When We Ruled - Book Talk + Q&A

As part of Queer History Club we are super excited to bring you a conversation, Q&A and book signing with queer writer Paula Akpan.

Paula's debut book When We Ruled: The Rise and Fall of Twelve African Queens and Warriors reveals the stories of female rulers whose experiences of gender and sexuality existed outside of Western norms, categories and binaries. They led, loved and fought for their kingdoms and people and their impact can still be felt today. However, beyond the lands they called home, so few of us have heard their names.

From pre-colonial Nigeria to the rich plains of Rwanda, from Ancient Egypt to apartheid South Africa, historian Akpan writes the stories of these powerful queens and takes you on a spellbinding, enrapturing and immersive journey that is nothing short of revelatory.

Paula will be in conversation with historian Kit Heyam plus Paula will also sign copies of her book, When We Ruled, which will be available to purchase at the event.

Paula Akpan is a Black British historian and writer who gained a distinction in her fully funded MA in Black British History and who has credits in Vogue, Teen Vogue, The Independent, Stylist, VICE, i-D, Bustle, Time Out London and more.

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

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

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

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.

£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."

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