What to expect: a relaxed, engaging discussion around a light-touch read around redefining masculinity through transmasc and butch lenses.

What is FLARB?

FLARB is the Free, Lazy, Arty, Radical Book Club, a book club without the stress of a conventional book club. It reclaims the word ‘lazy’ as a radical approach to inclusion and self-compassion.

FLARB removes traditional access barriers to reading around arts and social justice topics in order to create a sociable, inclusive space to have a read, have a chat and learn something together.

Text: SELF-MADE MAN #2: Old Stories (roughly 5-10 minute read)

SELF-MADE MAN #2: Old Stories is an American autobiographical piece of creative writing in which the author, Thomas Page McBee, reflects on trauma and identity to redefine masculinity as compassionate, self-defined, and open to vulnerability. Read here

Come having read all, some or none of the text!

For further reading, or if you find the text difficult, you can watch this short video: ‘The Art of Intersection: Thomas Page McBee’, which covers similar themes. Watch here

What is THEIR?

THEIR encourages and promotes trans creativity through arts-focused events and socials made for and by the trans+ community.

THEIR workshops will explore the rich history of transness locally and globally, starting with a project that focuses on transmasculine and butch histories. THEIR is an inclusive space open to everyone under the trans and GNC umbrella.
Cis people wishing to attend are welcome, but are encouraged to make a small donation when booking their ticket.

THEIR formed out of the severe lack of spaces and events dedicated to the trans+ community, and hopes to be a longstanding initiative, facilitating regular events in partnership with local organisations.

God’s House Tower

Workshop location: Gods House Tower Café Extension
Gods House Tower is a part of Safe Space Southampton, a network standing up for trans safety in the city, and has gender neutral toilets.

Accessibility information

You will find two ground floor entrances to GHT. There are slightly uneven cobbles and small pavements on Winkle Street, one of the main routes to GHT when coming from the direction of the city centre.

For step free access, you can enter GHT through the main entrance (wooden doors with Southampton mural). This entrance will lead you into the ground floor cafe and bar where you will find a lift which will take you to the mezzanine and first floor. This entrance also offers steps free access to the artists shop, toilets and library/quiet reading area.

You can enter GHT through the courtyard entrance located on the ground floor at the far end of GHT, opposite the bowling green. This entrance offers step free access to the cafe extension area and there is a ramp available which can be used to take you through to the main cafe and toilet.

Click here to learn more