STYLE | Feature
OUT ON AN ISLAND the Isle of Wight’s hidden LGBTQ+ history February was LGBTQ+ History Month. Out On A n Island celebrated w ith the release of its book, published by Med i na P ubl ish i ng
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elivered by StoneCrabs Theatre and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Out on An Island is the first ever project dedicated to Isle of Wight LGBTQ+ history. The book shines a light on the stories of struggle and truth shared through recorded oral histories, unearthing a public history and cultural heritage hidden for over a century. Franko Figueiredo, Artistic Director for StoneCrabs, explains that “the book is a collaborative effort among LGBTQ+ staff and volunteers. It was created in remarkable circumstances, and the result is an inspiring collection of interviews from LGBTQ+ people concerning their lives on the Island.”
Franko Figueiredo
Caroline Diamond
The oral histories are shared in a matter-of-fact style, with accounts of
homophobia, rejection and exclusion peppered with moments of joy and celebration. From beginning to end the stories stand as powerful testaments to human endeavour. While some of the LGBTQ+ community were proud to call the Isle of Wight their home, others feared discrimination, and were desperate to escape. Asked to comment on the book, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said, “Out On An Island is a brilliant oral history of LGBT+ communities and culture on the Isle of Wight: the persecutions, campaigns, defiance, solidarity and triumphs. Inspiring!” and novelist Patrick Gale thought it was “hugely impressive”. The book holds a wealth of fascinating information. It reveals the fruits of research into Isle of Wight LGBTQ+
A selection of Islanders were involved in the creation of this book and some of them are pictured above. Left page clockwise from top left: Robin, Julian, Robert, Callum, Joanna, Karl S, Jude, Sydney. Right page clockwise from top left: Melissa, David, Karl L, Michelle, Rosa, Lucy, Anon, Caroline.
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