Out On An Island presents the first ever exhibition entirely dedicated to LGBTQ+ Heritage and oral history on the Isle of Wight.
Listen to oral histories from local LGBTQ+ individuals, gaining a new perspective of the Island’s past. Mindful that it is only 54 years since homosexuality was partially decriminalised in the UK, the project celebrates love, desire and gender diversity as well as the challenges of being LGBTQ+ on the Island. Recordings have captured harrowing accounts of how people have dealt with change, from external pressures such as politics and the law to internal personal struggles such as accepting their authentic selves.
The exhibition features an enlightening film documentary ‘Our Stories Matter’, shining a light on local heritage and looking at the notable LGBTQ+ people connected to the Island. Photographer Jon Habens’ portraits skilfully reflect our interviewees, giving you a flavour of the Island’s diverse LGTBQ+ community. Artwork by Island artists Karl Stedman and Sydney Cardew reflects their creative response to the project. Rare LGTBQ+ memorabilia from t-shirts to membership cards to newsletters pinpoint historical moments. Contributors include the Sailing and Cruising Association, IW Pride and WightOut.
Out On An Island is a project by StoneCrabs Theatre
