Valentines We Never Sent: Storytelling with OurStory Scotland
Saturday 13th February 2010, 1-3pm
Brunton Theatre, Ladywell Road, Musselburgh,
East Lothian, EH21 6HA
Personal stories, memories and reminiscences give a real insight into the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland, and OurStory Scotland have been involved in collecting such stories from folk all over the country. For LGBT History Month at Musselburgh this year, people will be given the chance to explore loves undeclared, loves that might have been, loves that never were, or loves that vanished, leaving some bittersweet memories. A possible starting point could be: ‘You may not remember me, but…’ The Valentines could be funny or sad, witty or wistful, cynical or curious.
Refreshments provided. To book your free place, please call us on 01620 828225 or email scowie@eastlothian.gov.uk
You can find photographs from last year’s successful event here.
OurStory Scotland Resources
Timeline of LGBT history in Scotland since 1603
Stories of LGBT Lives
OurStory Scotland collect, archive and present the stories and experiences of the LGBT community from all over the country. Below are a few examples of the stories they’ve collected. If you’d like to tell you story, please feel free to leave a comment. Behind the Railings In 1995 we had our first Pride march in Scotland. I wanted to be there. At first I watched it from behind the railings as the marchers came up the Mound. They waved and we waved back. But I felt I was caged in and didn’t want it all to pass me by. I began walking along the pavement, parallel to the march that was going along the roadway. Gradually I matched my pace with the marchers, veered off the pavement, joined up, joined in, just before it reached the Meadows. There I was greeted by a steward - I’ve known her for years, and I’m sure she’s straight - but who cares? - no-one should be boxed in and labelled - pride is open to all persuasions!
1995, Edinburgh. Narrated by Jaime in 2004.
When I first went to a gay club
I remember when I first went to a gay club. I was only 17, and remember thinking how grown up I felt. I’d been to clubs before, but had never experienced anything like it. You could dance however you wanted, and sing along as loud as you liked. Now, there’s rarely a time I go to a straight club. They never have the same appeal!
2003, Edinburgh. Narrated by Colin in 2006.