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History of the Outsiders Club

A personal history by Dr. Tuppy Owens, Founder

  • Part 1 - 1978 The Beginning

    In 1978, a colleague of mine, Nigel, had finally lost his sight and all his friends in the process. Also, Patricia Gillan, the sex therapist, called me to say that a 32-year-old man, David (exactly my age), in a wheelchair had come to her with a sex problem. His problem was that he'd never had sex. Did I know of a wheelchair accessible strip club?

  • Part 2 - Early Days

    The first 'Outsiders' party was held at 48 Boundary Road in London, a revolutionary new residential establishment, purpose built for its disabled residents to run themselves. The party was a blast, attracting almost two hundred people: members, friends and people who were simply stunned and excited that such a club could exist. Many people came along just to celebrate our existence.

  • Part 3 - Setbacks and Statistics

    In the early '80's, we had some very dynamic disabled people supporting us. Mike Bramley was one of our biggest supporters and Christine Nocek became a leading light in the organisation of 'Outsiders'. In 1985, the Mental Health Foundation agreed to give us a grant.

  • Part 4 - Self Sufficiency

    Following the lack of support we got for our Open Day, we decided not to bother with outside organisations, shun offers from the press, which always turned against us, and concentrate on making the club work for those people who decide to join us. We are, after all, self-sufficient.

  • Part 5 - Moving On

    Losses, offices, setbacks and TV

  • Part 6 - Today

    Outsiders is currently in good working order, run by a dynamic team of volunteers. We have a solid board of Trustees who meet regularly and are advised by an Advisory Group comprised of disabled members.

  • Emotions in Focus

    'Emotions in Focus' was an exhibition of erotic art by disabled people mounted by Outsiders as a celebration of the International Year of Disabled People in 1981, which was opened at The Round House, London by Victor Lownes and sponsored by The Arts Council of Great Britain.
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