The University of Kent’s LGBT+ Staff Network is looking to publish Gay as in Happy, a collection of interviews and personal stories that focus on LGBTQ+ members of staff, students, and the wider community.

We want to provide a positive outlook on coming out and on being queer in a predominantly straight world. Why? Because it is crucial to live in hope and to know that a fulfilled life as a queer person is possible (and, dare we say it, desirable). Sharing positive stories gives us hope and allows us to imagine happy endings for ourselves and for our loved ones. Thus, hope becomes a radical act. Because to imagine a better life is an important step towards creating a better life.

In order to make this happen, come and speak to us! We are looking for contributors who want to share their positive experiences about coming out and being out. Each interviewee will have an illustration done by Jadine Ingram and the interview recording and/or transcript will be archived at The Templeman Library. We will be doing interviews on campus on 5, 6 and 12 June. If you’re interested in getting involved please email lgbtqbook @kent.ac.uk, or drop us a line if you’d like to know more.