Richard Hall – author, campaigner for change, and survivor of many things.
I was born in Kent, before moving to Swindon at an early age. I now live in Malaysia with my husband and well travelled cats, the eldest of which has lived in four different countries.
Having trained as a youth worker and participatory artist, I exhibited my own art developing an aesthetic described as William Morris for the 21st Century.
During the lockdowns of 2020, with no access to art materials, I discovered a new medium. I’d previously thought writing was out of reach due to dyslexia. With a new found love of words, I’ve added author to hat collection.
I actively support organisations in the gay community and I’ve seen many laws changed in my lifetime, including; the repeal of section 28, equalisation of age of consent and marriage equality. I’m now seeking changes in law and procedures to help survivors and victims of sexual and domestic abuse.
My life is “permanently, for now” based in Malaysia, where I have been able to build a home miles away from early life and trauma in Swindon, which I have recently been able to close the chapter on after hearing a jury return a guilty verdict against my abuser.
“I don’t know what shape my life is now, or what the future holds, but I can now try to move on, and those choices will finally be mine.”