iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 12m

What a great night with Gayberystwyth Books and their amazing Queer Lit Quarterly event. Alongside Hotties in Art, there were other great books like Crystal Jean's Blueprints and work from the wonderful Dr Kit Heyam and the magical Sacha. We had a thought provoking panel chat and the audience was.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 22h

#TodayInQueerHistory Oct 16 (1854) Oscar Fingal O'Fflahertie Wills Wilde was born #OTD. Oscar set the Victorian stage ablaze with his plays. His novels, like The Picture of Dorian Gray are still enjoyed today. He was arrested on charges of sodomy and gross indecency & spent 2 years in prison.

A photo of Oscar Wilde reclining and holding a book

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Oct 15 (1970) "TWO WOMEN MARRIED IN CHICAGO -- TO EACH OTHER" runs the headline in Jet Magazine after Edna Knowles and Peaches Stevens wed at Liz's Mark III Lounge. The Attorney general's office said that there is no state statute that either bans or sanctions such marriages.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Oct 14(1977) While plugging her gay conversion centres on TV, homophobic Anita Bryant was pied in the face by queer activist Thomas Higgins. Byrant then prayed that Higgins would be "delivered from his lifestyle". Higgins is credited for coining the term "gay pride".

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Cork! You've been so wonderful! @michaelwaldron.bsky.social was such a fun interviewer and the team at Waterstones were fabulous. I can't wait to visit again when the Crawford Art Gallery reopens

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

Seeing the original Pride flag, dyed, stitched and flown by Gilbert Bake et al was a magical moment. This piece of fabric is blazing beacon of hope for so many of us, our gayeaux tapestry, telling our stories and proclaiming our existence. It's in Cork Public Museum at the moment :)

A man in a rainbow t-shirt in front of a rainbow flag

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Oct 13 (1997) Annie Proulx's acclaimed short story is published in The New Yorker. It tells the story of two cowboys, Ennis and Jack who first meet on the titular mountain. The story went on to win awards, and was adapted into a multi-oscar-award winning film.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Oct 12 (1998) After being beaten, tortured and left for dead near Laramie on October 6, Matthew Shepard died from his injuries. Matthew's tragic murder brought attention to how hate crime was dealt with in the US. Mathew is memorialised on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honour.

A picture of a blonde man in a grey jumper

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Oct 11 (1954, 1987) 1954: Clever Jones, the person behind the AIDS Memorial Quilt was born #OTD. 1987: the AIDS Memorial Quilt made its first appearance on the National Mall in Washington. Over half a million people visited the quilt while it was on display.

A black and white photo of a spectacled man holding a large quilt

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Last night's Hotties in Art x Life drawing event at Paper x Clips was magic. Our model leafed through Hotties finding poses, and while we drew, I shared background, context and some fun facts about the work which inspired the pose. Id love to do more of these events (and come back to Belfast).

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Today is bookshop day. Go out and support your favourite bookshop. While you're there: pick up a copy of @ajwestauthor.bsky.social How Queer Bookshops Changed the World. It's an important read about spaces that literally changed the world.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory October 10 (1990) After writing a letter to management of London bar of Brief Encounters in September, asking them to rethink the "no gay kissing" policy, which was ignored, activist group Outrage hold a kiss in in protest.

An old photo of brief encounter pub in london

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory October 9 (1988) Nintendo release Super Mario Bros 2 for the US market. The game has a new character for the Mario Mythology: Birdo. Birdo is widely considered one of the earliest trans characters in videogame history.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Thank you everyone who came along to the Hotties launch at Bristol Waterstones! Thought provoking questions were asked and some great artwork was made inspired by our Hotties. Check out the link in bio for more Hotties Tour dates!

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory October 8 (1971) Campaign Against Moral Persecution (or CAMP) held Australia's first Gay Rights rally outside the Liberal Party's HQ in Sydney. They were supporting Tom Hughes who has spoken in favour of reforming law, one banner said these reforms "might help.".

A black and white photo showing protesters

A blqck and white phoro showing protesters

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

On Saturday 10/10 the Hotties Tour is taking me to Belfast, to Paper x Clips, for a talk and a life drawing event. It'll be my first trip to Belfast and I'm so excited for this event. Tickets can be found at the link in bio.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Oct 7 (2020) Pussy Riot, the Russian Feminist Punk Collective hung Pride Flags from government buildings in Moscow. They said "the flags are our gift to Putin as a symbol of missing love and freedom" for queer people. The activists were arrested and fined for their actions.

A person with a concealed face hanging a pride flag next to a Russian street sign.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Oct 6 (1989) Having grown to 10848 panels, and covering 14 acres of land, the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt is displayed in its entirety at the Ellipse in Washington D.C. Today, the UD AIDS memorial quilt numbers over 50,000 panels, remembering over 110,000 people.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

This Friday I'll be launching Hotties in Art in Bristol, at my local Waterstones. There will be chat and together we will be filling the store with art inspired by your favourite Hotties in art. You can get tickets at the link in bio.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Oct 5 (1994) Sandi Toksvig is the definition of cosy TV & Radio. After coming out, not just as a lesbian AND a Mum, she was dropped by charities Save the Children and the Children's Society as a host for an event. The Lesbian Avengers protested #OTD & the charities apologised .

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

I still can't get over the Pillar of Hotties at Waterstones in Chelmsford!

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Oct 4 (1913) E.M. Forster finishes his manuscript for Maurice. Due to anti-homosexual legislation, it won't be published until 1971. I'll let you work out the time difference. Maurice offers something very rare for queer fiction at this time: an optimistic outlook.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Oct 3 (2012) "I want to be true to myself. I want to try to be the best role I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and professional career." - Orlando Cruz, who came out #OTD, becoming the 1st boxer to come out while competing. A huge milestone for boxing.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

I had such a blast last night at Chelmsford's Waterstones. The crowd were great at Peter was a great interviewer:). Next stop on the Hotties Tour is Bristol, then Belfast and Cork.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Oct 2 (1985) Today we are remembering Rock Hudson, whose death #OTD from AIDS related complications, spurred Elizabeth Taylor to raise millions for HIV/AIDS research. Rock Hudson was a Hollywood heartthrob, starring in romcoms opposite Doris Day.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Oct 1 (1994) History is a powerful tool. It connects us with those who came before us and helps us create the world we need to see. Educator Rodney Wilson starts the 1st LGBTQ+ History month #OTD. Oct was chosen in the USA to commemorate gay rights marches and coming out day.

A teacher standing in front of lots of posters

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Lots of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reviews coming through for Hotties in Art 🎨🩷💙

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Sept 30 (1897) Charlotte Wolff (born #OTD) was a physician, psychotherapist & sexologist. Her work on lesbianism (Love Between Women, 1971) and bisexuality (Bisexuality, 1977) was groundbreaking at the time. She also wrote novels & a biography of Magnus Hirschfeld.

A black and white photo of an older woman

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Oh wow! A friend shared this from @waterstones.bsky.social Chelmsford - looks like they are all ready for our event on Friday! It would be great to see you if you're around! www.waterstones.com/events/an-ev...

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Sept 29 (1992) Paul Jabara wrote some EPIC bangers. His discography includes the oscar award winning disco track Last Dance, the Donna Summer/ Barbara Streisand duet No More Tears (Enough is Enough) & the ICONIC It's Raining Men. He died of AIDS related complications #OTD.

A man in 1970s dress posing with a fire hydrant

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Sept 28 (1993) Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City premieres on Channel 4 in the UK, introducing Barbary Lane to a new generation. A critic in 2005 said it was "a time capsule that treats its characters with humor, respect [...]would be politically impossible there today."

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The reviews are starting to come in for Hotties in Art! 🥰 If you've got a copy, please leave a review, they really do help others discover the book. Check out the link tree in bio for all the upcoming events, it would be lovely to meet you!

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Sept 27 (1961) Gay rights campaigner and AIDS activist Samson Chan was born #OTD. He went to the US in the 1980s and set up Asians and Friends - Chicago and fundraised for AIDS causes. When he returned to Hong Kong in the 1990s he continued his activism work.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

If anyone needs me I'll be reading @mcragg.bsky.social's new boom and listening to my carefully curated Kylie playlist.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Sept 26 (1087) William II was crowned #OTD in Westminster Abbey. William never married nor had children - unusual for a monarch! Contemporaries tell us he filled his court with fashionable young men who wore their hair long and shoes pointed. There is speculation he was bi.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

My fellow Essex folk! I'll be continuing the Hotties in Art tour in Chelmsford next week -- I'll be chatting art, history and hotties with the wonderful Peter at the Chelmsford Waterstones. Tickets and more can be found here: linktr.ee/jackshoulder

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Sept 25 (1975) DONT DREAM IT, BE IT. The Rocky Horror Picture Show was released in US cinemas #OTD. A critic reflected that upon release it was "ignored by pretty much everyone, including the future fanatics who would eventually count the hundreds of times they'd seen it".

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

What an incredible stop on the Hotties in Art tour! A packed house at the Gower Street Waterstones. Thanks to the team for being awesome, a huge thanks to everyone who came along and asked brilliant and insightful questions and a HUGE thank you to masterful interviewer @ajwestauthor.bsky.social

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Oh wow! Hotties is in the window of iconic @gaystheword.bsky.social ! Always an honour to be there alongside so many wonderful writers. We had an impromptu book signing, so you can now find signed copies of Hotties AND @museumbums.bsky.social in the world's most iconic bookshop.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Sept 24 (1951) Trans pioneer Christine Jorgensen underwent her first gender affirming surgery #OTD at the Gentofte Hospital in Copenhagen. She soon made headlines as "ex GI becomes blonde bombshell", and she used her platform to advocate for trans rights and visibility.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

HOTTIES IN ART LAUNCHES TODAY! 💗💙💗💙 I'm excited to share Hotties with you all, indeed some of you already have your hands on them! To celebrate, I'll be at the Gower Street @waterstones.bsky.social with the delightful @ajwestauthor.bsky.social Tickets, books and more linktr.ee/jackshoulder

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Sept 23 (1984) Originally 'Megahood', the 1st Folsom Street Fair happened #OTD. Inspired by Harvey Milk, Kathleen Connell & Michael Valerio set it up to support locals, fight gentrification & celebrate the queer community, with the leather miracle mile at the heart of it all.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Sept 22 (2010) It gets better. Dan Savage uploads the first It Gets Better videos to YouTube, in response the alarming rate of suicide by queer teens bullied at school. Dan said he wanted to share that "however bad things were, however isolated and alone [...], it gets better."

A screen grab of dan and Terry sharing Stories

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Those of you who have already picked up a copy of Hotties in Art, firstly THANK YOU. Secondly, it appears you all have exquisite taste in books. Here's what else you've been buying. (Hotties can be found wherever you buy books, and reviews are so vital to help others discover it too)

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Sept 21 (1998) NBC airs the pilot episode of Will & Grace. Initially it ran from 1998-2006, but had a comeback from 2017-20. Over the course of its run it won 18 Primetime Emmys and the show's impact on queer culture has been recognised by The Smithsonian.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

London folk, fancy celebrating the launch of Hotties in Art with me & Sunday Times Bestseller @ajwestauthor.bsky.social? For the most fun you can have in a bookshop, join us on Thursday 24/9 at Gower Street Waterstones as we chat about hotties, history and art. Tickets: linktr.ee/jackshoulder

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

#TodayInQueerHistory Sept 20 (2013) 👑👑👑 16 year old Cassidy Lynn Campbell was crowned Home Coming Queen, winning the popular vote. She made history as the 1st trans homecoming queen. Cassidy described her win as surreal, and "the ultimate joy". Her fellow students calleded her win "really cool".

A teenager in homecoming royalty regalia

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

The AIDS memorial Quilt display at Tranway was so moving and powerful. The tears welled up with every panel: love, care & emotion came through with every stitch. The archival material told the story of HIV and AIDS in Scotland. Our Stories Scotland's workshops beautifully connected it all.

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Jack Shoulder @jackshoulder.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

A huge thank you to the wonderful team at Category Is books in Glasgow. You were so warm and welcoming and made me feel right at home. A huge thank you to everyone who came along and picked up a copy of Hotties. Your support means so much and I hope you enjoy the book 💙💞

Two smiling people in front of a display of books

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