Queer Georgians: In Conversation with Anthony Delaney

As part of Queer History Club we are super excited to bring you a conversation and book signing with queer writer Anthony Delaney. 

Based on original archival research by History Hit podcast presenter Dr Anthony Delaney, Queer Georgians reveals the real people that inspired Gentleman Jack and the gay romances in Bridgerton, long written out of the nation's story and now lovingly restored.

Mother Clap's Holborn coffee house is open to all comers, a place of companionship and community, until a tip-off leads to a midnight raid.

Two women, exiled from their families, set up a utopian homestead in a remote Welsh cottage, inspiring a generation of Romantic poets.

The celebrated Chevalier d'Éon, soldier, diplomat and spy, challenges a rival to a fencing match. The sweepstake is not over who will win, but whether the Chevalier is a man or a woman. 

In this dazzling work of restorative history, Dr Anthony Delaney has traced the stories of people daring to challenge society's expectations, unearthing archives and court records to reveal the tragedies and the joys of queer life three centuries ago. Breathing new life into the forgotten and offering radical new interpretations of celebrated figures such as Anne Lister, Queer Georgians is an invitation to view our shared history in a whole new light.

Anthony will be in conversation with historian Kit Heyam and will be signing copies of his book, Queer Georgians, which will be available to purchase at the event.

Dr Anthony Delaney has a PhD in history from the University of Exeter, where he is an Honorary Fellow, and presents the History Hit podcast After Dark, which has 800k monthly listens. Queer Georgians is his first book. Along with winning ‘Rookie of the Year’ at the 2024 True Crime Awards, Anthony was also nominated for ‘Best New Presenter’ at the 2024 Arias. He also appears on and has presented numerous history documentaries across TV and streaming platforms.

Kit Heyam is a Leeds-based heritage practitioner, trans awareness trainer, academic and author of Before We Were Trans.

Date: Wednesday 10th September 2025
Time: 7-9pm
Venue: The Bookish Type, 77a Great George Street, LS1 3BR

Tickets are on a sliding scale (£8 /£5 / £3 / £0)

Please be honest about your financial situation when selecting what to pay for your ticket. If you purchase a ticket at the lowest end of the scale when you could afford the higher ticket prices, it makes it harder for us to provide financial flexibility to those who most need it.

• £8 "I have more than enough to comfortably meet my basic financial needs and can afford to contribute a little extra to support access for others."
• £5 "I am comfortably able to meet all of my basic financial needs."
• £3 "I may stress about meeting my basic financial needs but still regularly achieve them."
  
• £0 "I have no disposable income to afford the event"

Tickets are only refundable up to 7 days before the event starts. Please email to cancel.

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Access Info

The shop has an 8cm step but we have a ramp we can put in place if required.
There is a downstairs bathroom with toilet and hand basin.
There is a range of seating including chairs that are armless with padded seats and backs, armless sofa, bench with cushions.
Face masks are encouraged but not required; an H13 HEPA  air purifier will be in use. 
On street parking available (charges may apply).
Please email in advance if you have any specific access needs: thebookishtypeleeds@gmail.com