Archiving | Heritage | Oral History | Storytelling | Drama | Exhibitions | Research |
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Press Release by Communities ScotlandWednesday 2 February, 2005TACKLING DISCRIMINATION THROUGH RESEARCHA project to research and archive the social history of people often excluded and discriminated in society has received funding support from Communities Scotland. The grant was made to OurStory Scotland, a recognised Scottish charity, who collect, archive and present the life stories of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland. Funding will allow the charity to gather history from people of all ages within the LGBT community throughout Scotland. Stories from the older generation, in particular, will reveal the far-reaching changes that have occurred in their lifetime. Interviews and historical materials will help form an archive of their lives to be stored and displayed by the National Museums of Scotland. The research project coincides with February being LGBT history month.
"Communities Scotland's support for this project will allow many within this community to tell their stories and help make us all more aware of just how genuinely diverse Scotland is. Understanding other people and their lives can help reduce barriers between different communities. We are sure that this will help to combat the negative views of LGBT people that some people hold by giving us access to the truth behind what have often been invisible stories and hidden lives." Chair of OurStory Scotland, Jaime Valentine, added: "We are delighted with the support we have received. It will enable us to progress with this important project to rescue evidence of people's lives, ensuring a legacy for generations to come. Until now the authentic stories of LGBT people in Scotland have been overlooked, especially in rural communities and small towns. By giving people the opportunity to represent themselves, to tell of their lives in their own words, we are challenging the stereotypical images that currently exist. We also hope that by recording these stories, it will act as a role model for other marginalised communities who will see the benefit of a positive sense of identity, culture, history and mutual support." The project will involve a series of interviews and workshops
throughout the country, culminating in an audio-visual exhibition, a research
workshop with professionals and practitioners, and a theatre performance
reflecting the diversity of stories collected. |
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© Copyright OurStory Scotland - Scottish Charity No: SC035729 (SCIO) |