Join internationally acclaimed activist, author, and educator Eli Erlick as she presents Before Gender: Lost Stories from Trans History 1850-1950, a groundbreaking exploration that challenges the idea that trans identities are a 'new' phenomenon.
Eli will explore the trailblazing lives of thirty trans people who will radically change everything you’ve been told about transgender history. Highlighting influential individuals from 1850 to 190 who are all but unknown today, she’ll share stories from romance to rebellion and mystery to murder. These narratives chronicle the grit, joy, and survival of trans people long before gender became an everyday term.
In 2011, Eli founded Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER), transforming educational environments for trans students worldwide. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Time Magazine, and the Washington Post, establishing her as a leading voice in social justice research and cultural criticism.
Join us for an evening that uncovers lost stories from the depths of the archives, narrating trans lives in a way that has never been attempted before. Through these vital histories, Eli demonstrates that trans people have always existed—growing up, working, falling in love, and building community as they always have and always will.
"Before Gender is at once a vital weapon in the fight against the denial of trans history and a heart-stopping collection of human stories." Kit Heyam, author of Before We Were Trans

The ‘stream and book’ package includes a unique ticket for the stream, and a copy of Before Gender: Lost Stories from Trans History 1850-1950 (RRP £20) deliverable to any UK address.
The event will initially be broadcast on 25 September at 6.30pm UK time. It will be available to view up to two weeks after the event has ended and can be accessed Worldwide. If you live in a time zone that does not suit the initial broadcast time you can watch it at any point after the initial showing for two weeks.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].