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cover art for “Fatally disruptive”  | Episode 7

The Log Books

“Fatally disruptive” | Episode 7

Season 2, Ep. 7

In 1988 the British government passed explicitly anti-gay legislation. Through log book entries from Switchboard, Tash and Adam return to the scene: lawmakers spaffing about what constitutes a family, gay teachers zipping up and living in fear, and bewildered young people with seemingly nowhere to turn to for advice. This episode is filled with untold stories about Section 28 of the Local Government Act and the censorship of LGBTQ+ lives — and concludes with the joyous launch of a new kids’ book by Olly Pike called Kenny Lives With Erica and Martina.


Content warning: attacks on LGBTQ+ people, including language that some people may find offensive.


Transcript here.


The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute and the BFI National Archive.


TV clip from Gay Rights – The London Programme, produced by LWT, April 10th, 1987. 

TV clip from Back In The Closet, produced by Thames TV, January 14th, 1988.


For more information about Section 28, take a look at:

Section 28 detailed history from the LGBT+ History Forum


Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org


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