If you were anywhere near Peckham on Saturday evening then you might have noticed there were approximately 3.5 dykes for every square foot, with carabiners jingling against their jorts, tight white vests showing off biceps and tattered – well-loved – copies of Stone Butch Blues carried in their hands (or oversized pockets).

At the Old Nunshead on Nunshead Green, London’s first ever ‘performative butch ’ contest was taking place and the venue was, quite literally, filled to the rafters with butches and butch-admirers.

More than 300 queer folks crowded into the pub, filling the entire floor, all the seats and the outdoor space, as well as standing on top of booths, propping up on the bar and sticking their heads through gaps in the windows to get a good look at those performing.

That many

See Full Page