ACOMSDave

Community Journalist

Gay history – Kate Hoey speech

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Gay History - Baroness Hoey

May 11, 2023, Baroness Hoey’s amendment on gay history did not connect with the Lords!  

 

Sadly none of the gay peers offered to help Kate go to a vote on her amendment so she didn’t press for a division.

It would have been great watching the progressive peers in turmoil wondering whether to vote for or against a gay matter.

There was also zero interest in intersectional circles in Belfast and the BBC was unusually mute on her amendment despite their gay staffers.

 

…

Gay history amendment draft remarks for Baroness Hoey submitted by Jeff Dudgeon

My second amendment, number 118 to Clause 46, refers to the Bill’s required production of
an analysis of patterns and themes in events during the Troubles. It adds to the specific
mention of women and girls, research on the experience of the gay and lesbian community.
This is a small minority, just 2% of our people according to the recent census figure, but it
figured centrally in disputes and debates throughout the decades, perhaps more so than any
other group outside the two main communities.
The process from decriminalisation to now gay equality was effected in a long series of
legislative steps, always at Westminster.
I played, as I said at Committee, a small part in 1994 with an amendment to keep Northern
Ireland in line with the rest of Britain on the gay age of consent. Tony Blair, who was then
Shadow Home Secretary, helped me whip sufficient support from MPs across the parties,
enabling my amendment to win by 254 votes to 141.
The particular reason why the gay community’s experience needs addressing is that it
suffered, as we all did, from death and injury through killings, bombings and shootings by
illegal organisations. But it then had, separately, to face those organisations when they
brought further death and destruction – specifically to the gay community.
That even occurred after the 1995 ceasefires, in the case of a police officer, who was
murdered by the INLA in 1997 and the Reverend David Templeton by the UVF, both in 1997.
Their killings followed a series of bombings of gay venues over thirty years by the IRA and
loyalist paramilitaries, and of murders of gay men – often picked off the street – especially in
the darkest days of the 1970s.
I note for the record Strasbourg is not calling for reinvestigation in these cases.
Academic research can provide not just a record of those events but a valuable analysis of
how life amidst death was experienced.
I sincerely hope that the Minister will look favourably on the matter and provide more
reassurance than at Committee when he said, “The provisions of the Bill as drafted would not
preclude relevant research into LGBT experiences.”
Inclusion is needed not a lack of precluding such research.
Indeed if the NIO is requiring in draft regulations – as it is this month – that our schools
update their teaching on sexuality, it seems necessary and consistent for this amendment to
go into the Bill.
END
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Gayfest 82

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GAYFEST 82

Three NIGRA (from Sean McGouran’s recollection [Sean, Ho Mun Chien and Mark McKeronon]) persons went to the Gay Fest for a jaunt. 

 

Gayfest

PeaceGdnsSheffd

‘’’Our first impression of the People’s Republic of South Yorkshire was good – incredibly low bus fares.  The second was dire, Sheffield (appears) to have the dourest population imaginable.  The Gayfest was held in the Polytechnic, a teacher training college with delusions of grandeur, its architecture based on the labyrinth principle.  We had to walk to the opposite end of the campus to get to our billet, a very comfortable two-bedroom.  This is more than can be said for some of the other beds/rooms we slept in that weekend.

Apart from continually walking into closed meetings of CHE (the Campaign for Homosexual Equality) and into a wrangle between the SWPGG (Socialist Workers Party Gay Group) and a nice young man from the Spartacus League*.  (The SL and SWP are among the 57 varieties of Trot groupeens), the young ‘Spart’ compared their ‘line’ on Ireland with that of Iran.  The SWP gave undifferentiated support to the anti-Shah opposition, and look at what the Iranians got!  In Ireland, Master Spartacus said they supported anti-Gay and anti-women forces.  This led to the epochal event of a member of the SWP admitting that his Party was small and not about to seize power just yet.

The next meeting I attended was a duo between the Liberal Gay Action Group (LibGAG) and the Gay Social Democrats (GSD).  The Libs were very lordly and made rather injudiciously nostalgic remarks about the Lib-Lab pact pipe dream of the early ’70s (i. e. a governing alliance of Labour and the Liberals).  The GSD took it in good part and asked sharp questions, like will the Liberals’ portmanteau Bill of Rights be feasible?

Others attended the Gay Youth Movement (GYM)’s AGM, where a snide article about them in the Gay Gazette (the Festival’s journal) was attacked and the author ‘Pandora’ asked to apologise and also admit his / her name.  [It was Eric Presland / Peter Scott Presland – currently still playwriting and producing a history of CHE].  The youth groups GYM and the Joint Council for Gay Teenagers (JCGT) threaten to boycott next year’s Gay Fest. 

Three of us attended the SHRG (Scottish Homosexual Rights Group)’s seminar on S / M (sado-masochism).  It had a very good attendance neck and neck with the Labour Campaign for Gay Rights’ meeting which had the ‘bisexual’ MP for Bootle, Allan Roberts as guest speaker.  [One of us ought to have gone – but ‘sex’ proved more of an attraction  – upstart 2013]

The rest of Saturday was spent boozing and inflicting Gay Star on unsuspecting Brits.  Thus we missed the Workshop on Sexism and an explanation of what was the Gay Community Organisation [GCO – CHE split itself into a ‘political / campaigning side – CHE, and a ‘social’ side the GCO.  It was disastrous, GCO barely lasted out the year, and CHE was seriously weakened – upstart 2013].  We did get an ear-bashing about how wonderful Friday’s disco had been.  It sounded great until we were told the Gay’s are only allowed in once a month! 

We did see Eric Presland’s Teatrolley, or a Midsummer Night’s Scream, done by Consenting Adults in Public, in the open air.  Drink, damp grass, and an aversion to cod-Shakespeare, somewhat cloud one’s judgement, but generally the parade of Gay ‘types’ was interesting: the two Liberationists offering tea and ideological purity – the clones, the leathermen (played by an actor of great beauty and courage…  Anyone who would expose his bum to the inclemencies of an English Autumn, and an audience made up entirely of Gay women and men would have to be).  There was also a policeman who turns almost human.

The evening ended on a deliberately sour note when Consenting Adults… handed out leaflets recounting the horrors while befell the Kasir family and their small business.

On Sunday morning after carefully avoiding the Act of Worship, and not being lucky enough to avoid the truly dreadful breakfast, we nipped into the Gay Rights at Work meeting, where we learned that Judith Williams is getting fed up with a dreary round of meeting – and general unpleasantness.

We then went off to the worst-attended, but in many ways the most interesting meeting of the weekend.  The Revolutionary Gay Men’s Caucus organised Political Activity and Social Life, which was a pretty punchy attack on the Gay Liberation Movement.  According to their outlook the radicals, the lobbyists / civil-righters and the Gay proprietors were as one in seeing the oppression of Gays as a ‘technical matter of the distribution of resources’.  Meanwhile, whole categories of people are excluded from the Gay ‘scene’ – women, the disabled, the elderly, Black Gays, and to an extent, the unemployed.  The Gay Liberation Front had married revolutionary rhetoric to feeble reformist demands.  Thus they had to defend sexual pluralism under any guise, e. g., pornography, S / M – one of the RGMC defended pædophilia, presumably on the grounds that it wasn’t exploitative.

The arguments of the Caucus were rather like traversing a superbly engineered bridge, which one suddenly realises does not quite reach to opposite shore.  They offered no programme – ‘shopping lists of demands were useless without money or power’.  And some of the building materials of the bridge were questionable.  The ‘working class’ was referred to as if it were a solid entity.  Questioning brought the admission that it was difficult to define the working class, and that it is wracked with deep contradictions anyway; racism, sexism and so forth. 

Their attitude to ‘Ireland’ was, roughly: the Brits are in Ireland for imperialist reasons, therefore it was a brill idea to chuck ’em out.  The people who said this did admit that they were not entirely happy about the results for Gay people. 

An overall impression of the Festival: the price of set meals did tend to put a damper on socialising over meals, the restaurants and cafés on Eccleshall Road did a roaring trade.  The youth groups and ILIS (International Lesbian Information Service) met in separate venues from the (‘adult’) male, or anyway, male-oriented groups.  We only saw them striding purposely about from place to place.

The main corridor, from the bar to the gym-cum-disco area, was crowded with stalls hired by all sorts of Gay groups; revolutionaries, Tories (but no fascists – yet), humanists, Christians (but no Muslims or Hindus), weekend walkers, real ale freaks, pure-as-the-driven-snow bookshops, and bookshops selling porn.  There were bisexuals and leather people, but no (overt) pædophiles, young people, and a considerable number of decidedly elderly people.  People selling good papers, people selling bad papers, and people selling… um… Gay Star.

A Workshop deriving from Saturday’s seminar on S / M was very interesting and would have been more interesting if it had not been decided to split us into two groups.  In a small room, this caused both sessions to be incomprehensible.  People admitted to being nervous about some of the accoutrements of S / M sex and admitted that their fascination with the outer manifestations of dominance was distressing to them. Admittedly, some others did not find such things in the least distressing. 

Early in the session, someone launched a shrill and rather over-heated attack on S / M, suggesting that people into S / M are also into ‘terminal sex’.  The argument is self-evidently foolish.  Not everybody is a Mistress / Master, and anyway the economics of sex intervenes.  If you constantly bump people off, apart from the fact that it becomes rather noticeable even in the most closeted of scenes, you will find that people will no longer accept your invitations to light torture sessions.  Possibly this person was trying to say, in the manner of Freudian psychoanalysis, that S / M is something else.  Leather-sex people are ‘really’ repressed corpse-fuckers.

So far as we were concerned, the Festival ended roughly here.  We went off to the Stars disco later in the evening.  The organisers’ “five minute’s walk” proved to be wildly over-optimistic; it was more like half an hour.  The disco (run by Mecca, inventors of ‘Miss World’) was pretty drab.  It had a curious, limp, pre-liberation feel – there were lots of black’n’white pics of 1940s Hollywood ‘stars’.  There were lots of Muir caps with Anglo-Saxon potato faces under them.  The huge bar sold flat beer at inflated prices, and the dance floor was small. 

The only Gay elements were the Muir caps and the poppers.  The Gays are allowed into Stars once a fortnight.

Editorial report

 

* This was probably called the Spartacist League – a ‘Spartacus League’ was, or had been, the youth wing of the SWP (in its early IS / International Socialist guise).  This may not be entirely accurate – but the niceties of British Trotskyist history are very complex.  [upstart 2013].

This was the last Gay Fest – they had been run by CHE – presumably, there was some debate about whether or not it was a ‘political’ or a ‘social’ event.

Fortunately, CHE decided some years ago that the political and the social are no longer incompatible…

Gayfest

Unidentified young man at the CHE Conference 1975 (LSE HCA Archive)

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Catflap – Book Review

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Catflap is a ‘literary journal’ of queer non-fiction and poetry from people in Belfast and Ireland with the title ‘Smart Queer Writing With A disco Heart’.  The copy I have (issue 3) incorporated works by:

Catflap

Bebe Ahsley – the Olive Branch
Samson Furlong Tighe – Found Poem in Loughlistown
Liliana Viola – SOY: Proof of Queer Life
Richard O’Leary – Objects of Desire: Portrait of the Homoseachai
Zara Meadows – Sign
Ian Macartney – Yesterday, Forth Rail Bridge (December 2-16)
Lauren John Joseph – Writing Sex
Anna Loughran – Nude & In the Gardens
Marc Gregg – Fuck Me Thru The Phone
(DW) Dean Black – essiage
Laima Kreivyte – Waiting & a feminist asks questions in church
Charlie McIlwain – Blue is Blue & Yes
Adam James Martin – Cross & Out
Dear Hole (Advice Column)

The journal consists of 89 pages, 87 in print.

 

 

 

It isn’t easy to put a finger on this journal, to me it is one for dipping into and finding that which you like and disregarding the rest.  But then on another day those that you have disregarded may have meaning.

Directly the piece about Richar O’Leary did appeal, as I know Richard, indeed I had the pleasure of listening to him and one of his pieces at last year’s Cara Friend sponsored meeting at Queens University (with his props).  Richard’s stories are interesting and thought-provoking; he has led an interesting life, had a wonderful partner, and now enjoys educating people about being gay in Ireland’s past.

 

Zara Meadows ‘Sign’  is a poem of seven verses – it is very descriptive

…Muggy night on Castle Lane

The rain falls on your jacket

Like paper planes on fire

 

Made from receipts

Stolen out from the pockets

Of corrupt politicians…

 

I am not a poet (I have only written one poem in my life at that was about World War 1 whilst I was at secondary school), and often I find poems do little for me.  I think it takes time again to read and digest what each poet is saying, an example being Robert Forst’s poems which often have at least three levels to read and understand them by.

I am gong to suggest that you become readers of ‘Catflap’ editions published by Outburst Arts Festival.  Give them the support that all writers and publishers need, especially in these times, and read about being gay in Belfast and Northern Ireland

 

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Reform The House of Lords?

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Reform the House of LordsI discussed how we might reform the House of Lords, even the House of Commons with Sean McGouran last weekend.  The surprising thing was that I was the one coming up with radical ideas!

I decided to do some further reading and the following ideas isolated themselves:

 

Here’s a summary of ideas for revamping the House of Lords:

1. Reforming Membership

  • Abolition of Life Peers: Replace life peerages with term-limited appointments to ensure turnover.
  • Reducing Membership: Limit the number of members to make the chamber more manageable and efficient.
  • Regional Representation: Appoint or elect members to represent regions or nations of the UK, improving local representation.
  • Removal of Hereditary Peers: Eliminate the remaining hereditary peers to modernize the chamber.
  • Merit-Based Appointments: Introduce a system where members are selected based on professional or academic achievements.

2. Electoral Reforms

  • Fully Elected Chamber: Transform the Lords into a wholly elected body to enhance democratic accountability.
  • Partially Elected/Hybrid Model: Combine elected members with appointed experts to retain diverse expertise.
  • Proportional Representation: Use proportional representation for elections to better reflect public opinion.

3. Functional and Structural Changes

  • Advisory Role Only: Restrict the Lords to a purely advisory function, with no legislative blocking powers.
  • Enhanced Scrutiny: Focus on improving legislative scrutiny, especially for complex policies.
  • Term Limits: Impose term limits on all members to prevent lifetime positions.

4. Transparency and Accountability

  • Code of Conduct: Strengthen ethics rules and enforce stricter accountability for members.
  • Public Involvement: Create mechanisms for citizens to nominate or select members for appointment.

5. Complete Replacement

  • Senate Model: Replace the Lords with a second chamber modelled after senates in other countries, such as the U.S. or Australia.
  • Citizen Assembly: Replace the Lords with a randomly selected citizen assembly to ensure diverse representation.

6. Abolition

  • Unicameral System: Abolish the House of Lords entirely, leaving the House of Commons as the sole legislative body.

7. Devolutionary Considerations

  • Federal Chamber: Recast the Lords as a federal body representing the UK’s devolved nations and regions.
  • National Assemblies Input: Allow devolved governments a role in selecting or appointing members.

8. Cultural and Symbolic Changes

  • Rebranding: Rename the chamber to reflect modern values (e.g., “Senate” or “Council of the Nations”).
  • Relocation: Move the chamber outside London to symbolize decentralization and inclusivity.

Each proposal has its advantages and challenges, often balancing tradition, expertise, democratic legitimacy, and efficiency.’

 

During Sean’s and my discussion, I suggested the reform of The House of Lords could encompass:

  • remove the clergy from the House
  • No one should be made a peer unless they have achieved something of note in society (e.g. a Senior Trade Unionist who has worked his/her way through the ranks, not just an economics/politics degree)

there were other ideas, but the list above is probably more comprehensive.

I do honestly believe that the House of Lords should stay as a bugger to the House of Commmons – which now seems to be filled with ‘career’ politicians in the main, who seem to be more interested in their career than the country; there have been to many scandals, with too many public enquiries which take too long to reach a verdict (if they even do) – and often when the enquiry is finished it has little or no impact.

 

[What are the tricks used by the government that most people don’t know?

 

Private Inquiries – used as a convenient method to kick any awkward questions for government into the VERY long grass.

  • Public Inquiries – to appoint a chair to oversee such a body – with the nudge that they will receive a preferment of knighthood/damehood or be elevated to the upper house if they come out in favour of the fraudulent government requirement – usually through corruption or incompetence or both, and to probably keep the inquiry going for so long, that people responsible for such a travesty conveniently forget, while the press and the public lose interest.
  • Variations on the above – to exculpate any notion of impropriety from the government or their political party, or indeed anyone or anything remotely associated with them.

Leaks: probably originally emanating from the top No 10.

These are particularly useful when a member of the government makes a total ‘balls-up’ of something, A contrary public relations propaganda campaign is quickly utilized, to fabricate and provide an illusion that everything was carried out by the government/cabinet member in the strictest form according to the very highest principles, and the media – or most of them – accede to the deception and manipulation, or else they face consequences!

Whisper Campaigns

Rumours, innuendo, and slanderous statements are quietly conveyed in order to damage reputations and/or dry up funding sources and support. Because the allegations are not made publicly, the target is caught in a Catch-22: if the candidate publicly denounces the rumours, it calls attention to the issue. If the candidate ignores the behind-the-back rumours, the campaign can be damaged.

Push Polling

Push polling is an unfair and unethical political device used to communicate negative messages. Under the guise of conducting a legitimate poll, defamatory or otherwise negative and usually false information is conveyed.

Unfair Competition

Practices that hamper the opponent’s ability to fairly compete are unethical. You will sometimes see wealthy candidates hiring as many political consultants as are available, not for their services, but to keep them from working for the opponent. If a candidate condones the removal of posters or any behaviour that stifles the opponent’s message, he or she is engaging in unethical campaigning.

Interference with the Electoral Process

Any campaign practice that provides an obstacle to a citizen’s ability to vote interferes with our democratic notions of fair and free elections. Destruction of mail-in ballots, deliberately staged traffic jams on Election Day, and voter intimidation at the polls are all examples of unethical – and in many instances illegal — tactics designed to discourage voting.

The October Surprise

The infamous “October surprise” is the generic term for a negative attack that comes out shortly before an election, giving the target of the attack little or no time to respond. If the attack is subject to denial or rational explanation, the interests of an informed electorate – if indeed there is such an entity – require that assertions be timed in such a way as to allow a response.]

 

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Rogue Element in British Politics

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Rogue Element in British PoliticsA week into the new year, British politics has been dominated by Elon Musk, and outside ‘Rogue Element’. The focus has shifted to the grooming gangs scandal, which continues to make headlines, with victims failed by police, social services, and politicians for decades. Musk’s intervention in this long-standing issue has finally prompted action. The government is now considering the key recommendations from Professor Alexis Jay’s 2022 report on child sexual abuse, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announcing plans for implementation.

Musk, though not a British citizen, has become an influential figure in UK politics, particularly through his feud with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his support for far-right figures like Tommy Robinson. His recent remarks have added fuel to the fire, even as he seeks to undermine British democracy by questioning the legitimacy of the UK electoral system. This has forced Labour and the Conservatives to react, with both sides grappling with Musk’s influence.

The Tories are carefully navigating the situation, capitalizing on the grooming scandal to target Labour, but they too are vulnerable. Musk’s rhetoric, including promoting a petition for a new election, has sparked discontent with the political system. Nigel Farage (an internal Rogue Element), aware of the potential damage Musk’s involvement could cause, warns that it could further erode trust in Westminster. As the situation unfolds, both major parties find themselves under pressure, with Musk’s influence serving as a disruptive force in British politics.

 

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“The Woodfolk” : Movie Review

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The Woodfolk“The Woodfolk,” directed by the talented duo Joey and Luke Culver, is an enchanting exploration of self-discovery wrapped in the charm of rural life. This romantic drama, produced by Benjy Alfreds, offers an engaging narrative that intertwines the whimsical with the profound, as it follows the journey of a young field worker, portrayed captivatingly by Bruno Kalo, in search of deeper meaning amidst the simplicity of his daily routine.

The film opens with sweeping panoramic shots of the countryside, captured beautifully by director of photography Sudiardi Sudyono. The visuals create an immersive atmosphere, transporting the audience into the lush, serene landscapes where the protagonist, a romantic young boy, spends his days. The cinematography enhances the emotional depth of the narrative, providing a visual metaphor for the character’s internal struggles and aspirations.

At its core, “The Woodfolk” tells the story of a field worker whose aspirations reach beyond the limitations of his daily labor. Bruno Kalo delivers a wonderful performance, portraying the character’s naivety and yearning with sincerity. His interactions with the natural environment serve as a poignant reflection of his quest for meaning. The film skillfully juxtaposes his mundane work hours with his introspective moments, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing.

Maria Laura Gentile shines in the role of the love interest, infusing the film with warmth and chemistry. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of fields and woodlands, symbolizing the beauty and complexity of love in its simplest form. The narrative masterfully balances romantic tension and existential inquiry, inviting viewers to contemplate their own lives while invested in the characters’ journey.

The original score by The Swingin’ Hermlins enhances the film’s emotive moments, weaving a melodic thread that complements both the joyful and contemplative scenes. The music feels organic, embodying the spirit of the countryside and evoking memories of simpler times. It serves as both a narrative tool and a character in its own right, underlining the emotional peaks and valleys of the story.

The film’s production team, including sound designer Marcus Hudson and costume designer Cas Massey, contribute to the authenticity and richness of the narrative. From the soundscapes that capture the whispers of the wind and the songs of birds to the thoughtfully designed costumes that reflect the characters’ personalities and milieu, every detail adds depth to the story.

Editing by Nina Caprice and Luke Culver maintains a steady pace, allowing the audience to absorb the film’s lyrical quality while keeping the narrative moving forward. The seamless transitions between scenes—shaped with care—reflect both the passage of time and the protagonist’s evolving understanding of himself and his desires.

One of the most remarkable aspects of “The Woodfolk” is how it tackles themes of existentialism within a romantic framework. It poses questions about identity, purpose, and the connection to nature, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own paths and the meaning they find in their everyday lives. It’s this philosophical undercurrent that elevates the film from a simple romance to a thoughtful meditation on life and love.

Overall, “The Woodfolk” is a beautifully crafted film that invites its audience to slow down and savor the moments that define us. The Culver brothers, alongside their dedicated crew, have created a heartfelt narrative that resonates long after the credits roll. With rich performances, stunning visuals, and an evocative score, this film is a delightful reminder of the beauty found in both love and self-discovery. If you’re in the mood for a reflective and charming cinematic experience, “The Woodfolk” is undoubtedly worth watching.

The Woodfolk is not a gay movie, but Bruno Kalo is very pleasing to the eye.

 

Directed by Joey & Luke Culver Producer Benjy Alfreds

Written by Joey Culver 1st Ad Daniel Riccio

Post- producer Emma Cano Grant

Original Music by The Swingin’ Hermlins

Starring:

Bruno Kalo

Maria Laura GentileKit Smith

 

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LGBTQIA+ Heritage Symposium 2024

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I was fortunate to attend the LGBTQIA+ Heritage Symposium 2024, at Queen’s University Belfast. Queens University the hosts, granted the community the opportunity to use the esteemed Canada Room.

Cara-Friend has expressed it’s heartfelt thanks to all the speakers and audience members who attended the LGBTQIA+ Heritage Symposium.

This symposium gathered a diverse group of academics, heritage institutions, LGBTQIA+ community workers, artists, students, and volunteers dedicated to preserving and exploring LGBTQIA+ heritage.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr. Micky Murray also attended and actively engaged with everyone in attendance.

This event was part of the ‘Founding Cara-Friend: Preserving At Risk LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project,’ which has received generous funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland for £24,900.

This funding will empower Cara-Friend to safeguard at-risk heritage related to its inception in 1974 and the crucial early years of the charity during the 70s and 80s.

Linked in this article are the three panels that ran as voice recordings (next time I will be better prepared), and also are photographs that I took during the symposium.

I would welcome any comments and observations that you have, as I am sure the Cara Friend will welcome all the support that you can offer them.

 

Links:

LGBTQIA+ Heritage Symposium 2024

                                                                 LGBTQIA+ Heritage Symposium 2024

  1. School of Peace and Conflict Studies, Kent State University 
  2. Cara-Friend
  3. NIGRA Communications forum
  4. The Carpenter Club

 

Skins: A Landmark in LGBTQ+ Representation on British TV

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Skins: A Landmark in LGBTQ+ Representation on British TV

SkinsWhen *Skins* premiered in 2007, it revolutionized the portrayal of youth sexuality on television. Unlike anything before, this gritty teen drama tackled complex themes of identity and belonging, boldly integrating LGBTQ+ narratives into its fabric. Among its memorable characters were Tony Stonem, played by Nicholas Hoult, and Maxxie Oliver, brought to life by Mitch Hewer. Their journeys, exploring sexual fluidity and openly gay experiences, set a new standard for representation.

Tony, while predominantly portrayed as straight, played with his sexuality in poignant moments with his gay best friend Maxxie. Their friendship blurred traditional boundaries, showcasing teenage experimentation without labelling. Meanwhile, Maxxie emerged as one of TV’s first openly gay main characters, navigating not only romantic relationships but also the harsh reality of societal prejudice.

Over its seven series,  Skins not only mirrored the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth but also contributed to a cultural shift in how these stories were told. Despite facing criticism, its candid exploration of sexuality resonated with audiences, paving the way for more inclusive narratives in television.  Skins remains a landmark achievement, forever altering the landscape for LGBTQ+ representation in the media.

 

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Grief – 1993 (Movie Review)

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Title Grief
Year 1993
Director Richard Glatzer
Writer Richard Glatzer
Actors Craig Chester

Illeana Douglas

Jackie Beat

Grief (1993)

 

 

Grief (1993)Looking at Grief (1993) is like looking at the balance sheet of a business.  You know that it is valid for the time it was put together, but you also know that things have changed.

Grief (1993) has a feeling of surrealism, which continues for the first 20 to 30 minutes of the film, creating an uneasiness:  a sense of dissatisfaction; interspersed with which the writer has thrown in several one-liners or situations to make people laugh- hence the uneasiness!

At this point, the film appears to come into focus, with [or was it 6?] storylines being played out at the same time.  I believe the characters are very thin; an intentional ploy to keep you disorientated.

the movie is located somewhere in the USA, with a team of writers for a typical low-budget soap.  ‘Real Life’ is mixed with soap opera, with both ending up as an extremely tacky parody.

Overall the film is competent, but not one that I believe was suited to the large screen; home video would seem to be the more obvious choice.

The fact that I walked away without remembering the character’s names, or the dead lover indicates how much impact it made on me.

 

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1983 – Gay Conference Comes To Belfast

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Gay Conference Comes To Belfast1983 – Gay Conference Comes To Belfast, what a headline.  When you consider that the Good Friday Agreement was 5 years away.  The ‘troubles’ were still happening all around us, and we were also 8 years away from our first Pride March in Belfast, the fact that a gay conference was held is nothing short of remarkable.  This is the small article that was published in Northern Ireland’s only gay publication, which can be found in the Linen Hall Libary Political Collection on the fourth floor.

 

…This is a short report on the All Ireland Lesbian and Gay Men’s Conference which was held in 1983 in Belfast, at the Crescent Arts Centre and the Gay Centre.  As many as 200 lesbians and gay men were expected at this 3rd annual conference.

The first conference was in Cork in 1981, and in 1982 was in Dublin.  The two of them were organised by ‘independent’ lesbians and gay men and supported by national organisations that provided facilities.  It was significant that only a handful of delegates from Northern Ireland were present at both conferences.

In January 1983 a planning meeting was in Belfast for the 1983 conference which was attended by many of the former committee members from 1981 and 1982.  Belfast representation was limited to half a dozen men – all members of NIGRa (Northern Ireland Gay Rights Association).

The Dublin Conference had been uniquely successful in having equal numbers of women and men attending.  The absence of women from this planning conference augured poorly for the future of a Belfast conference.

The afternoon session was better attended by Belfast/Derry people and a meeting was planned for a fortnight later to bring together ‘non-organisation’ lesbians and gay men in the region.  Six women and six men attended, including Charles Kerrigan of the Dublin Gay Collective.

It was decided in principle, that those non-organisational people would determine the nature and organisation of the conference.

NIGRA’s role was to provide facilities, admin and any other help…

 

We talk about our history, but we have done little to mark it, to record it and remember it.  If you wish to have your history recorded, don’t forget the LGBTQIA+ Heritage Project (link below).

 

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