'Twilight People' is a landmark project that discovers and celebrates the hidden history of transgender and gender-variant people of faith in the UK past and present. This collection is the first source of faith and transgender history in Britain. The project explores the narratives around 'body and ritual', documenting the interconnection between faith and gender journeys beyond the binary categories of male and female. The images and stories of over 40 members of the various Abrahamic faith communities - Christian, Muslim and Jewish - will be documented by means of oral history, film and photography. The collated materials are mapped, catalogued, deposited and shared with the wider audience via free and accessible channels including an archive collection, a Website, interactive digital hubs, a touring exhibition, events including a symposium, a booklet, educational resource packs and other current learning tools including an app. This project involves a wide array of participants across academic and community groups and individuals. Impact objectives are to support community/historical record and practices; the production of educational and resource materials and broader trans community rights, equalities and social recognition.

Project Duration: December 2014 to September 2016

Outputs:

- Website: Twilight People: Stories of Faith and Gender Beyond the Binary

- Educational Resource Packs, booklet and other learning tools: in preparation

 
Research Project led by Surat-Shaan Knan (Liberal Judaism, PI) and funded by the Lottery Heritage Fund and the Culture, Media and Creativity Cluster (Department of Sociology)

Lead Researcher at Warwick: Prof. Deborah Lynn Steinberg
(current contact person: Dr Maria do Mar Pereira)