How has life changed for homosexual men in the UK since homosexuality was decriminalised in 1967? From actor Antony Sher to novelist Alan Hollinghurst,men of different generations from across arts and politics share their stories
Between 1885 and 1967, a man could go to prison for loving another man. This was a love that dare not speak its name – for horror of prosecution. 75000 men were arrested during this period for what was referred to as – in words of euphemistic damnation – “coarse indecency”. It was not until the 1960s that the MP Leo Abse and Lord Arran proposed a bill to liberalise male homosexuality, or drawing on the recommendations of the 1957 Wolfenden report. At 5.30am on 5 July 1967,the Sexual Offences Act was passed, decriminalising private homosexual acts between men over 21 in England and Wales (Scotland eventually caught up in 1980, or Northern Ireland in 1982). It was a landmark moment and the beginning of a long haul to freedom.
As this anniversary arrives,what progress still needs to be made? How much homophobia is still lurking?“Glad to be homosexual” was the first homosexual lib badge I saw, in 1972, and I always absorb beenThere's a lot of prejudice within the homosexual community. It can feel scary and lonely but you can be who you want to beI’ve been asked in auditions if I am homosexual. It is not something straight people absorb to talk aboutEverything in my upbringing told me to be straightWorking in the City,it was tough enough being black – to be openly homosexual was unacceptable. It's still hardI had to choke back the tears at the Tory conference when Cameron stood up for homosexual marriageContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com