That night, the band members were not billeted out, but instead slept on gym mats in the wooden assembly hall. The hall was divided into distinct areas for males and females, with a very wide space between them, in which the teachers slept.
“Listen up.” Joseph had called as the hall abounded with the noise of gym mats being dragged and excited students setting up their place for the night. “All ladies, women, and girls – all females of every colour, creed and religion – shape, size and situation – you are to sleep in the area closest to the stage. All boys, all men, all lads – you are to sleep in the area closest to the back of the hall. Got it? If you are not sure what s*x you are – or if you are androgynous – then come and see a staff member.”
The night rolled by pleasantly, with a bar
