Section 28

The Law That Tried to Silence Us

In this episode of I-Vada, we dive into one of the most controversial pieces of legislation in recent British history: Section 28.

We cast our minds back to Thatcher's Britain to explore how a few lines of law created a decade-long climate of fear for the LGBTQ+ community.

From the infamous ‘pretended family relationships’ clause to the protests that shook Manchester, we look at the personal toll of state-sanctioned homophobia and the community that rose to fight it.

In This Episode:

• The Roots of the Law: We discuss how Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 prohibited local authorities from ‘promoting’ homosexuality, effectively silencing teachers and youth workers.
  
• The ‘Red Herring’ Book: The story behind Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin, the Danish children’s book that became a focal point for moral panic despite hardly being used in schools.
  
• Manchester Fights Back: Insights from oral historian Jamie Starr and activist Tony Openshaw on the massive 20,000-strong protest in Albert Square.
  
• Working from the Inside: Paul Fairweather shares his experience as a Gay Men’s Officer for Manchester City Council, navigating legal minefields to continue supporting the community.
  
• A Culture of Fear: Personal reflections on the 1980s "gay plague" headlines, the panic surrounding the AIDS crisis, and the internalised shame many still carry today.
  
• Art as Activism: Choreographer Gary Clark discusses his performance piece, Detention, which explores the trauma and rage of growing up under Section 28.
  

Links

Body Positive - bpcnw.co.uk

People's History Museum - phm.org.uk

Gary Clarke Company - garyclarkecompany.com or detentiontour.co.uk

Out In The City (Gary Openshaw) - outinthecity.org

Studio production by Copperbeach - copperbeach.co.uk

This episode tracks LGBTQ plus history in the UK from 1957 to 2026. We discuss the Wolfenden Report and the 1967 Sexual Offences Act; they explore how the movement shifted from hidden social groups to radical public activism. Peter Tatchell shares his memories of the first London Pride in 1972. Tom Robinson explains the founding of Gay Switchboard and the importance of sharing legal and medical information. The team also reflects on the rise of the pink pound and the continued importance of visibility in local communities today.

• Legal Milestones: Examining the Wolfenden Report and the partial decriminalisation of 1967.
• The First Pride: Peter Tatchell recounts the policing and bravery of the 1972 London march.
• Gay Switchboard: Tom Robinson on providing support before the internet existed.
• Music as Protest: The story behind the song "Glad to Be Gay" at Pride 1976.
• Regional History: Colin describes organising Pride North in 1986.

Links

Body Positive - bpcnw.co.uk

Peter Tatchell - petertatchell.net

Tom Robinson - tomrobinsonband.co.uk

Studio production by Copperbeach - copperbeach.co.uk

In our series opener, we’re taking a deep, occasionally dank, and wonderfully camp dive into the secretive world of Polari. Ever wondered where 'bona' or 'khazi' actually came from? We explore the linguistic underground used by the LGBTQ+ community, sailors, and even carnies to keep things 'discreet'.

What’s in the Bag?

• A Coded History: We trace Polari’s roots back to the 19th century—a cheeky mix of Italian, Romany, and back-slang.
• The Secret Handshake (but with words): Why having a private language was a survival necessity before decriminalisation.
• From Dockside to Diva: How it travelled from London’s West End theatres to the docks of the East End and eventually into the mainstream.
• Bona Words to Live By: A quick-fire glossary to get you speaking like a true 'ommee-palone.'

Featured 'Polari' Highlights

• The Origins: It wasn’t just for fun - it was a clever way to gossip right under the noses of the 'lily-law' (police) without getting pinched.
• Social Signalling: How using the right 'slang' word like lalleys (legs) could immediately tell you who was in the know.
• The Modern Legacy: Why Polari still matters today and how it has influenced the way we talk about queer culture now.

Our Special Guest

• The Polari Master: We are joined by artist and researcher Jez Dolan, who brings the history of this secret language to life with his incredible insight and a wink of mischief.

Links

Body Positive - bpcnw.co.uk

Jez Dolan Instagram - @jezdolan

Studio production by Copperbeach - copperbeach.co.uk

Coming soon: i~vada – an LGBTQIA+ history podcast hosted by Jonathan Mayor, Sally Probert-Hill and Colin Avery.

With wit, warmth and a touch of mischief, they dig into the bold, brilliant and often forgotten stories that have shaped queer life across generations. From underground icons to headline moments, i~vada is nearly here.

Get ready to listen, learn and laugh.