Come and join us as we celebrate the launch of ‘Out On An Island’ in the relaxed atmosphere of Quay Arts Cafe. ‘Out On An Island’ is a Heritage Lottery funded project that will unearth and highlight 100 years of hidden Oral Histories with an Isle of Wight connection.

We will hear from speakers Anna Murray, IW Councillor Karl Love and unlikely LGBTQ+ Activist Peter Woodnutt.

Published author Elaine Chambers will also be telling us about her life in the Army as a lesbian and commissioned officer. Elaine describes homophobia, discrimination, laughter and tears, hear extracts from her compelling book 'This Queer Angel'.

The project is being delivered by StoneCrabs Theatre Charity led by Project Manager Caroline Diamond and Artistic Director Franko Figueiredo and provides opportunties to: research stories and anecdotes from newspaper cuttings to photographs and letters, interview LGBTQ+ people and receive training in how best to do this from the Oral Histories Society.

You can come along to specialist talks, workshops and learning sessions across the Island over the next 18 months.

This is a unique and groundbreaking project and in our search for LGBTQ+ Island Heritage we hope to involve as many people of all ages and groups as we can, from Island historical and heritage societies to community groups and large organisations, not just the usual suspects!