John Grindrod: Tales of the Suburbs – Aylsham Friendship Hall, Norfolk

On Tuesday the 21st July in the Aylsham Friendship Hall, celebrate John Grindrod’s incredible new book Tales of the Suburbs which tells the relatively untold twentieth century tale of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people in small towns and suburbia.

Throughout LGBTQ+ history, suburbia has been seen as somewhere to escape from: a place where heterosexuality rules; where difference will not be tolerated, where you’ll never find a soulmate. But for many, those streets of twitching curtains and pebble-dashed semis were – or still are – a place to call home.

Through remarkable archive material and original interviews, social historian John Grindrod reveals stories that are messy and moving, dark and funny, uplifting and extraordinary. With nods of recognition and unexpected flirtations, chosen families and desperate escapes, this is a new way of seeing suburbia: a place where things aren’t always as straightforward – or straight – as they seem.

John will be in conversation with Ruth Fisher, bookseller at The Book Hive. The conversation will feature readings and will be followed by an audience Q&A as well as a chance to get your book signed afterwards.

John Grindrod: Tales of the Suburbs 
Tuesday 21st July 
Aylsham Friendship Hall
Doors 6:30 for 7pm start 
FREE (booking essential)