Dec 242021
 
Pen drawing of Allan Gordon aged 15 wearing male trousers and jacket

Allan Gordon

In 1902 a 15-year-old sailor, Allan Gordon, was arrested in Bristol on a charge of ‘wandering about without visible means of subsistence’.

This was odd because Allan’s ship had only just docked and he was collecting his wages at the Board of Trade offices so was neither wandering about nor without subsistence. So, what was the real reason for his arrest?

When the ship’s crew had to undergo a compulsory medical check, Allan had refused and was then ‘compelled to admit her sex’. Once the press got hold of the story, they were determined to find out just who Allan Gordon was and why they had gone to sea.

Speaker: Norena Shopland, an author/historian who specialises in LGBT+ history and Welsh heritage.

Thursday 17th February 2022, 1pm to 2pm

This free online talk is hosted by Bristol’s M Shed museum in partnership with OutStories Bristol.

Pre-booking is essential. For full details and to book your ticket click this link to M Shed’s website.

Although it is free, M Shed would be grateful if you make a donation when booking.

Words "M shed" in black text