A striking new collection of writing and artwork has been published, celebrating the proud, personal, and diverse voices of LGBTQ+ people across Wales.
Inspired by Natalie McGrath’s acclaimed play The Beat of Our Hearts, the free anthology of the same name brings together stories, poems, and reflections on love, loneliness, identity, and belonging in Welsh communities.
The collection is available to read online on Swansea University’s repository.
The project launched at the Museum of Cardiff in February 2025 with a screening of McGrath’s play, followed by a writing workshop led by Welsh LGBTQ+ historian Norena Shopland. Participants were invited to reflect on how the play’s themes resonated with their own lives, particularly in rural and coastal areas where queer voices are often less visible.
Dr Charlotte Jones, lecturer in sociology at Swansea University, who led the initiative, said: “It was inspiring to spend the day with such a passionate and engaged group, each bringing their own unique voice and perspective on LGBTQ+ life in Wales. What stood out most was the trust and openness in the room – participants shared their in-progress work, often for the first time. It felt like a real privilege to witness those early flickers of creative expression.”
The resulting anthology is vibrant and moving. Highlights include A Pink Haired Queer in the Valleys by Colin John, a raw account of navigating identity in a mining village, and Porsha’s Journey, the story of Cardiff-based transgender activist Porsha Ross. Other contributions delve into queer heritage, language, and community, creating a rich and varied portrait of LGBTQ+ experience across Wales today.
Dr Jones said she hopes the publication will not only give contributors pride but also shine a light on overlooked communities: “I hope the contributors feel pride and joy in seeing their work published and appreciated. Beyond this, I hope the collection highlights LGBTQ+ lives in Wales, especially those in rural communities. There’s still so much work to do to ensure queer voices are heard, funded, and valued in these areas – especially in the arts and media.”
The initiative builds on Dr Jones’s research into LGBTQIA+ mental health and loneliness and complements the work of Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, which continues to expand its LGBTQ+ collections and exhibitions. It was funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council Impact Acceleration Account at Swansea University.
Dr Jones added: “This collection celebrates a diversity of LGBTQ+ voices and reflects on the growing presence of queer lives in archives and museums. We hope it contributes to ongoing efforts to ensure LGBTQ+ histories, creativity, and communities are preserved and celebrated as a vital part of Wales’s cultural heritage. Too often, these stories have been erased or sidelined. This collection contributes to the work of reclaiming space.”