LONDON – Thursday July 27, marks the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality in England and Wales. Gay Star News spoke with members of Opening Doors London about their memories of the time and what they want to say to LGBTI people today.
Homosexual activity taking place in private premises was decriminalized in England and Wales when the Sexual Offences Act was given Royal Assent July 27, 1967.
When asked about what they remember about the partial decriminalization of homosexuality in England and Wales 50 years ago, one participant recalled ‘the hiding, the fear – and I think that was the most damaging thing.’
The 1967 legislation repealed the maximum penalty of life imprisonment for gay sex between two men in private, over the age of 21.
Margaret, who identifies as a trans woman said the UK was a very different and rigid society in ‘you left school, you got a job, you got married, you had kids… that’s what you did because everyone else did.’
The LGBTI seniors told young people they needed to know the history.
One explained: ‘They may have a struggle to face… if they know what happened before they’ll be better prepared.’
Jamie Wareham, Gay Star News’ new student editor, conducted the interviews.
He said: ‘I was blown away speaking to the Opening Doors London members. Especially Marian who was a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front. It’s thanks to her activism at a time it was next to impossible to be out – that I’m able to live freely in the UK today.’
Watch the video above.
