Croydon’s Trans History

By Ria Patel and Patricia

 

When you think of Croydon, you might not think of trans visibility but let us tell you: Croydon has a rich trans history.

As a lot of trans history wasn’t recorded, due to the ‘underground’ nature of the community decades prior, this article brings together mainly verbal histories, but some website archives too.

TransPALS (Trans People Across London South) is an important part of the Croydon LGBTQIA+ community and has a well-documented history. TransPALS has been a cornerstone for trans people in the area, marked by key venues that have shaped its journey: from humble beginnings in – we think – the late ‘80s – but it could have existed long before in the 50s – to its current home. It creates a space for connection, support, and celebration.

Here’s a look at the evolution of this vital group and the pubs that have hosted them over the years:

The Early Days (1980-1999)

TransPALS first found its roots in the back room of the Red Deer pub between the 1980s and 1999. The pub was a gathering point for queer folk in the area, and the Red Deer marked a turning point where TransPALS, then called Croydon Crossdressing Group, began to form its identity and it was likely run by Rachel. There was also another group, Friends of the Firebird, started by Sandra in Isleworth before 2000, which is linked to the formation of Westside Girls, mentioned below.

The Goose and Carrot (1999)

In 1999, TransPALS moved to a new location—the Goose and Carrot, a gay bar with a nightclub in the basement called The Pink Flamingo. Sandra visited Croydon and met Rachel, and they started a new group called Westside Girls – called so because it was set up near West Croydon bus station. They met once a month on the second Saturday – a tradition which still continues today.

The Bird in Hand (2002 – March 2012)

The Bird in Hand, a lesbian-owned pub, became the next home for TransPALS, from 2002 until March 2012, and 2002 marks the formation of Croydon Trans Group. This space was an integral part of the community until the pub transformed into a bistro bar, marking another queer venue lost to gentrification. Nevertheless, it remains a cherished memory for many in Croydon’s LGBTQIA+ history. Rachel continued to run the group until 2010, when it was handed over to someone else for 4 years. In 2011 the group marked Trans Day of Remembrance for the first time with events in Croydon Library and elsewhere, and these annual events continued until COVID!

 

A person key to Croydon’s trans history is Roberta Cowell. Roberta is well known both for being the first UK trans person to undergo gender confirmation surgery in 1951 (which was two years before Christine Jorgensen in the USA), through by 1950 she was already taking oestrogen.

Roberta Cowell, born in Croydon in 1918, was raised to adopt a male identity, despite feeling mentally and physically feminine. A successful engineer, racing driver, and WWII fighter pilot, Cowell’s increasing emotional struggles led her to seek psychological help, which revealed a deeper sense of femininity and obtained a document from a private gynaecologist stating she was intersex. After realising her true gender identity, she transitioned.

Following her transition, she received around 500 letters from people across the country asking for help. Later in her life, Roberta moved back to Croydon and these two things combined may have been what kickstarted the Croydon Crossdressing Group.

Roberta’s journey was documented in her autobiography, Roberta Cowell’s Story, which aimed to support others facing similar challenges. In 1972 Roberta gave her last interview, where sadly she was critical of other trans people who weren’t intersex, warning others not to follow in her footsteps, likely influenced by the financial problems she faced.

In 2010, Croydon celebrated her legacy during LGBT+ History Month with a special event, including a walk to her birthplace, where flowers and informative plaques were left as a toast to her memory, an exhibition about her life in The Bird in Hand, and a private showing of two trans-related films. Roberta Cowell passed away in 2011, leaving behind a lasting impact on the trans community.

 

The Windmill Pub (April 2012 – June 2022)

In April 2012, TransPALS found a new gathering spot at The Windmill Pub. This was when Patricia met Paula, two key figures in the group’s history. Although they had both been frequenting The Bird in Hand, it was at The Windmill that their paths crossed, solidifying TransPALS’ presence in Croydon for a decade. The group was renamed to TransPALS (Trans People Across London South) as it is known today! Patricia ran this group, with a two-year break in which Rebecca ran it, after which Patricia started leading on it again.

 

Another trans person in Croydon’s trans history is Georgina Somerset. Georgina Somerset, born in Purley on March 3, 1923, was raised as a male despite not developing typical secondary sexual characteristics.

After qualifying as a dentist and serving in the Royal Navy, she struggled with her gender identity and later discovered she was intersex, with both male and female organs but fundamentally female. Following hormone treatment and surgery in the 1950s, she transitioned to Georgina. Her change attracted global attention, and she wrote Over the Sex Border, a key book on gender dysphoria at the time, but now reads as outdated.

She married Christopher Somerset in 1962, but in 1969, a medical article mischaracterised her as transsexual, implying she was born male, and this led to a successful libel lawsuit. Georgina, who was genetically XO/XY, later published her autobiography in 1992. She passed away in November 2013, leaving behind a legacy in the understanding of gender identity.

 

In 2013 TransPALS joined with other LGBTQIA+ groups in Croydon to celebrate LGBT History Month. There was also an event in Croydon’s town centre on 18 May 2013 to mark, IDAHO, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, where Rainbows Across Borders were in attendance too.

In 2006, Croydon was – we think – the first London Council to raise the trans flag on Trans Day of Visibility. It was then raised again in 2017. We’d like to see Croydon Council continue to raise the trans flag on this day, as well as on Trans Day of Remembrance and Trans+ History Week.

 

In 2019, the group hosted its first Trans Day of Visibility event at The Oval Tavern! It was marketed as a cabaret celebration open to all, and featured performers Mzz Kimberley, Faye Wheeler, Paula Goodwin, Asifa Lahore, Kennedy, and more!! This event brought visibility to the trans community and served as a powerful statement of pride and unity.

 

 

 

The Oval Tavern (2022 – 2024)

After the closure of The Windmill Pub, the group moved to The Oval Tavern. TransPALS continued to meet and thrive here until August 2024, cementing The Oval Tavern as an important chapter in their journey.

The Builders Arms (September 2024 – Present)

As of September 2024, TransPALS has found a new home at The Builders Arms. It’s the latest chapter in an ongoing story of resilience and community, providing a safe and welcoming space for trans individuals in Croydon.

TransPALS has witnessed and contributed to the rich tapestry of Croydon’s queer history, thriving in each venue it has called home. With every change, we continue to stand strong as a vital force in the local LGBTQIA+ community. The journey is ongoing, and the future is as bright as ever.

However, with the current political climate, and increasing hate towards trans people, it’s important to remember that our trans history is just as old as yours. Trans people have always existed and we will always exist.

Trans people: come along to TransPALS – we still meet every second Saturday of the month, currently at The Builders Arms.

Allies: equip yourself with knowledge, step up and defend trans people. TransActual is a good place to start for facts. We must fight for trans rights.