About THEIR
THEIR Initiative supports trans+ creativity and artistic excellence through activity-based events that connect people to skills, opportunities, and to each other.
THEIR workshops will explore the rich history of transness locally and globally, starting with a project that focuses on transmasculine and butch histories. THEIR is an inclusive space open to everyone under the trans and GNC umbrella.
The initiative is founded and directed by Net Ember (they/them).
THEIR is supported with funding from Andrew Lumsden’s Grand Camp Maisie Fund.
Transmasculine people, trans men and butch people have suffered from widespread erasure historically, and there remains few spaces for us.
THEIR formed out of the severe lack of spaces and events dedicated to the trans+ community, and hopes to be a longstanding initiative, facilitating regular events in partnership with local organisations.
From early 2026, THEIR creative workshops and socials will include: zine and badge-making, FLARB bookclub sessions, placard making for Southampton Pride, and DJ tutorship with Address CIC.
Upcoming Events
Partners
Past Events
Zine-making workshop
Saturday 21st February 2026
The Nest Coffee House, Southampton
In collaboration with Carabiner Club
This zine-making workshop saw the launch of the very first THEIR event. The workshop took place at The Nest Coffee House in Southampton as a collaboration with Carabiner Club’s monthly coffee morning socials.
Led by Net Ember and local artist Joey Walters, this workshop highlighted the important history of zines within the LGBTQIA+ community, and focused on transmasculine and butch historical figures.
This event was photographed by Holli Kalina.
Carabiner Club is a transmasc/men focused FLINTA+ community in Southampton. Find out more here.
FLARB (Free, Lazy, Arty, Radical Book Club)
Saturday 2nd May 2026
God’s House Tower
In collaboration with FLARB, led by Ellen Gillett
For our second THEIR event, we collaborated with FLARB, led by Ellen Gillett, to host a relaxed discussion around Thomas Page McBee’s text 'SELF-MADE MAN #2: Old Stories', exploring masculinity through transmasc and butch lenses. 'SELF-MADE MAN #2: Old Stories' is an American autobiographical piece of creative writing in which the author, Thomas Page McBee, reflects on trauma and identity to redefine masculinity as compassionate, self-defined, and open to vulnerability.
What is FLARB?
FLARB is the Free, Lazy, Arty, Radical Book Club, a book club without the stress of a conventional book club. It reclaims the word ‘lazy’ as a radical approach to inclusion and self-compassion.
FLARB removes traditional access barriers to reading around arts and social justice topics in order to create a sociable, inclusive space to have a read, have a chat and learn something together.
This event was photographed by Holli Kalina.
Southampton’s Queer Stories: An online presentation by Rachel Roberts
Thursday 4th June 2026
In an online presentation for THEIR Initiative's programme, Rachel Roberts presented her findings from the Southampton’s Queer Stories project and exhibition in 2024, taking a particular focus on transmasc history. Southampton’s Queer Stories was a contextual heritage exhibition at God's House Tower exploring significant moments in Southampton’s LGBTQIA+ history from the 1970s onwards through archival material, oral histories, photographs and community contributions. Southampton’s Queer Stories was developed by 'a space' arts to accompany a commission by Ian Giles called Everyone Involved.
In this talk, Rachel discussed the research process behind the exhibition, some of the unexpected stories and threads that emerged from the archives, and the wider importance of preserving local queer histories before they disappear.
Rachel Roberts is a heritage worker and researcher with experience working across archives, museums and community projects. Her work has included roles with The National Archives, Findmypast, ‘a space’ arts and Southampton City Archives, alongside work as an oral historian, paper conservation and digitisation technician. Her practice focuses particularly on working-class history, social history and uncovering overlooked or underrepresented stories within local heritage collections.
The images featured are taken from Rachel’s presentation.
Southampton’s Big Queer Picnic: Badge-making workshop
Saturday 11th July 2026
East Park, Southampton
In collaboration with Carabiner Club, Southampton Sapphic Social, and Beyond Reflection
THEIR joined forces with Carabiner Club, Southampton Sapphic Social, and Beyond Reflection to host Southampton’s very own Big Queer Picnic. During the event Net Ember ran a badge-making workshop for picnic-goers to get creative by helping them design and create badges.
This event was photographed by Holli Kalina.
DJ Workshop and Fundraiser
Thursday 4th June 2026
In collaboration with Address CIC
Featuring special guest I. JORDAN
THEIR Initiative collaborated with address to welcome acclaimed DJ and producer I. JORDAN (they/them) for a special DJ workshop exclusively for trans+ and gender non-conforming people. The session began with a short talk from I.JORDAN, who shared their journey into DJing, experiences as a trans person in the DJ scene, and reflections on their creative practice, influences and interests. Participants had the opportunity to get hands-on with DJ equipment and learn directly from one of the UK's most celebrated electronic artists. This workshop was open exclusively to trans+, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people, and was designed to provide a supportive environment for learning, experimentation, and connection for those of all abilities.
Featuring a headline opening set from I. JORDAN followed by a line-up of Address CIC DJs, the Fundraiser Event raised vital funds to support the ongoing work of THEIR Initiative and address - two organisations committed to building community, creating opportunities, and championing inclusive spaces through art, music and culture.
This event was photographed by Holli Kalina.
