Oscar Wilde's library card reissued 130 years after being revoked over gay conviction

Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish writer, had his library card revoked in 1895 after being imprisoned for a gay relationship. 130 years later, the card has been reissued by the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, where Wilde was a member. Wilde's conviction, which was for "gross indecency," was part of a broader crackdown on homosexuality in Victorian-era Britain. His imprisonment and the subsequent revocation of his library card were seen as acts of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. The reissue of Wilde's library card is a symbolic gesture that acknowledges the injustice he faced and serves as a recognition of the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights since then. It also highlights the enduring legacy of Wilde's literary contributions, despite the adversity he endured during his lifetime. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing historical injustices and ensuring that such discriminatory practices are not repeated in the present day.