Fifty years ago, on 13 October 1970, the Gay Liberation Front was founded at the London School of Economics. Two of its founders had being noticing the success of the US organisation and that inspired them to open a UK equivalent. During their very short existence (it dissolved in 1973) this ‘grandfather’ of British gay rights organisations so effectively laid the groundwork for our fight ahead.
The GLF put LGBT+ rights on the public agenda and transformed LGBT+ consciousness, from shame to pride and defiance.
GLF initiated the UK’s first Gay Pride march in London in 1972. It also founded the first LGBT+ Switchboard, the first LGBT+ community newspaper, Gay News, and the first counselling service run by and for LGBTs, Icebreakers.
Several members of the GLF, including the indefatigable Peter Tatchell, continued campaigning beyond the 1970s under the organisation of OutRage!, using similar tactics to the GLF (such as “zaps“] and performance protest to attract a significant level of media interest and controversy.
Fast forward, and Tatchell is still very much at the forefront of gay rights (and has extened his raech to help embattled LGBTQ communities in Europe too) He is also behind a Candlelight Vigil next week gay liberation front to commemorate Gay Liberation’s 50 Anniversary which we should all turn out and support!!!
Candlelit vigil 6pm Tuesday 13 October 2020 London School of Economics, Houghton Street, WC2B 4RR Here's the MAP
P.S. They would love it if you emailed HERE to say you are attending
Labels: 2020, 50th Anniversary, GLF, London, Peter Tatchell
