Hear My Voice: Stories of Coming Out. An anthology of 'coming out' stories.

The Vale of Kashmir is too well known to require description. It is the 'happy hunting-ground' of the Anglo-Indian sportsman and tourist, the resort of artists and invalids, the home of pashm shawls and exquisitely embroidered fabrics, and the land of Lalla Rookh. Its inhabitants, chiefly Moslems, infamously governed by Hindus, are a feeble race, attracting little interest, valuable to travellers as 'coolies' or porters, and repulsive to them from the mingled cunning and obsequiousness whi...

"Korea and Her Neighbors" is a travelogue written by Isabella Lucy Bird, a renowned Victorian-era explorer and writer. Published in 1898, the book details Bird's extensive travels throughout Korea and neighboring regions during the late 19th century.Isabella Bird's writings are characterized by her vivid descriptions of the places she visited and the people she encountered. In "Korea and Her Neighbors," she offers an insightful account of Korean culture, society, customs, and lands...

The letters of which these volumes are composed embrace the second half of journeys in the East extending over a period of two years. They attempt to be a faithful record of facts and impressions, but were necessarily written in haste at the conclusion of fatiguing marches, and often in circumstances of great discomfort and difficulty, and I relied for their correction in the event of publication on notes made with much care. Unfortunately I was robbed of nearly the whole of these, partly ...

Within the last century the Hawaiian islands have been the topic of various works of merit, and some explanation of the reasons which have led me to enter upon the same subject are necessary. I was travelling for health, when circumstances induced me to land on the group, and the benefit which I derived from the climate tempted me to remain for nearly seven months. During that time the necessity of leading a life of open air and exercise as a means of recovery, led me to travel on horsebac...

I have found a dream of beauty at which one might look all one's life and sigh. Not lovable, like the Sandwich Islands, but beautiful in its own way! A strictly North American beauty—snow-splotched mountains, huge pines, red-woods, sugar pines, silver spruce; a crystalline atmosphere, waves of the richest color; and a pine-hung lake which mirrors all beauty on its surface. Lake Tahoe is before me, a sheet of water twenty-two miles long by ten broad, and in some places 1,700 feet deep. It l...

"The Englishwoman in America" penned by Isabella Lucy Bird offers a captivating firsthand account of her travels through the United States during the mid-19th century. Published in 1856, this insightful narrative presents Bird's observations, encounters, and adventures as she traverses the diverse landscapes and cultures of America.Bird, a bold and intrepid traveler, provides vivid descriptions of her experiences, offering readers an authentic glimpse into the young nation. Her nar...

Journeys in Persia and Kurdistan, Volume 2 (of 2) is the second volume in Isabella Lucy Bird's published memoirs recounting her continued travels through Persia and Kurdistan in the late 19th century. This volume provides Bird's vivid first-hand account of her travels through the Upper Karun region and her visits with the Nestorian Rayahs Christian community.With her unique voice as a solo female British explorer, Bird documents her observations of the landscapes, architecture, loc...

"The Golden Chersonese and the Way Thither" is a travel narrative penned by Isabella Lucy Bird during the late 19th century, documenting her extensive journey through Southeast Asia. Published in 1883, this book chronicles Bird's explorations across the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, and other regions in what is now known as Malaysia and Thailand.In her signature descriptive style, Bird paints vivid pictures of the landscapes, cultures, and peoples she encountered during her travels. ...

"Journeys in Persia and Kurdistan (Volume 1)" is part of Isabella Lucy Bird's travel writings, chronicling her expeditions through Persia (modern-day Iran) and Kurdistan in the latter half of the 19th century. Published in 1891, this volume recounts her immersive experiences, encounters, and observations during her extensive travels through these regions.Isabella Lucy Bird, known for her adventurous spirit and keen observations, provides vivid descriptions of the landscapes, cultur...

At the age of 63, Isabella Lucy Bird embarked on a remarkable journey that would become the captivating narrative of 'Among the Tibetans.' Published in the late 19th century, this account chronicles her awe-inspiring and formidable voyages across the sprawling Tibetan Plateaus and the breathtaking Himalayan mountain realms. Beginning her expedition in 1889, Bird ventured into the heart of these remote lands, unveiling the mysteries of territories like Ladakh, a region steeped in Tibetan cu...

"Notes on Old Edinburgh" by Isabella Lucy Bird offers a compelling glimpse into the historical and architectural tapestry of Scotland's capital city. In this book, published in 1891, Bird meticulously documents her explorations and observations of Edinburgh's rich heritage.With vivid prose and keen insights, Bird navigates through the cobbled streets and historic landmarks, capturing the essence of Old Edinburgh. Her narrative skillfully intertwines historical anecdotes, architectu...