StoneCrabs’ project Out On An Island, celebrates LGBT History Month and the sixth year of the project with a month of activities including an exhibition and LGBT History Club School and Community Workshops with Jenna Sabine and Dawn Fidler at Monkton Arts, Ryde throughout February.
Pride In Self, Pride In Place
Out On An Island had a successful 2023, the project’s book gained recognition and was awarded both ‘Isle of Wight Book Of The Year’ and ‘Best Non Fiction’ at the Isle of Wight Book Awards.
The project also secured new funding from the National Lottery’s Heritage Fund for its Pride In Self, Pride In Place project. The project’s ethos is, when you can stand confidently in your own story, you can truly have pride in the place you live.
Working with volunteers, fifteen LGBTQ+ life stories, oral histories connected to the Isle of Wight will be recorded. The project will also research and explore the pioneering work of the NHS in LGBT culture during the 1980s and 1990s.
A history that has often been erased
LGBT History Month serves as a vital reminder and recognition of a history that has often been denied, ignored, and erased.
It gives us an opportunity to reflect upon the Isle of Wight’s own LGBTQ+ history, which has faced various challenges and obstacles due to changes in the law, feelings of shame, and embarrassment of both individuals and society in general.
Over 100 years of LGBTQ+ history and heritage
Let us take you on a journey spanning over one hundred years of LGBTQ+ history and heritage. Explore the stories of ordinary individuals as well as renowned figures who have left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ community, both locally and nationally.
Immerse yourself in a captivating historical timeline featuring significant LGBTQ+ events, and explore the curated heritage trail map that showcases the invaluable contributions of this vibrant community. The exhibition also features artwork by Karl Stedman and Sydney Cardew.
Leave your creative imprint on the Isle of Wight Memorial Quilt
There will be workshops for people of all ages and the opportunity to design a patch for an Isle of Wight Memorial Quilt, inspired by the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
Patches of calico material are available at Monkton Arts for you to sew on or you can draw or paint onto an A4 sized piece of paper. The designs will then be transferred onto calico and sewn together.
Mark your calendars for the following exciting FREE events at Monkton Arts.
Thursday 1st February 5pm – 8pm
Join us for an unforgettable launch event, meet the team from Out On An Island and learn about the exhibition.
Saturday 3rd February 10.30am – 12.30pm
Discover Rainbow Island Family Support’s monthly cafes and explore the LGBTQ+ support available from other fantastic Isle of Wight organizations.
Learn about the rich history of the Memorial Quilt and unleash your creativity by designing your own personalized patch.
Wednesday 7th February 5.30pm – 8.40pm
Another opportunity to celebrate the history of our NHS and their contribution/support of the LGBTQ+ community; learn about the rich history of the Memorial Quilt and unleash your creativity by designing your own personalized patch.
Thursday 29th February 5pm – 7pm
Memorial Quilt review and closing of exhibition.
If you are a school and want to visit, we are happy to organise a guided tour with workshops.
The project is made possible thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund, Isle of Wight Council and The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation.
News shared by Caroline on behalf of Out On An Island. Ed
