Share your stories of LGBT love, hate, support, discrimination and activism in rural Britain
The study will show more about the realities of being the “only gay in the village” in a time before the world was online
Men can share their stories of LGBT love, hate, support, discrimination and activism in the rural South West as part of a major new research project to give a voice to those who lived through the partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality and the introduction of Section 28.
The study will show more about the realities of being the “only gay in the village” in a time before the world was online, creating an important record of people’s personal stories for future generations.
The study will mean memories can be added to an increasing LGBTQ+ archive, ensuring experiences are recorded for posterity and used to educate.
It is led by Alec Thorne, from the University of Exeter, who has been inspired by his own experience of growing up as a gay man in Dorset, and feeling compelled to move away to find community.
Alec hopes to interview men from the LGBTQ+ community who spent a significant amount of their time in the rural South West between the partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality in 1967 and the introduction of Section 28 in 1987.
He would also like to interview anyone of any gender who may have been involved with these men, such as health workers, magistrates, journalists and political campaigners.
The aim of the project is to record any discrimination and support people received or observed during a period when the law and public attitudes changed significantly and to acknowledge friends and partners who were important to them. It contributes to the historical record of how people from the LGBTQ+ community lived their lives.
Alec said: “Many of us joke about being the “only gay in the village”, and although there were networks we didn’t have the internet, and the reality was often feeling isolated, not identifying with those around us and then not being able to wait to get away.
“It is extremely important to create a record of LGBT lives in rural areas, particularly as this generation gets older. They may not have children or grandchildren to share their stories with, so we don’t want to lose these memories.
“By taking part in this study men can share their experiences in public and private spaces in the South West before the days of the internet, and how people’s lives changed within the LGBTQ+ community outside of London.
“They will have the chance to offer insight into love, sex and intimate relationships between men during this time. This is not restricted to gay/bisexual/queer men but also open to anyone who may have been involved with the LGBTQ+ community.”
The interviews can take place in person or online. Participants do not have to discuss any topics or reveal any information which they don’t want to disclose or which makes them feel uncomfortable, and the process can be paused or stopped at any time.
For more information and to take part go to https://sites.exeter.ac.uk/onlygayinthevillage/
