Hidden LGBT+ Lives in 20th century Scotland

Special Collections Assistant Alex Wilson introduces 'Despised and Rejected' by Rose Allatini (1890-1980) published in 1918 under the pseudonym A.T. Fitzroy. It follows the story of Dennis, a gay conscientious objector during the First World War. In parallel it is also a story about his relationship with Antoinette, a woman who is a lesbian. It ultimately charts the dilemma for the two characters over whether Dennis and Antoinette will marry, suppressing their real identities to conform to society's norms or whether they will ultimately commit to doing what is right for their true selves.