SCENE BUT NOT HEARD

As we delved deeper into the history of photography in HU3, discovering the connections between the work of Daniel Meadows, Steve Conlan, Russell Boyce, Ross Wlliams, George Norris and Tony Ward, we realised that a body of photographs documenting the LGBTQ+ and drag performance scene, in working class venues in HU3 in the 1980s and 90s, was lying unseen, dispersed in their various collections. This work represents not only a unique and artistically significant body of photographs, but an important record of queer heritage, and working class venues in HU3 as safe spaces for those who considered themselves outsiders.

This body of work is too important to remain hidden. Artist Investigator Kate Genever has shared some of these photographs with diverse communities within HU3, as well as the wider queer community in Hull, and they agree (Jimmy and DD's interview, right, came out of that process). She has been working behind the scenes to gather support for a project that will gather this work and bring it out into the public domain. Three Ways East, working with historian James Greenhalgh, at the University of Lincoln and The Half life of the Blitz project are pulling together a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Lottery Fund to make this project a reality. As well as being supported by our 5 original photographers and Daniel Meadows, this is also supported more widely by The Warren, Hull History Centre and the Bishopsgate Institute.

We suspect that this work will lead us to even more photographs contained within people’s personal collections, as well as important personal memories that, if shared, could form part of a collective memory, made visible.

Join Us

Photographs often trigger recollections and we’d love to hear yours

»Where: Ryders Club. Coltman Street

»When: Wed Oct 18th 3 - 6pm

EofUs invited HU3 residents DD and Jimmy to look at the collections of photos and consider their personal experiences

DD: I came to Hull in 2016, so I don’t know anyone really in these photos, but I do know how important these people are. I know this area is important in accepting me.

Jimmy: Yes I don’t know any of these people other than Candy. But I know they are part of the HU3 community which I also am. I love that I am from here, I love this area. People here have always accepted me – more so than town. I’d rather be in HU3 than town. Here I’m also surrounded by powerful women who are my allies – my family and family friends. Yes I’m a gay man, but I don’t flaunt that. I know and am confident of who I am but I am also respectful. I wouldn’t kiss a man in front of people here. That would be too much. I come to Rayners or Ryders and I can be myself. People can come and be themselves. I met DD and other gay or trans women in these places.

DD: I’m a trans woman, not a woman I know that. But I agree, here people are enjoying their lives and not scared of people's opinions.

Jimmy: I am proud to know you DD – you gave me confidence. I thought, if she can do that.

DD: That’s so powerful to know you are so accepting of me.

Jimmy: People are in awe of you. You are an inspiration. I didn’t know many queer people till I met you.

DD: It’s wonderful to hear. You are inspirational to me. He looks nice and cares about himself which means he cares about his life. He is passing the baton. It’s amazing to think I have inspired or helped other people because of how I live. That has really touched me in my heart.

I was a farmer, I had cattle and 500 acres. I raced bikes and lorries. I loved this life, with my wife and children – a son and daughter. We worked hard and did well. I achieved a lot. But I had to do this, be me. I am guilty of living a lie, and this lie meant that my children and wife no longer want to speak or see me. This is painful and I am eternally sorry to have hurt them. But I knew from the moment I was a kid, when we played cowboys and Indians. The suede shirt outfit was very attractive to me. But I was told not to mess about by my granny so I hid it. Then when I was married, my wife and I had a fancy dress party. I wore women’s clothes and I didnt want to take them off. I just always knew. I lived like this for 37 years, I kept it a secret. When I first said I was a trans woman, because I couldn't hold it back anymore, I lost everything. I was told I was a disgrace. But the truck and bike community I was part of were fine. I went racing one year as a man and the next as a woman and no one ever said anything, they just were themselves. I guess I was respected.

Jimmy: When I came out when I was 18, I couldn’t take it anymore. I told my family. Me dad was more accepting. If you haven’t got your family in support, you haven’t got anyone. It was hard, full of emotion and anger and fall outs. But times are changing.

DD: Sometimes I can’t be bothered to get dressed up and do my make-up. I think what can I do with this body? But I know I must.

Jimmy: I do get disappointed with how people see or go to Pride like it’s a fun day out thing. They get all dressed up and think that’s it for one day. One day loving but the next they are calling you. It’s not just about a good time.

DD: This is why we need to talk more about what it’s like, what it was like. and how hard it is still.

It’s wonderful to be part of this community. I want to get people to accept anyone. I think we give people permission. I’ve had lots of men who want to do what I’ve done, but they are too scared of losing everything. And that is the serious stuff, because it’s true.