Transgender people were visible in society much longer than expected. Rare photos by organiser Alison Laing from the 1950s prove this. The images show how transgender persons took their place in society for decades.

Alison Laing was a respected organiser and activist in her time. The photos show her in daily life, with friends and colleagues. She worked on important community matters. This happened when transgender identity was not openly discussed.

These photos are valuable because they tell a different story. The common image is that transgender visibility is recent. But Laing and others were already there. They lived their lives despite major social obstacles. They organised and contributed to their environment.

This is important for history. It shows transgender persons did not suddenly appear. They were always present, but their stories were not told. Laing's photos help correct this. They give face to a long forgotten part of history.