55 year old female Artist from Fife

Question 1. In what kind of place did you grow up? (e.g. village, small town, city) Do you still live there now?

Early years from birth to age five in Edinburgh city centre then moved out to the suburbs south side into a prefab till I was 18. I moved away from the city to live in a rural village with my partner. In all our time of 17 years we were there we never experienced any hostility or homophobia. This other village where we now live is by the seaside and although we have only been here for three years we feel we are welcome..

Question 2. How would you describe your sexual orientation?

Gay

Question 3. What were the best and worst things to happen to you at school?

Bullying and learning to paint

Question 4. Do you ever have to conceal any aspect of your personal life? Give an example.

No

Question 5. Do your friends and family know about your sexuality/gender? If you have come out, give an idea of when this was and of how people responded.

Yes everyone knows, but I came out about 30 years ago in the early 80s and it took me about two years after I first came out before I told my direct family who seemed to have no problems with my sexuality.

Question 6. Do you experience discrimination in everyday life? If so, give an example.

Not now, but when we tried to get a job together with Historic Scotland as curator and caretaker for one of their properties. We were told we were not what they were looking for. When asked whet were they were looking for they fobbed us off with "not fitting the right criteria." ie man and woman.

Question 7. Who is likely to be more hostile to you and who is the most supportive of you in your life?

No one is hostile, and my partner is the most supportive person in my life.

Name

Leslie Alan Reid