Come along to Out on an Island’s regular LGBTQ+ meet-up, held on the first Saturday of each month.
We meet at Department in Ryde, in the Fitting Room on the first floor. This is an accessible venue, with a lift to the first floor, and dogs are also welcome. There is free tea and coffee, or you can buy drinks and food from the lovely on-site cafe.
This month’s meeting will be on Saturday 6 September from 10.30am. We also informally discuss our new Historic England-funded project, Celebrating LGBTQ+ Working Class Histories, investigating the hidden heritage of Ryde’s Union Street. Everyone is welcome to join and share any memories they might have.
About Celebrating LGBTQ+ Working Class Histories:
Celebrating LGBTQ+ Working Class Histories aims to uncover the hidden heritage of Ryde’s Union Street and a number of venues there, some of which no longer exist or operate under a new name. Eventually, the findings will be displayed in creative ways for people to learn about Ryde’s LGBTQ+ history.
Our heritage spaces can sometimes seem expensive and inaccessible, whereas this new community-led project aims to investigate everyday people and locations. All events and creative activities are free to attend and welcome to all.
StoneCrabs will work alongside the community to research previously overlooked stories, and will host informal discussions and sessions for people to enjoy. This will be an opportunity to meet new LGBTQ+ people and to learn about Ryde’s LGBTQ+ history.