00:00 L could find herself reflected in books. Even working in school library found the odd story with lesbian themes, that were not supposed to be on open shelves. Joined Glasgow Women’s Library [GWL] with its Lesbian Archive. They had books on lesbian themes. Complicated journey to come in to GWL from Argyll. Novels and factual books – took them back in brown paper bag to Dunoon. Bought books, but could not have lesbian themed books on show while working in a school, so donated them to GWL. Went to shops like West and Wilde bookshop in Edinburgh; more recently Waterstones, though more awkward browsing and buying in general bookshop. Stirling University Library had books on lesbian and gay themes from academic perspective. Identified with KD Lang, bought music written/performed by lesbians. Shock when see others’ choices of books and films, and so little about yourself in them.

04:23 Health Service – wary of coming out. May be recorded and viewed by any number of people. Vulnerable as patient. Because has not had partner, no need to come out. Came out to Macmillan nurse from Strathcarron Hospice when talking about funeral. Change in nurse – need to come out again. Facing possibility of

moving into a hospice, sexuality is part of who she is and should be known. With each new person have to decide whether to come out or not. If living with another woman, much easier to say. Often called Mrs, when wants to be called Ms. Presumed heterosexuality and marriage.

10:22 Other words to use include gay – easier to use. More power in word lesbian. Hate word homosexual – medical term. Relationship is about love and romance, not just sexuality. Wants laws and attitudes to change. Does not just want tolerance and acceptance, but love between men and love between women to be celebrated. Should be treated as normal and supported. True equality, not grudging acceptance.