Leeds’ first alternative drag collective invites you to take a journey through 150 years of queer history in the city we call home. Learn about the instigators, provocateurs and pioneers that have woven their stories through Leeds and think about what the future might hold for the queer communities of today and tomorrow.
Visions in the Map is the result of a three-year project that unlocks the unspoken queer history of Leeds. Trace stories of resistance and protest through a map of the city. See incredible artwork and performances by working class creatives. This celebration of queer identity puts LGBTQIA+ stories firmly in the spotlight.
Here you’ll find an archive of this ambitious project, with the initial research that inspired AGE OF THE, archive photos, interviews and behind the scenes documentation of the research sharings coming to life and information about the team that made this happen.
In October AGE OF THE will launch a specially commissioned video that will chart the whole day and night festival of queer heritage and creativity.
If you have any questions about the project, would like to know more, or would like to work with the AGE OF THE team, please contact us.
Visions in the Map was funded by Heritage Lottery Fund and Leeds 2023. Co-produced by Assembly House.
The Map
Events & Research
- Evening at The Mitre Hotel – Confessional
Known in legend as Leeds’ oldest gay pub, first opening 1744 as the Horse and Jockey. Those who’ve set foot inside say tell stories of the two lives of the building, for businessmen in the day time. However when the sun set they were replaced by Read more - Cubicle, Cottaging at The Regent
‘Cruising’ describes the act of searching a public space in search of a sexual partner. ‘Cottaging’ more specifically refers to the act of seeking a sexual partner in a public lavatory, which became known as cottages. This has historically been a practice for gay men to Read more - Pride and Protest at The Fenton
Legendary Hyde Park pub, The Fenton, has been host to many misfits and movements throughout its history. A hub for music, activism and LGBTQ groups, the Fenton is the birthplace of our very own AGE OF THE, hosting transgressive drag nights in its upstairs room, and Read more - Lesbian Discos, The Dock Green
Reading oral histories, as part of West Yorkshire Queer Archives, and meeting people for chats, AGEOFTHE have created an artwork commemorating the women’s, and lesbian discos of the old Dock Green and Woodpecker pub. Facing the site of the old pub, which still bears its name Read more - Warm Reception – Drinks at the first Trans Conference
On the 15h of March, 1974, Trans people from across the country came together, in the upstairs of the Guildford Hotel in Leeds, for the coffee evening of the first Trans conference in the UK. Honouring this momentous occasion AGE OF THE have commissioned the artist Read more
Meet the team
AGE OF THE was established in 2017, by a group of students, living in Leeds, who couldn’t find the queer community that they needed – one that hates capitalism, queerwashing and loss of community.
After setting up home in the upstairs room of the Fenton, AGEOFTHE founder, Hollie Grace set out to find the weirdest weirdos to build a family.
In the following years China Duke, then Alice Boulton-Breeze, then Ian Cell joined the family, and it has grown from strength to strength as a platform for queens, kings and things who don’t fit (and don’t want to fit) the typical drag standards and elitism in Leeds’ queer scene.
AGE OF THE has been lucky enough to work with a committed, loving and warm family. Over the years this has included King Little, Lady Stardust, Blyss, Vee Dagger, Unknown Amazon, Luca the Drag Queer, Heather Regions, Liv Vicariously, Miss Mina, Angel, Barb D’Wyer, Billy Butch, Vita Bohem and many, many, many more!
Credits
Supported by Heritage Lottery Fund and Leeds 2023. Co-produced with Assembly House. With special thanks to Wharf Chambers, CLAY, The Fenton and Turk’s Head, the Leeds Queer History Tour, Leodis, West Yorkshire Queer Archives, Sage Men’s Group, Angels of Freedom, Fresh Grassroots Rainbow Community, Out Together, Leeds Bi+ Social Group. Mentoring by Rhiannon Armstrong.
Lead artists, researchers and producers – Hollie Grace, China Duke and Alice Boulton-Breeze.
Producer and access assistant – Elliot Raine
Assistant producer – Florence Simms
Artist commissions – Rosie Reynolds and Jude Kershaw
Performer – Michael Lawton
Illustration and design – Wooshy
Marketing Coordinator – Annie Lewis
Photography – Robyn Dewhurst
Videography – Ronnie Danaher
Website Design – Queer Web Design
Technical support, set design and building – Archie Brooks
