Administrative/biographical history

Paris Lees' career documents an important moment in history for trans equality, with TIME magazine hailing 2014 as a “tipping point” for trans awareness.

The Paris Lees Archive contains over 350 items, including charity newsletters, programmes, interviews, published articles and original university coursework. The Times, Guardian, Independent, Sun and Evening Standard are included, plus magazines such as Attitude, DIVA, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, Men's Health and NME.

Lees is the first trans person to appear on the BBC’s flagship political discussion show Question Time, where she has made two appearances. She co-founded All About Trans, a project to connect trans people with the media that lead to BBC2 comedy Boy Meets Girl and Eastenders’ first trans character. She is also the first trans woman to present for Radio 1 and Channel 4 and has won various awards, including, The Positive Role Model Award for LGBTQ+ (National Diversity Awards 2012), Ultimate Trailblazer (Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year 2014, Young Campaigning Journalist of the Year (MHPC’s 30 to Watch Awards 2015)

She was also named the most influential lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person in Britain by the Independent on Sunday in 2013 and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Brighton.

Scope and content

Papers of LGBTQ+ activist and writer Paris Lees, including:

• Articles and publications by Paris Lees in various magazines, newspapers and periodicals, including regular columns, comments on news affairs, and details on public appearances, 2009-2016.
• Other materials concerning Paris Lees, including undergraduate essays and assignments for the University of Brighton, 2007-2008.

Quantity

28 folders.