusive/not proven—Faderman builds a compelling narrative from court transcripts\, judges’ notes\, witnesses’ contradictory testimony\, and the prejudices of the men presiding over the case. Her fascinating portrait documents the social\, economic\, and sexual pressures shaping the lives of nineteenth-century women and the issues of class and gender contributing to their marginalisation. \n\n\n\nIn 1810\, a Scottish student named Jane Cumming accused her schoolmistresses\, Jane Pirie and Marianne Woods\, of having an affair in the presence of their students. Dame Helen Cumming Gordon\, the wealthy and powerful grandmother of the accusing student\, advised her friends to remove their daughters from the Drumsheugh boarding school. Within days\, the institution was deserted and the two women were deprived of their livelihoods. \n\n\n\nAbout the speaker\n\n\n\n\nLillian Faderman is an internationally known scholar of lesbian and LGBT history and literature. She is professor emerita of English at California State University\, Fresno. Her award-winning titles include: Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers\, Surpassing the Love of Men\, Naked in the Promised Land\, Power Politics\, and Lipstick Lesbians. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nThe event will be chaired by Indigo Dunphy-Smith \n\n\n\n\nIndigo Dunphy-Smith (she/her) is a researcher and writer based in Edinburgh. She specialises in research and public programmes that create space for marginalised stories in traditional spaces. She is the author of How to: Queer Your Historic House\, a practical toolkit for uncovering queer stories in museum collections\, and co-chairs the National Trust for Scotland’s LGBTQ network and supports organisations to queer their heritage spaces. \n\n\n\n\nImage credits \n\n\n\nLilian Faderman photo by Phyllis Irwin; map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland Map Images website.
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/scotch-verdict
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251122T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251122T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20251029T200223Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251029T200231Z
UID:15506-1763820000-1763827200@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Fashioning Our Selves with Katrina Rolley
DESCRIPTION:Join Lavender Menace and writer Katrina Rolley for an intimate creative non-fiction workshop exploring how we fashion our selves and our identities through clothing.  \n\n\n\nBook a free place if you’d like to attend. \n\n\n\n\nBook a ticket\n\n\n\n\nWhat to expect\n\n\n\nAn informal conversational workshop in a small group lasting 2 hours (with a short break and refreshments). You don’t need to prepare anything in advance but you’re encouraged to bring a photograph or piece of clothing that’s meaningful to you or someone you care about\, to help us describe and share stories and experiences together. \n\n\n\nAbout the facilitator\n\n\n\n\nKatrina Rolley is a writer and digital creative whose work centres around identity\, appearance and our sense of self. With a background in fashion and identity studies\, Katrina’s current work uses personal experience combined with research into the self-presentation of lesbians in ‘20s and ‘30s Britain to explore how we all fashion our unique selves. \n\n\n\n\nBookingWe only have capacity for a limited number of people in the archive\, so please book in advance. If you are unable to attend\, please let us know so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location and accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/fashioning-our-selves
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251213T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251213T153000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20251127T124038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251127T124044Z
UID:15535-1765634400-1765639800@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Keepers of the Flame with Janette Ayachi
DESCRIPTION:Join poet Janette Ayachi for a creative writing workshop exploring fire as both a literal & metaphorical force – destruction & renewal\, love & loss\, desire & transformation – while creating a safe\, creative space for participants to reflect on their own inner fires.  \n\n\n\n\nBook a place\n\n\n\n\nWhat to expect\n\n\n\nAn intimate and life-affirming creative writing workshop. We will have pens and paper but feel free to bring your own writing material.Introduction & Reading (15 mins): A short reading from QuickFire\, Slow Burning to set the tone — fire as illumination\, resilience & sacred responsibility. \n\n\n\nGuided Discussion (15 mins): On how fire\, heat & light manifest in our emotional lives & creative processes — how we sustain warmth in community & art. \n\n\n\nWriting Exercises (45 mins): \n\n\n\nIgnition: writing from spark — what lights us up? \n\n\n\nBurning: writing through intensity\, transformation or conflict. \n\n\n\nAsh: writing from aftermath — what remains\, what renews.Sharing & Closing Reflection (15 mins): A chance to read excerpts & discuss how we can carry creative heat through the winter. \n\n\n\nBookingWe only have capacity for a limited number of people in the archive\, so please book in advance. If you are unable to attend\, please let us know so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location and accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/keepers-of-the-flame
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260114T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260114T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20251219T182808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T182827Z
UID:17360-1768413600-1768420800@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Collaging Queer Edinburgh with Kamal Malhotra
DESCRIPTION:Join artist Kamal Malhotra to explore Edinburgh’s queer history through vintage maps\, images\, magazines\, scissors\, and glue! This informal collage workshop looks at the material Lavender Menace used for our Desire Paths exhibition and encourages participants to remix and redesign Edinburgh’s queer past.  \n\n\n\n\nBook ticket\n\n\n\n\nAbout the facilitator \n\n\n\nKamal Malhotra is an Edinburgh-based illustrator who graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2024. His favourite subjects to explore are queer experiences of the body\, the internet and digital culture\, and gay sex. He has an interest in printmaking and regularly works with risograph\, linocut\, and monotype\, often combined with digital and other traditional media. He also enjoys designing posters and publications. \n\n\n\nWhat to expect \n\n\n\nAn informal creative workshop in a small-group setting. The workshop lasts for 2 hours with a break in the middle. No experience necessary and no advance preparation needed. We will have material for you to use here. \n\n\n\nBooking \n\n\n\nTickets are free – donations are appreciated but optional. Booking in advance is essential as places are limited\, so if you are unable to attend\, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & Accessibility \n\n\n\nThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questions \n\n\n\nPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/collaging-queer-edinburgh
LOCATION:Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive\, Edinburgh Palette\, Edinburgh\, Scotland\, EH7 6AE
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260124T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260124T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20251219T191512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251219T191522Z
UID:17363-1769263200-1769270400@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Making Art in Dark Times with Mae Diansangu
DESCRIPTION:Create found poetry and collage art in ‘Recover\, recycle\, reimagine: making art in dark times’ – a workshop led by poet Mae Diansangu. \n\n\n\nParticipants will explore what it means to make art in times of multiple crises\, using materials from mainstream media to critique\, reclaim\, and reimagine the dominant narratives that shape our society. \n\n\n\nThis workshop was originally developed as part of ‘Eternal Ecstasy’\, an exhibition of the artist Jamie Reid at the worm\, Aberdeen. \n\n\n\n\nBook ticket\n\n\n\n\nAbout the facilitator \n\n\n\nMae Diansangu is a queer poet from Aberdeen who writes in Scots and English. Her practice is rooted in the belief that storytelling is a collaborative act\, and she is particularly interested in reframing contemporary issues through the retelling of shared histories and myths. Much of her work explores themes of identity\, resilience\, power\, transformation\, and belonging. Her debut collection\, Bloodsongs (Tapsalteerie)\, was longlisted for a 2025 Saltire Book Award. \n\n\n\nWhat to expect \n\n\n\nAn informal creative workshop in a small-group setting. The workshop lasts for 2 hours with a break in the middle. No experience necessary and no advance preparation needed. We will have material for you to use here. \n\n\n\nBooking \n\n\n\nTickets are free – donations are appreciated but optional. Booking in advance is essential\, as places are limited. If you are unable to attend\, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & Accessibility \n\n\n\nThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questions \n\n\n\nPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/making-art-in-dark-times
LOCATION:Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive\, Edinburgh Palette\, Edinburgh\, Scotland\, EH7 6AE
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260207T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260207T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20260124T114712Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260125T182400Z
UID:17451-1770472800-1770480000@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Who’s Lore is it Anyway? Queering Scottish Folktales with Elisabeth Flett
DESCRIPTION:Come along to the archive for a queer folklore-themed writing workshop with Scottish author Elisabeth Flett! Elisabeth’s 2025 novel No Such Thing As Kelpies is an LGBTQ+ modern re-imagining of Scottish fairy tales and folkloric creatures. Together we’ll be learning a few fun facts about Scottish folklore\, hearing a couple of extracts from Flett’s book and trying our hands at writing our own queered tales. This will be a relaxed\, fun session – no need to have previous experience in writing\, just come with something on which to write and a hunger for some tale twisting! \n\n\n\n\nBook a ticket\n\n\n\n\nAbout the facilitator \n\n\n\nElisabeth Flett (she/they) is an award-winning writer\, theatre-maker\, musician and general feminist trouble maker. A 2021 graduate of the Elphinstone Institute MLitt course in Scottish Ethnology and Folklore\, Flett is fast becoming a well-known figure in the world of queer Scottish folklore with their 2024 solo storytelling show The Selkie’s Wife enjoying particular acclaim. They are passionate about mental health awareness\, LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality\, themes which often feature in all forms of their work as a creative practitioner. \n\n\n\nWhat to expect \n\n\n\nAn informal creative workshop in a small-group setting. The workshop lasts for 2 hours with a break in the middle. No experience necessary and no advance preparation needed. We will have material for you to use here. \n\n\n\nBooking \n\n\n\nTickets are pay-what-you-can. Booking in advance is essential as places are limited so\, if you are unable to attend\, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & Accessibility \n\n\n\nThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questions \n\n\n\nPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/queering-scottish-folktales
LOCATION:Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive\, Edinburgh Palette\, Edinburgh\, Scotland\, EH7 6AE
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260215T141500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260215T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20240426T131144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260124T104612Z
UID:2385-1771164900-1771171200@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Lesbian Words
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our monthly discussion about lesbian books! We get together on the third Sunday of each month to chat about books and media about lesbians\, sapphics\, bi and/or queer women. \n\n\n\nWe usually pick a specific topic to discuss each month\, like our favourite book to movie adaptations\, controversial books\, or lesbian representation throughout history.  \n\n\n\nThe theme for February is Romance – come along and talk about your favourite sapphic romance! \n\n\n\nLesbian Words is open to anyone who wants to talk about lesbian or sapphic books. You don’t have to be a lesbian to join\, and the group is trans inclusive: trans women\, trans femmes\, and non-binary folks welcome. \n\n\n\nBooking \n\n\n\n\n\nBooking in advance is essential as places are limited so\, if you are unable to attend\, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your place to someone else. \n\n\n\nVenue & AccessibilityThe event is located at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questionsPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/lesbian-words-6
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260218T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260218T193000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20260129T122542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T201043Z
UID:17466-1771437600-1771443000@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Museum of Transology in conversation with Richard Sandell
DESCRIPTION:Join Lavender Menace and the CILIP LGBTQ+ Network for an online evening discussion about protecting and sharing trans heritage. Curator E-J Scott will be in dialogue with Professor Richard Sandell in an event chaired by historian Elena Fritzsch. \n\n\n\n\nBook a space\n\n\n\n\nAbout the speakers\n\n\n\nE-J Scott is a curator\, cultural producer and academic whose practice focuses on enabling communities who may traditionally have been marginalised in museums to recentre their histories via interventive participatory practice. E-J is a Senior Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Culture\, Criticism and Curation at Central Saint Martins\, University of the Arts London. They founded the Museum of Transology in 2014\, now the largest collection of material culture representing trans lives in the world (Bishopsgate Institute\, London). \n\n\n\nRichard Sandell is Professor of Museum Studies and co-director of the Research Centre for Museums and Galleries at the University of Leicester. He is a co-author of Trans-Inclusive Culture: guidance on advancing trans inclusion for museums\, galleries\, archives and heritage organisations. \n\n\n\nElena Fritzsch is an historian and a former volunteer archivist at Lavender Menace. She has an MA in History and Politics from the University of Edinburgh and a postgraduate degree in History from Leiden University\, where her research focused on gender-affirming healthcare in trans magazines. \n\n\n\nBooking\n\n\n\nTickets are free – donations are appreciated but optional. Booking in advance is essential as places are limited so\, if you are unable to attend\, please cancel your ticket.This event will take place on Zoom. A meeting link will be sent out on the day of the event. \n\n\n\nAny other questions\n\n\n\nPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/museum-of-transology
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-29-102926.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260222T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260222T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20240521T153522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T130329Z
UID:2415-1771768800-1771776000@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Social Sunday
DESCRIPTION:On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month\, the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive is open 2pm–4pm for our informal Social Sundays. Join us for tea\, cake and lots of queer book discussion! \n\n\n\nThere is no need to sign up in advance\, you can just turn up. \n\n\n\nSocial Sundays are a great way to learn more about the archive and chat about your favourite LGBTQ+ books. You can come with friends or on your own – our volunteers will make you feel welcome. \n\n\n\nVenue & Accessibility\n\n\n\nSocial Sunday takes place at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questions\n\n\n\nPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/social-sunday-6
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Social-Sundays-web-banner.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260223T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260223T233000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20260120T124054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T124111Z
UID:17432-1771873200-1771889400@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Pub Quiz Fundraiser for Lavender Menace
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a pub quiz\, raffle and social with Dyke Bar! \n\n\n\nFundraising for non-profits and LGBTQ+ organisations is especially tough right now\, and we’d love your support to help us keep the archive doors open.  \n\n\n\nLavender Menace volunteers will host a big gay pub quiz\, with questions themed around LGBTQ+ books\, Edinburgh’s queer scene\, and other queer media. We’ll also be running a raffle with amazing prizes from local organisations and artists! \n\n\n\nAnd after the quiz\, stick around for Dyke Bar for a pint and a blether. Follow @edinburghdykebar for more info. \n\n\n\nHow to book/take part \n\n\n\nPlease book a ticket via Eventbrite. You can donate when you sign up\, or you can book a free ticket if you plan to donate on the night: \n\n\n\n\nBook a ticket\n\n\n\n\nYou can choose your own donation amount for the pub quiz. Raffle tickets are £1 each or £4 for a strip of 5. \n\n\n\nLocation & access \n\n\n\nThis event will be at Leith Depot. \n\n\n\nThe bar is at ground level with ramps at the main entrance and into the venue. Ramps are also available for access to the stage performance area. An accessible toilet is located within the venue. Find out more on the Leith Depot website: https://leithdepot.com/about-us.html \n\n\n\nDonate  \n\n\n\nIf you can’t make the event but you want to support us\, you can donate to the archive here: \n\n\n\n\nSupport the archive\n\n\n\n\nDonations help us with the costs of book preservation\, events\, opening hours\, staffing and volunteer management. Thank you so much!
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/pub-quiz
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260305T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20260129T101222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T130935Z
UID:17459-1772704800-1777827600@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Past Shelves: Histories of Queer Reading (Exhibition)
DESCRIPTION:Opening hours: The exhibition runs 5 March to 3 May. In March\, the museum is open Wednesday to Sunday. In April/May\, it is open every day. \n\n\n\nJoin us for the Past Shelves exhibition to explore the impact of LGBTQ+ reading\, publishing\, and bookselling. The exhibition is inspired by Scotland’s first LGBTQ+ bookshops\, community experiences of reading and life in Scotland from 1980-2000. \n\n\n\nThe Past Shelves exhibition follows on from the Past Shelves oral history project run in 2025-2026 by the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive. The project interviewed dozens of members of the LGBTQ+ community whose lives were shaped by books and reading. You can hear some of these interviews in the exhibition. \n\n\n\nLavender Menace was Scotland’s first gay and lesbian community bookshop. Co-founded by Bob Orr and Sigrid Nielsen\, it opened in 1982. After five years of bookselling\, the bookshop was reborn as West & Wilde (1987-1997) owned by Bob Orr and Raymond Rose. These spaces were a haven for LGBTQ+ people and sold queer books at a time when mainstream bookshops would not stock them. The bookshops were also important community spaces where LGBTQ+ people could feel welcomed and connect with each other. In 2019\, Lavender Menace was revived as Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive.  \n\n\n\nDiscover the world of Lavender Menace and West & Wilde with us\, through books\, magazines\, interviews and more. \n\n\n\nCredits \n\n\n\nThis exhibition was created by Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in partnership with Museums & Galleries Edinburgh. Thank you to our funders\, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Awards for All. \n\n\n\nLocation & access \n\n\n\nThe exhibition takes place at the Museum of Edinburgh\, 142-146 Canongate\, Edinburgh EH8 8DD. \n\n\n\nThe main entrance has 1 step. There is no lift and no ramp and the upper levels are accessible by stairs only. There is level access from the main entrance to the Foyer section of the exhibition and the accessible toilets. Some parts of the exhibition are located upstairs\, which are accessible by stairs only.  \n\n\n\nWe appreciate that this means some of our audience won’t be able to access the exhibition\, and we are committed to producing a digital guide of the exhibition in order to make the exhibition more accessible.  \n\n\n\nIf the inaccessibility of the building is preventing you from seeing the exhibition\, please email themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk and we will send you the digital guide when it is available (currently expected late April).
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/past-shelves
LOCATION:Museum of Edinburgh\, 142-146 Canongate\, Edinburgh\, Midlothian\, EH8 8DD\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Past-Shelves-banner.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260308T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260308T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20240521T153430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T130345Z
UID:2412-1772978400-1772985600@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Social Sunday
DESCRIPTION:On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month\, the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive is open 2pm–4pm for our informal Social Sundays. Join us for tea\, cake and lots of queer book discussion! \n\n\n\nThere is no need to sign up in advance\, you can just turn up. \n\n\n\nSocial Sundays are a great way to learn more about the archive and chat about your favourite LGBTQ+ books. You can come with friends or on your own – our volunteers will make you feel welcome. \n\n\n\nVenue & Accessibility\n\n\n\nSocial Sunday takes place at the Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive in Edinburgh Palette. There is information on how to get to us on public transport and by car\, along with access information\, on our location & accessibility page. \n\n\n\nAny other questions\n\n\n\nPlease email us: themenaces@lavendermenace.org.uk
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/social-sunday-5
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Social-Sundays-web-banner.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260313T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260313T153000
DTSTAMP:20260404T093056
CREATED:20260225T104743Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T121716Z
UID:17553-1773410400-1773415800@lavendermenace.org.uk
SUMMARY:Dyke's Delight: Kate Charlesworth in Conversation with Jay Whittaker
DESCRIPTION:Join Lavender Menace for an afternoon of stories of lesbian life and art. Kate Charlesworth is an illustrator and writer of renowned lesbian cult classics like Sensible Footwear: A Girl’s Guide and The Life & Times of Auntie Studs. Kate will be in conversation with award-winning poet and writer Jay Whittaker. \n\n\n\n\nBook ticket\n\n\n\n\nThis event is part of our exhibition Past Shelves: Queer Histories of Reading (5 March to 30 April\, Museum of Edinburgh)\, created in partnership with the Museum of Edinburgh (City of Edinburgh Council). Thank you to our funders\, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Awards for All. \n\n\n\n\nKate Charlesworth began to work as a cartoonist and illustrator in the 1970s. Her work has appeared in LGBT publications such as The Pink Paper\, Gay News\, Strip AIDS\, Dyke’s Delight\, whilst in the mainstream media she drew weekly strips for The Guardian\, New Scientist\, and the Independent. The award-winning graphic novel ‘Sally Heathcote – Suffragette’\, co-authored with Mary and Bryan Talbot\, appeared in 2014 and was followed in 2019 by her award-winning LGBT memoir/history\, ‘Sensible Footwear – a Girl’s Guide.’ \n\n\n\n\n\nJay Whittaker is an award-winning poet\, author of two full length collections: Sweet Anaesthetist\, (Cinnamon Press\, 2020) and Wristwatch\, (Cinnamon Press\, 2017)\, which was Saltire Society Poetry Book of the Year 2018. Current projects include her third poetry collection\, a queer sewing memoir in prose\, and co-hosting EH11’s grass-roots poetry night\, The Graveyard Shift. \n\n\n\n\n(Photo by Ryan McGoverne) \n\n\n\nLocation and Access\n\n\n\nThis event is taking place at Assembly Rooms\, 54 George Street\, Edinburgh EH2 2LR. \n\n\n\nThe venue is fully accessible on the ground and first floor areas for all visitors with mobility difficulties and accessibility needs via a lift or handrail assistance. For full accessibility information\, visit the venue website: https://cultureedinburgh.com/our-venues/assembly-rooms
URL:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/event/dykes-delight
LOCATION:Assembly Rooms\, 54 George Street\, Edinburgh\, EH2 2LR\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://lavendermenace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Eventbrite-tempate-15.png
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