StoneCrabs Theatre and Medina Publishing recently celebrated LGBTQ+ History Month at Carisbrooke Castle Museum in an event to launch Out On An Island project’s book and exhibition.
Carisbrooke Castle Museum’s Curator, Rachel Tait, welcomed everyone to the exhibition, which will be at the museum until 31st July. The exhibition features memorabilia including passports from Phaedra Kelly, who coined the term ‘Gender Transient’, and issues of ‘Wightout’ – an LGBTQ+ newsletter which was printed at St Mary’s Hospital in the 1990s. There are also portraits of some of the interviewees in the exhibition.
Peter Harrigan of Medina Publishing introduced the book saying:
“We’re dealing with oral history and written history; lots of images, with a lot of research. It was a really challenging project and working with StoneCrabs we learned a lot. StoneCrabs drove us with their enthusiasm and in these 319 pages we have a treasure. This book is a first in modern literature of regional oral history on this subject, and we should be proud to be celebrating its publication. I am very proud to have published it.”
Paul Armfield of Medina Books in Cowes said:
“It is all recorded candidly and bravely and I am honoured that we have been entrusted with the publication of this inspiring and important book. We are passionate about documenting the cultural heritage of the Island, and this book and the last book we published do that”.
Paul congratulated StoneCrabs on their 20th anniversary saying:
“It has been an absolute delight working with such effective, professional, patient, and inspiring people. May you continue shining light on untold stories, spreading respect and understanding, and bringing colour into our lives.”
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Krysia Mansfield gave a powerful performance as Joe Carstairs, the feisty lesbian who had a boatyard in East Cowes and was a renowned boat racer in the 1920s. She performed songs from The Fastest Woman On Water, a new play written by StoneCrabs’ Artistic Director Franko Figueiredo.
IW Pride Trustee Andy Newman appealed for volunteers to help with this year’s event on Saturday 16th July. Anyone interested should go along to the Riverside Centre in Newport between 12:30 and 18:30 on Friday 25th March.
The book can be purchased at Island bookshops and via the website www.outonanisland.co.uk.
