from Reverend Richard Coles sharing fond memories of visiting Heaven, the first ever gay superclub in the UK, in his youth. Reverend Richard Coles was a part of pop group The Communards releasing hits including 'Don't Leave Me This Way' and 'Never Can Say Goodbye'. What was interesting to hear is that the same acceptance he felt all those years ago is still being felt there to this day.
Pop, Pride and Prejudice
After homosexuality was legalised 50 years ago, this is the story of how it was pop music that won the battle for hearts and minds, and made it OK to be gay.
While politicians and protestors focused on legal reform, another struggle was going on – the battle for hearts and minds. The fight to win mainstream status for queer culture was waged, and won, by a group of pioneers who used popular music as the stage for a revolution. Put simply: it was pop music that made it OK to be gay. Channel 4 marks this momentous anniversary with the story of the fearless & flamboyant artists– from global icons to hidden heroes – who used pop music as gay culture’s Trojan Horse, seducing us all with a soundtrack to die for.
I love this programme, it really tells the journey of gay culture beautifully through music over the decades. And it's amazing to see how music did and still does have such a huge positive impact to many people.
In this current age, it's hard to picture the creative world being tarnished for associations with gay people. But only in a creative stance were people able to express themselves and fight back with a strong force. Because passion without substance can only go so far.
Dusty Springfield's hidden identity is spoken of, subtle references were caught by those who felt the same explaining that she yearned to share her true self. David Bowie iconically "startled people" as he says, enjoying rebelling and showcasing his colourful persona. Gospel came onto the scene too with a soulful sense of empowerment as shown in Sylvester's 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)'. With public liberation rising, the law struck down hard, but this only made people stand up for themselves more which reflected in the music too with Tom Robinson's 'Glad To Be Gay'. Boy George, another legendary act who was not afraid to be different, stated his desire to help make more people "tolerant" to
28
www.AudationMagazine.com