IT'S A Sin was the most watched series in the history of Channel 4 — telling the story of Ritchie from the Isle of Wight who leaves in 1981 to go to university in London.

The drama, written by Russell T. Davies, looks at the impact of coming out as gay and the tragedy of life in London with the harrowing impact of AIDS.

The story resonated with the Island’s LGBTQ+ community, who have been contacted by numerous national media journalists keen to learn about the LGBTQ+ history and life on the Island for the community in the 1980s.

For the past couple of years, StoneCrabs’ Out On An Island project has been researching and recording original voices of LGBTQ+ people on the Island.

The project shines a light on the LGBTQ+ heritage, the places and people often erased in the past with a rich history from the last 100 years.

It will be shared with the public in the upcoming Out On An Island – An Untold Heritage exhibition at Quay Arts from June 19 to July 17.

A book of the findings will also be published, and a short film, which highlights the Island’s queer history, featuring locations such as Mottistone Manor, the Classic Boat Museum in East Cowes and Dimbola Lodge.

Out On An Island is keen to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer at the exhibition or who has memorabilia to contribute — from photographs to T-shirts, letters and diaries.

Project manager Caroline Diamond said: ‘It is fascinating to see Russell T. Davies’ portrayal of the Island.

"Although he highlights the lack of diversity here in the 1980s and a homophobic family, we have found contrasting experiences from LGBTQ+ people, some of whom live happily here, although we have also recorded stories of homophobia and cruel discrimination."

You can find out more about Out On An Island by joining the project’s fortnightly Zoom events for LGBTQ+ people.

Go to www.outonanisland.co.uk for more information.