Bristol based artist Tom Marshman is gathering communities to explore the impact of Section 28 legislation introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government. Tom will host a series of tea parties with Gloucestershire Heritage Hub, Strike a Light, Voices Gloucester, Trinity, Bricks and Metal Peterborough, to discuss the impact of Section 28 on the LGBTQIA+ community.

When reflecting on this decade Tom asks ‘I wonder if growing up within the decade in which queer life was silenced has made me a bit of a show off, compelled to share queer or LGBTQI+ stories?’

The tea parties are a place for communities to meet and share their stories over tea and cake. You could have lived through this time or be curious to know more, everyone is welcome. Tom will perform short performances connected to the topic to provoke conversation, providing starting points for discussion with his own cabaret flair.

Tom has observed many other peoples strong reactions to this legislation, further explaining that ‘emotions are running high, particularly at this moment when a repeat of similar legislation feels possible, returning to the silencing of queerness in this country’.

These tea parties are research for a new show, supported by Unlimited & Bristol Ideas and part of Bristol 650. With permission, participants’ responses will feed into this new work, as an important and valuable part of the process. A work in progress of the work will be presented in November at the Wardrobe Theatre.

Booking is essential, click here for more details. 

Photo credit: Mark Gray