Is a Shared History Possible?

What would a shared history look like? Is it even possible (or preferable)? In this panel, major voices in queer and intersectional history meet to discuss the tensions and possibilities in the pursuit of it. In the context of contested, hidden and/or erased historical narratives and archives, what are the dangers of flattening difference in the name of unity? What might be gained from a more inclusive, holistic narrative? Can this be built in a genuine spirit of including and celebrating diverse perspectives? What practical tools do we require?

Paula Akpan is a journalist, historian and public speaker. A sociology graduate from the University of Nottingham, her work mainly focuses on blackness, queerness, social politics and our relationship with technology. She regularly writes for a variety of publications including Vogue, Teen Vogue, The Independent, Stylist, VICE, i-D, Bustle, Time Out London and more. Paula has also interviewed the likes of Oprah, Lupita Nyong’o, Reese Witherspoon, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Syd, Ray BLK and more. Graduating with a distinction in her Masters in Black British History, Paula has an interest in mapping out the lives and activism of Black lesbians and queer women in Britain between the 70s and 90s. Her debut, When We Ruled, published by Trapeze (2025), traces the lives and legacies of twelve African queens and warriors who contributed to the shaping of the continent.

Kit Heyam (they/he) is a freelance writer, historian, heritage practitioner and educator based in Leeds. They are the author of Before We Were Trans: A New History of Gender (Basic Books UK/Seal Press, 2022), a global history of gender nonconformity which was nominated for the 2023 Lambda Literary Award in Transgender Nonfiction and a History Today book of the year. They work with museums and in the media to change the way we tell stories of the queer and trans past. They also sing in three choirs, play the tenor horn, co-organise Leeds Queer Film Festival, and attempt to meet their toddler’s insatiable demands for poetry and fruit.

Jane Traies is a writer, researcher and story-teller who uses oral history methods to record the experiences of marginalised women. Her best-seller Now You See Me is a collection of older lesbian life stories. Her later life-history collection, Free to Be Me, captures the stories of a group of lesbian and bisexual women seeking asylum in the UK. Writing jointly with Jacky Bratton, Jane is also half of the sapphic historical novelist Jay Taverner. Their latest title, Liberty, is the fourth adventure in the ‘Brynsquilver’ series. Jane is always looking for new ways to make hidden histories heard and seen. 

(Chair) Dr Nat Arias (They/Them/Theirs) is a Dominican queer activist, radical archiver, and researcher on black trans feminist and radical queer of colour activism in Europe. They work as independent gender consultant for initiatives supporting migrants, racialised lesbians and queer political resistance in the EU.