Jamie Windust @jamie_windust, is an LGBTQ+ activist and the founder and editor-in-chief of FRUITCAKE magazine @fruitcakemagazine. They have recently started a petition for the legalisation of gender-nonconforming documentation to allow people the right to self-identify. Gaining over 14,000 signatures, and featuring on platforms such as Metro UK, The Independent and i Newspaper, they are now working with the BBC to tell the story of the petition and the impact it will have on the lives of non-binary people.
From safe and creative work spaces, to the capital’s top inclusive night spots, Jamie takes us on a tour of their favourite places in London and explores the issues trans and non-binary people experience when travelling from A to B.
A Queer Guide to London With Jamie Windust @jamie_windust
Recently I have been… on my first self-organised speaking tour for LGBTQ+ history month, which took me up and down the country to places such as Newcastle, Leeds, Birmingham, Cambridge and many other places of queer interest! It was amazing to speak to people about the history of non-binary identities, and be embraced by so many young queer LGBTQ+ people. It was truly amazing to see so much love and support in these institutions to ensure that LGBTQ+ people are looked after.
Currently I’m working on… an exclusive piece with the BBC about the petition, which I’m super excited about. I’m also in the process of writing a book about my experiences as living as a non-binary person, and to give practical and realistic advice for young, non-binary millennials. It’s set to come out in Autumn 2020 and will be full of fun anecdotes and genuine advice.
The petition is so important to me because… being able to self-identify on a document is one of the simplest and easiest things to do for so many people, yet there are so many people that just can’t. It will begin to allow institutions in the UK to question how they make their spaces safe for non-binary and non-cis people. Hopefully it’ll be a catalyst to encourage more groups, brands and institutions to change their ways and become more inclusive and safe for us.
The issues trans and non-binary experience on public transport are… an invasion of space. People taking pictures, filming, laughing and thinking that I’m there for their entertainment, when actually I’m there for the same reason as everyone else. To get from A to B.
The alternative’s to public transport I use are… private transport such as Uber and ViaVan are great, and when I asked for help to raise money for private transport after finding public transport hard, the difference it made to my journey and my mind was amazing.
What we can do to be an ally for trans and non-binary people… educate yourself and don’t expect trans and non-binary people to have to be your only resource. Sure, we are happy to answer questions, but presuming that we are going to give you all the answers detracts from the fact that cis allies need to do the work themselves. Transphobia isn’t the problem of trans people.
Currently I’m working on… an exclusive piece with the BBC about the petition, which I’m super excited about. I’m also in the process of writing a book about my experiences as living as a non-binary person, and to give practical and realistic advice for young, non-binary millennials. It’s set to come out in Autumn 2020 and will be full of fun anecdotes and genuine advice.
The petition is so important to me because… being able to self-identify on a document is one of the simplest and easiest things to do for so many people, yet there are so many people that just can’t. It will begin to allow institutions in the UK to question how they make their spaces safe for non-binary and non-cis people. Hopefully it’ll be a catalyst to encourage more groups, brands and institutions to change their ways and become more inclusive and safe for us.
The issues trans and non-binary experience on public transport are… an invasion of space. People taking pictures, filming, laughing and thinking that I’m there for their entertainment, when actually I’m there for the same reason as everyone else. To get from A to B.
The alternative’s to public transport I use are… private transport such as Uber and ViaVan are great, and when I asked for help to raise money for private transport after finding public transport hard, the difference it made to my journey and my mind was amazing.
What we can do to be an ally for trans and non-binary people… educate yourself and don’t expect trans and non-binary people to have to be your only resource. Sure, we are happy to answer questions, but presuming that we are going to give you all the answers detracts from the fact that cis allies need to do the work themselves. Transphobia isn’t the problem of trans people.
Safe spots in London:
Gay’s The Word (@gaysthewordbookshop), a landmark bookshop based in the cities bookworm central location, Bloomsbury. With their 40th anniversary this year, it’s a must visit for LGBTQ+ people who are in the big smoke for the first time.
Another favourite spot of mine is Beyond Retro (@beyondretro) in Brick Lane. There is nothing better than rummaging through a glorious array of vintage clothes and finding one-off pieces to add to my eclectic wardrobe. The store is full of hidden gems and the go-to place for all your retro dreams.
Glory (@thegloryldn), one of London’s long standing LGBTQ+ nightlife venues where frills, fantasy and fizz are still in stock. With a recent rise in queer venues shutting down, The Glory embodies just what the queer scene in London was like in the 80s and 90s. Go and have one on me, babes.
The V&A (@vamuseum). Not only is it stunning, it’s a perfect place for self-care and is a truly mesmerising place. The artworks, exhibitions and displays are incredibly inspiring and it’s a great place to relax and absorb the art and beauty around you.
Dalston Superstore (@dsuperstore) is one of the best LGBTQ+ specific day to night spaces in the UK. Featured in LOST in London, from drag brunch to Savage Disco, it’s an all hours safe space for LGBTQ+ people and allows us to just relax and feel at home. Definitely a must visit for all LGBTQ+ people who come to London.
These are the help lines and facilities available for support:Stonewall have an amazing helpline that is open in which they will signpost you to the right place dependent on your issue.
Switchboard LGBT+ are an amazing resource that offer telephone advice and appropriate help if you are in danger or just need someone to talk to.
Mermaids UK are an amazing charity that help young trans people and their families to understand and navigate a path so that everyone is happy and comfortable in the journey that their young trans people are on.
Another favourite spot of mine is Beyond Retro (@beyondretro) in Brick Lane. There is nothing better than rummaging through a glorious array of vintage clothes and finding one-off pieces to add to my eclectic wardrobe. The store is full of hidden gems and the go-to place for all your retro dreams.
Glory (@thegloryldn), one of London’s long standing LGBTQ+ nightlife venues where frills, fantasy and fizz are still in stock. With a recent rise in queer venues shutting down, The Glory embodies just what the queer scene in London was like in the 80s and 90s. Go and have one on me, babes.
The V&A (@vamuseum). Not only is it stunning, it’s a perfect place for self-care and is a truly mesmerising place. The artworks, exhibitions and displays are incredibly inspiring and it’s a great place to relax and absorb the art and beauty around you.
Dalston Superstore (@dsuperstore) is one of the best LGBTQ+ specific day to night spaces in the UK. Featured in LOST in London, from drag brunch to Savage Disco, it’s an all hours safe space for LGBTQ+ people and allows us to just relax and feel at home. Definitely a must visit for all LGBTQ+ people who come to London.
These are the help lines and facilities available for support:Stonewall have an amazing helpline that is open in which they will signpost you to the right place dependent on your issue.
Switchboard LGBT+ are an amazing resource that offer telephone advice and appropriate help if you are in danger or just need someone to talk to.
Mermaids UK are an amazing charity that help young trans people and their families to understand and navigate a path so that everyone is happy and comfortable in the journey that their young trans people are on.
Photography by @mtyparks