Welcome to Out On An Island. Here you will be able to access all the Oral Histories we have recorded, learn about the Queer History figures connected to the Island and check/add local LGBTQ+ events and more.
Below is our LGBT+ Isle of Wight Heritage Trail highlighting the historical/notable figures that are important to our LGBT+ History
We meet twice a month usually in Ryde or Newport, sometimes more often, check our events calendar for what’s coming up.
Winner of The Isle of Wight Book Awards: Best Non-Fiction and Book of The Year (2023)
“A wonderful rich history” – Michael Cashman
“Inspiring” – Peter Tatchell
“Hugely heartening” – Patrick Gale
In a collaborative effort among LGBTQ+ Island residents, Out on An Island signifies the first ever project dedicated to local LGBTQ+ oral history on the Isle of Wight. Created in remarkable circumstances, it celebrates a close-knit community surviving together in the face of exclusion, prejudice and misrepresentation. The result is an inspiring collection of interviews from LGBTQ+ people concerning their lives on the Island.
The oral histories are shared in a matter-of-fact style, with accounts of disturbing homophobia, rejection and exclusion peppered with moments of joy and celebration. From beginning to end are stories of courage and despair which stand as powerful testaments of 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.
International Book Awards finalist – LGBT non-fiction category (2023)
Hardback
Published 14th February 2022
Available on backorder