Inspired by Natalie McGrath’s acclaimed play, The Beat of Our Hearts, this free anthology (that goes by the same title) features Queer stories, poems, and reflections on love, loneliness, identity, and belonging in Welsh communities.
The collection can be accessed and read online through Swansea University’s repository.
The project was launched at the Museum of Cardiff in February 2025, featuring a screening of McGrath’s play, followed by a writing workshop led by Welsh LGBTQ+ historian Norena Shopland. Participants were encouraged to reflect on how the themes of the play resonated with their own lives, especially 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, told QX: “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 both vibrant and moving. Notable pieces include “A Pink-Haired Queer in the Valleys” by Colin John, which offers a raw account of navigating identity in a mining village. Another highlight is “Porsha’s Journey,” the story of Cardiff-based transgender activist Porsha Ross. Additionally, other contributions explore themes of queer heritage, language, and community, together creating a rich and diverse portrayal of the 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 is based on Dr. Jones’s research into LGBTQIA+ mental health and loneliness. It supports the efforts of Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, which is actively expanding its LGBTQ+ collections and exhibitions. The initiative was funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council’s Impact Acceleration Account at Swansea University.
“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.”
Dr Jones
To view the collection online, search: ‘The Beat of Our Hearts – Cronfa’
