“When I could finally come out to my parents – that was when I felt liberated, and that I could live openly”
In February, we told you about twenty-five oral history recordings we had developed, in partnership with LGBTQ+ volunteers. These recordings involve Dorset residents talking about their experiences around coming out, their views on the LGBTQ+ community, family life, sexual and emotional health and socialising. The interviewees range in age from nineteen to seventy-six and their different experiences have led to a variety of opinions and feelings.
Some interviewees have closed their recording for a period, which is an option for those who deposit sensitive material with DHC. However, the majority of the interviews are now becoming available for you to listen to online. Please be aware that the interviews address adult themes.
We are proud of this collection which developed from careful discussion, sensitive outreach, patience and partnership. Our first concern was the welfare of our interviewees, and it was a pleasure to work with such an insightful group as we designed the project. We have recorded people from a wide variety of backgrounds, but we are aware that our collection under-represents BAME interviewees. If any Queer BAME residents would like to discuss contributing an interview, we’d be very pleased to hear from you!
Please do get in touch if you have questions or reflections on this project: archives@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Excellent collection of LGBTQI+ resources, from Dorset – well done (and thank you) to all involved! Great examples of outreach done well. Oral history recordings are always fascinating and of enormous value to this (still largely hidden) community, in all its rich diversity.
Thank-you Sally. Keep a look out for an upcoming blog which looks into the findings and implications from these recordings!