Queer Codes: Polari and the Hidden 'Gay Language'

A lot of Holly Johnson's work has used, played with, and celebrated queer codes that would have been recognisable to LGBTQ+ people but not always to everyone. Imagery and language were blended together to promote, to shock, to inspire, and to celebrate his work.

In this workshop Lee Campbell will give a presentation on the fabulous underground world of Polari, often referred to as the hidden 'gay language' as well as given readings from his new book of poems, written using the language.

Participants will actively take part in creating pieces using Polari, considering why Holly and countless others in the past had to use hidden meaning and gesture to communicate with others, and think about what those gestures, languages, and images look like today.

Image: Sailors performing a drag show onboard a ship © Michael Rudder