Legendary King Arthur’s Gender Identity Featured in Welsh Council’s Effort to Highlight LGBTQ+ History
A Welsh council has sparked debate after including King Arthur, the legendary ruler known for his quest for the Holy Grail, in an LGBTQ+ history timeline. The council claims Arthur once wore women’s clothing, as mentioned in Welsh folklore, which earned him a spot on the timeline celebrating “local stories of sexual orientation and gender identity.”
The timeline was created by Denbighshire Council as part of a Welsh Government initiative to promote awareness of LGBTQ+ history across libraries, museums, and archives. This move aims to shine a light on historical figures from a different perspective, sparking discussions on gender expression throughout history.
King Arthur, whose earliest references date back to his role as a “dux bellorum” or warlord, has never had his sexuality explicitly mentioned in traditional Welsh mythology or texts like The Mabinogion. However, his inclusion in the LGBTQ+ timeline has drawn attention to the council’s broader efforts to tackle inequalities related to LGBTQ+ issues in Wales.
This move follows last month’s guidance for Welsh librarians, advising against holding meetings in buildings linked to colonialism, as part of ongoing decolonisation efforts in the country. The training aimed at addressing both colonial and LGBTQ+ histories is part of a wider action plan to celebrate diverse aspects of Welsh heritage.
The initiative has drawn mixed reactions but remains part of the council’s mission to raise awareness of the contributions of LGBTQ+ figures, both historical and mythical, in shaping Welsh culture and legacy.
Join our Channel...