In the 1980s, WH Smith was Britain’s largest – and most homophobic – newsagent. Its outlets had seen numerous protests in the 70s as activists fought the company’s ban on Gay News. The ban was eventually lifted and the 80s … Continue reading →
Australian politician Don Dunstan was a controversial figure for most of his life. His progressive social and economic policies grated with the ingrained conservatism of his home state South Australia. His behaviour – including turning up to Parliament in pink … Continue reading →
David Shenton’s career as a queer illustrator began with a half-joking challenge to the early gay Press’s perception of gay art. “In Gay News, [paintings] were usually this kind of soft porn – mainly male nudes…” His own exhibition – … Continue reading →
I’m pleased to announce that the hard copy of my book Gay in the 80s: From Fighting for Our Rights to Fighting for Our Lives is being launched in the UK this month (February) for LGBT History Month. Launch events … Continue reading →
And the Band Played On is Randy Shilts’ epic (600+ pages) documentation of the early days of the AIDS crisis. It is an extraordinary political and historical document; not just because of the breadth of its coverage but also because … Continue reading →