Playing Gay in the Golden Age of British TV

With homosexuality only being partially decriminalised in the UK in 1967, the progression of LGBTQ rights and representation has seen marked improvement, especially over the last decade. One of the primary influencers for that change in social perception has been the small screen: from its invention in 1927, the television set has found its place in virtually every home in the country, and from its programming the attitudes of its viewers are shaped and moulded. Historian Stephen Bourne tracks the history of gay representation in British TV from the golden age of television right through to the introduction of the first gay character in a mainstream soap. From being taboo, through to the founding of the liberation movement and onwards to acceptance and worldwide pride, Bourne catalogues the efforts of the BBC and independent broadcasters - the innovation, experimentation and risks they took to encourage progression, challenge
but sometimes reinforce - homophobic ideas and promote acceptance of LGBTQ relationships. Also delving into events behind scenes involving both acceptance and prejudice against those in the industry, no stone is left unturned in this full story of playing gay on the small screen. AUTHOR: Stephen Bourne is the author of 18 books, including Brief Encounters: Lesbians and Gays in British Cinema 1930-71 and Fighting Proud. From 1992 to 2001 he annually curated 10 lesbian- and gay-themed TV retrospectives for the National Film Theatre. In 2006 he was awarded an MPhil by De Montfort University for his thesis on gay representation in British television drama and in 2017 he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by London South Bank University. He lives in London. 20 b/w illustrations