Grey Bear Culture Magazine

What does outcast mean to me? I have contemplated this since we first decided upon the first issue. Contradictory to what our Editor-in-Chief said, I have never viewed myself as an outcast. I do understand not fitting in though, largely because of my sexuality.

I grew up in a small town which was very heterosexual. It left little room for gay kids. I only realised I was gay at 16, and only accepted it two years later at 18. In many ways I outcast myself from the people around me because I felt I kept missing the bar of what I perceived to be an acceptable heterosexual way of living my life. I have been very lucky since coming out, and have felt nothing but support. The internal battle I struggled with I do not look at with regret. Instead I see it as a journey in which I have finally found peace and acceptance.

This peace and acceptance led me to where I am now, which eventually led me to becoming the Archives editor of this magazine. When first asked by Cameron to join, I jumped at the opportunity to throw myself into a new challenge. I studied Ancient History as an undergraduate, and am currently pursuing a History Masters. This magazine has enabled me to combine my love of history with literature. I desire to continue learning new things, about history, literature, and art. I am glad to be a part of something that wants to make writing accessible. I have loved reading this issue before it was released and am very impressed with how it first turned out. I cannot wait to see what direction this magazine takes in the future as I continue to work with my colleagues at Grey Bear.

Looking to the past, the origins of the term outcast, someone who is cast out or exiled, comes from ca. 14th century deriving from the Middle English word, outcasten. The notion of being outcasted can be seen in many parts of the world and throughout history. It can come in a variety of forms including social and economic exclusion and generally involves an individual or group of individuals being excluded from wider society due to certain differentiating factors such as sexuality, race and gender. This exclusion has meant that the history and voices of those who were outcasted has often been subdued or completely ignored in favour of the history of those deemed as acceptable in society. When we look back at history we need to be aware of this to ensure that we do not erase the lives of those who were prevented from sharing their experiences.

By Harry Jones

– Harry Jones is the current Archives Editor of Grey Bear Culture Magazine.

‘Study Session 1’ is featured in Issue 1: Outcast