Bob Hope was an American comedian who was at his most popular from the 30s to the 60s. A staunch Republican, Hope’s comedy reflected the values of that period,and his material often included casual sexism, racism and homophobia. In 1975, … 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 →
It seemed like a good idea at the time. But the plan to put a positive gay character in global TV hit Dynasty soon fell short of its original good intentions. Al Corley, who originally played the Carrington dynasty’s homosexual … Continue reading →
“EastEnders is turning into “EastBenders”…with two gays joining the soap’s line up.” “A homosexual love scene between two yuppie poofs…” Such was the response of Rupert Murdoch’s British tabloid The Sun, to the appearance of two gay characters in the … Continue reading →
Out on Tuesday was Channel Four’s attempt at a queer lifestyle series in the 1980s. On New Year’s Day 1983 it had screened a one-off, magazine style programme One in Five. Somewhat predictably, Conservative MPs were outraged by it. Nonetheless … Continue reading →