The ‘ Third Sex ‘ Reading Group
Led by: Mollie Clarke , Dr. Claire O’Callaghan , Dr. Matt Crofts , and Dr. Helena Esser
Following on from the successful ‘Third Sex’ reading group at the VPFA’s 2020 conference, a more permanent reading group is now established! Meeting once a month, we will continue to focus on texts that examine ‘the third sex’ – that is; Victorian and neo-Victorian works that explore sex and gender, queerness, and LGBTQA+ identities. Meetings will take place via MS Teams, last for approximately 90 minutes, and will be supplemented by an exciting and supportive reading pack, comprising questions and textual prompts for members.
We’re back!
Spring /Summer 2021 Schedule:
June 30th: Radclyffe Hall and The Well of Loneliness
Join us for a discussion on Radclyffe Hall and The Well of Loneliness at 5:30pm UK time via Zoom for a 90-minute discussion!
In this session, the last of this academic year, we’ll be looking at Radclyffe Hall’s seminal text The Well of Loneliness (1928).
We’ll be discussing the nineteenth-century sexological research that inspired both the text and Hall’s own views, the obscenity trial that saw the text banned mere months after publication, the experiences of protagonist Stephen Gordon, the novel’s Victorian setting/style, and considering the legacy of this lesbian novel in contemporary culture.
You can register now to join us, via Eventbrite! >>>>REGISTER HERE<<<<
Registered attendees will be sent a zoom link for the event and a password to access our fabulous reading pack (thanks again Helena, for doing such an incredible job!).
Reading Pack World Time Zones Chart
Save these dates:
- June 30th: Radclyffe Hall and The Well of Loneliness
How to join:
The Reading Group is open to members of the VPFA. If you are not yet a member, you can join the VPFA here.
If you are a member email vpfareadinggroup@gmail.com, we will send out the reading pack a week in advance of the group meeting, and a link to join us online the day before it is scheduled. You will also be provided with a password to access the reading pack above. The pack and password will change with each session – please do not share this information with others. We ask that all attendees contact us individually so we can monitor numbers.
We’ve tried to balance inclusivity and safety for the Third Sex Reading Group – that’s why VPFA members can invite guests! If you have students/colleagues/friends who want to take part, you can email us with their name and email address to register their attendance. If they wish to attend more sessions, they will need to return as a VPFA member.
Bring your tea, coffee, other, and come join us! We look forward to seeing you there.