Celebrating Pride with StoneCrabs
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Here at StoneCrabs, we place underrepresented voices and untold stories centre stage through mould-breaking theatre. Our work is produced and toured locally, nationally and internationally – with past productions including Das Ding, Busu and The Damask Drum, and The Trial.
StoneCrabs Young Directors and Out On An Island are examples of how our work on the ground engages with diverse communities. We use professional theatre as a tool for questioning the status quo, raising aspirations, awareness and education as well as personal and social development.
Now, let’s dive into the exhibition for a closer look…
Reader’s letter from a 1975 issue of Gay News
The letter mentions the Isle of Wight chapter of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality, which was founded at around the same time. It offers an important insight into the desire for community and solidarity that many LGBTQ+ people feel, especially those from rural or geographically isolated locations such as the Isle of Wight.
When interviewing Robin Ford for the project, Robin recognised the letter and the telephone number of his friend Doug.
1997 Isle of Wight ‘Gay Guide’
The guide was developed by the Island Gay Men’s Health Project in 1997 after it received a large number of enquiries requesting information about what existed for gay, lesbian and bisexual people on the Island.
Additionally, it was produced to counteract the impression that no gay life existed on the Island. The guide listed places and events that catered to or were friendly to LGBTQ+ Islanders.
Phaedra Kelly’s wedding dress from 1983
Phaedra Kelly was a well-known gender activist, artist, and author, and founder of the term ‘gender transient’.
Phaedra’s wedding day at the Isle of Wight Registry Office made national headlines when she wore this wedding gown to marry Vanda, who wore a suit.
Phaedra’s son, Jez Laker, said: “It was a dual religious role swap. Phaedra was a Shamanist, a gender transient and a human rights campaigner. It was very controversial at the time.”
Phaedra set up the International Gender Transient Afinity Group (IGTA), an international network by and for transgender people, in the early 1970s. IGTA worked across the world to help change laws for transgender people and improve communication and understanding.
Caroline Diamond
“I’m Caroline Diamond, Project Manager of StoneCrabs Theatre’s Out On An Island.
“Out On An Island is an ambiguous name, suggesting ‘coming out’ and reflecting the Isle of Wight - a beautiful sanctuary for some but a place of rejection and loneliness for others.
“This project amazes me. Interviewees trusted our team and shared personal stories – some harrowing, others heartwarming, about life on the Isle of Wight if you’re LGBTQ+. As an interviewee, I learned that many of my struggles were internalised – barriers and doubts I created which meant that I did not come out until I was 46.
“Join us at Quay Arts until 17 July to learn what it feels like to be ‘out’ on the Isle of Wight as we look back over 100 years, sharing glimpses of celebrated individuals. Listen to the stories of people whose portraits may not reflect the cruelty and discrimination they have experienced, just for being their authentic selves.”
Out On An Island is an oral history heritage project delivered by StoneCrabs and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. StoneCrabs Theatre thanks Government’s Culture Recovery Fund for supporting our work, including the Out On An Island exhibition.
For more information and tickets for the exhibition and documentary at Quay Arts, visit: www.outonanisland.co.uk
