Rare photographs of activist Alison Laing prove transgender people have fought for recognition for decades. These images from the 1950s show how transgender visibility existed much longer than many realise. Laing was an important advocate in her time.

The photographs document a period when transgender people could barely live openly. Yet some people dared to speak out and be visible. Laing fought for transgender rights when doing so was extremely risky. Her work inspired others to do the same.

Historians point out that transgender struggle is not recent. Many people think transgender movements only started recently, but this is false. Photographs like Laing's remind us that pioneers took risks generations ago. Their courage laid the foundation for today's social change. This makes their story still relevant and valuable today.