Rainbow Wales

Queer icons past and present

Author(s) Emily Garside

Language: English

Genre(s): Calon, Biography, Gender Studies, Wales Studies

  • May 2026 · 240 pages ·216x138mm

  • · Hardback - 9781837600342
  • · eBook - pdf - 9781837600366
  • · eBook - epub - 9781837600373

Who are the queer figures, past and present, who shape Wales? Discover the diverse array of LGBTQ+ figures who have shaped Wales, in a tour of how they shape both their fields and drive forward queer representation. Embark on a journey that takes us from the Marquis of Anglesey, through the lives of the Ladies of Llangollen, to artist Gwen John, to pioneering writer Jan Morris and playwright Peter Gill. Celebrate queer entertainers from Ivor Novello and H from Steps, to sporting icons from Gareth Thomas to Jess Fishlock. This book takes you on a whirlwind tour from culture and sport to politics and activism, marking the breadth and variety of queer achievement. Spanning historic milestones of the past to iconic drag queens of the present, Queer Welsh Icons is a jubilant exploration of the rich tapestry of queer identity in Wales.

'Rainbow Wales shines a spotlight on the queer Welsh icons who changed theatre, music and culture.', Jamie Griffiths, Matinee

'After centuries of having a forbidden, or hidden, history, it is a joy to see so many iconic LGBTQ+ people in one book. It shows clearly that we have always been here, always will be, and we have made huge contributions to both Welsh and worldwide history.', Norena Shopland

Introduction
1 Writers
2 Musicians
3 Actors
4 Drag Artists
5 Sportspeople
6 Activists
7 Eclectic Queer Folks
8 Allies
Conclusion
Further Reading
References

Author(s): Emily Garside

Emily Garside is a nerd for all things Queer History and Culture. Beginning with a PhD on theatrical responses of the AIDS pandemic, she got distracted by TV and accidentally wrote a book on Schitt’s Creek. She then turned a lifelong love of Doctor Who, and watching Queer as folk too young, into a book on Russell T Davies called Gay Aliens and Queer Folk (Calon). She now writes on all things Queer theatre, with a speciality in musicals of course, TV and cultural history. Her mantra is ‘know your history’ and seeks to educate Queer folks and allies alike on the hidden history of the LGBTQ+ community they might have missed.

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