History Talk: The Best of Enemies

A talk by Peter Scott-Presland

June 2025
At Charing Cross Library

The talk took place at Charing Cross Library and was followed by a drag tour of Soho and the West End.

The Best of Enemies: Heroes and Villains

Queer Villains

Which villain in the queer story was a staunch Republican who wanted to turn Buckingham Palace into a home for fallen women?

Which villain was a confirmed atheist who refused to take the oath of allegiance and was barred from the House of Lords?

Which villain was the only MP to consistently return his salary since MPs started to be paid in 1911?

Queer Heroes

Which hero made very bad sandals which crippled the feet of people he gave them to?

Which hero was notorious for the sexual harassment of young men who worked for him?

Which heroine put to death her dogs if they displeased her?

Which lesbian icon had three children by three different anonymous fathers?

Conclusions

• Life is messier than we think.
• Gossip makes the best history.
• The best history is gossip

Think you know your queer history? Think again! Preconceptions were overthrown in a bitchy, intimate and contrarian talk by Peter Scott-Presland, historian, playwright, and journalist. 

Peter has been upsetting the apple cart for the last 50 years. He loves a good argument.