Queer Perspectives: Powering LGBTQ+ and Gender Studies research with our newspaper search tools

This blog explores how to maximise the advanced search features in the Social History Archive's newspaper collections to optimise your research. Through the perspective of LGBTQ+ and Gender Studies, we'll delve into how researchers, academics, and students can harness the name search, keyword search and phrase search tools to uncover narratives of gender, queerness, and LGBTQ+ stories.

Name search

The Social History Archive's powerful and sophisticated name search allows users to research famous and less well-known individuals associated with queer history. A fascinating example is Dr Louisa Martindale, a renowned gynaecologist and the first female GP in Brighton.(1) Searching for her name in our collections reveals intriguing insights into her career and her contribution to science, but also much more.

Newspaper clipping titled 'Radium for Cancer,' describing Dr. Louisa Martindale discussing successful cancer treatment with radium at the New Sussex County Hospital for Women, in collaboration with three London hospitals.
Lancashire Evening Post, 16 March 1926

Dr Martindale was not only a distinguished doctor, but also the author of a novel published in 1951, A Woman Surgeon, in which she narrated her love for Hon. Ismay Fitzgerald. Although Martindale expressed her love for Fitzgerald in a platonic way, scholars have also interpreted their bond as a romantic relationship.(2)

By performing a multi-name search in our advanced newspaper search form (separating them using a comma), we can trace their mutual connection back to the early 20th century, when Fitzgerald attended the funeral of Dr Martindale's mother, herself a renowned suffragette, in 1914.

Newspaper clipping listing attendees of a funeral, including Dr. Louisa Martindale and Miss Hilda Martindale as chief mourners, followed by a detailed list of other attendees such as Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Ashton, Mrs. Brignall, and Miss Winnie Broomfield.
Mid Sussex Times, 24 March 1914

Furthermore, searching for Ismay Fitzgerald's name independently also reveals additional moments connecting her to Martindale's life. For instance, she attended the opening of the hospital where Martindale would build her career as a surgeon as one of the guests in 1921.

Newspaper clipping announcing the opening of the new Sussex Hospital for Women and Children in Brighton by Lady Astor, with notable guests including Lady Leconfield, Lord Buxton, and Sir Arthur Newsholme.
Sussex Express, 16 December 1921

Although their relationship is never openly acknowledged in the newspapers, these articles provide valuable glimpses into their lives and suggest their longstanding connection throughout the decades.

Keyword search

The Social History Archive's keyword search is an invaluable tool for uncovering articles related to queerness and gender. To ensure the most comprehensive results, it's essential to include terms historically used to define or reference homosexuality. Furthermore, by analysing the frequency of these historical terms—some of which are now considered pejorative or derogatory—researchers can engage with the evolving language and changing perceptions of queerness over time.

Advanced newspaper search form with fields for names, keywords to include ('butch, lesbian'), exclude ('London'), and prioritize ('queer, lgbt'). The names field includes 'Nettie Honeyball, Florence Dixie' as an example.

The results from the keyword search shown above yield rich insights for both LGBTQ+ and Gender Studies and illuminate societal attitudes towards homosexuality and gender perceptions. Amongst the results we find that an article from 1973 discusses the notion that 'homosexuals make good teachers'. While intended as a 'progressive' piece, it reveals deep-rooted prejudices and misconceptions against homosexuality that were unfortunately prevalent in the mid-20th century.

Newspaper article from the Express and Star dated July 10, 1973, with the headline 'Homosexuals make good teachers,' discussing societal views on homosexuality and education.
Wolverhampton Express and Star, 10 July 1973

The same the keyword search also uncovers reflections on gender norms. A 2005 article critiques actress Natalie Portman's buzzcut for a film role, making the homophobic remark 'Portman's one-all-over could have made her look like a butch lesbian prisoner of war'. Such remarks can allow researchers to uncover and analyse homophobic and sexist attitudes in early 21st-century mainstream media, offering a valuable lens for researchers studying gender norms, and the changing perception around masculinity and femininity.

Newspaper article titled 'To baldly go to crowning glory' discussing Natalie Portman's shaved head, highlighting her femininity and confidence, and comparing her to other celebrities.
Sunday Independent (Dublin), 22 May 2005

Phrase search

In addition to name and keyword searches, the Social History Archive's advanced search allows users to find specific phrases, making it possible to track the usage and coverage of historic LGBTQ+ slogans, such as the iconic 'We're here. We're queer' popularised by the activist organisation Queer Nation.(3) For instance, this slogan was featured during a 1995 protest in Ascot led by men in drag and accompanied by members of the activist group 'Lesbian Avengers'.

Newspaper article with the headline 'Gay "queen" arrested in Ascot protest,' detailing the arrest of a protester in drag at Ascot on Ladies' Day, involving the group OutRage! and highlighting LGBTQ+ activism.
Wolverhampton Express and Star, 22 June 1995

This same phrase search also reveals material related to the AIDS crisis, such as the arrest of over 80 demonstrators at the 1990 San Francisco International AIDS Conference who demanded solutions to the epidemic's devastating impact on gay communities.

Newspaper article titled 'Thousands in demo at Aids conference,' describing protests at an AIDS convention in San Francisco, highlighting activists' demands for access and treatment, and the involvement of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.
Dundee Courier, 22 June 1990

Conclusion

Newspapers are a fascinating resource for uncovering research related to LGBTQ+ and Gender Studies, often offering untold and original perspectives. The Social History Archive's advanced search tools—the extent and sophistication of which will be further explored in a future blog—make accessing and compiling these stories effortless, enhancing research and teaching opportunities. Thanks to our longstanding partnership with the British Library, these resources remain invaluable for academic research.

Footnotes