Programme Length: 60 minutes
Broadcaster: BBC 2
Broadcast Date: TBC
In the three months after Brexit, an LGBT anti-violence charity reported a 147% rise in homophobic attacks. In this very timely documentary, BBC 2 explores some of the stories behind the headlines from the lesbian, gay and transgender people who have been attacked as well as the perpetrators, using testimony and found footage, to ask why this rise occurred?
Programme Length: 60 mins
Broadcaster: BBC 2
Broadcast date: TBC
This film invites a stellar cast of interviewees from across the arts to reflect on the contribution of lesbian and gay people to British cultural life since the decriminalisation of male homosexuality 50 years ago.
Ranging broadly across popular culture, the visual arts, literature, theatre and film, the programme celebrates how the British arts, before 1967 and since, have been a haven to those growing up creative and gay.
The film considers how artists’ sexuality might have shaped their art, often giving it a unique outsider’s perspective on British life, and a sometimes subversive sense of wit and style. Artists produced sophisticated work that excited audiences with its “otherness”, bringing new types of characters to television and film, gender ambiguity to pop music, and glimpses of bohemia in the visual arts. These have remained driving forces for British art to this day. But the film also asks whether growing acceptance has been to some extent a double-edged sword for artists themselves. Has homosexuality’s move towards the mainstream made the exploration of queer themes less urgent and less interesting? Now that there’s a wide range of gay lifestyles on show in British culture, the question of how much an artist’s sexuality really matters to their art has become inescapable.
Programme Length: 60 minutes x 2
Broadcaster: BBC 2
In his first screen drama, best-selling British novelist Patrick Gale tells two gay love stories, 60 years apart – stories linked by family, and by a painting that holds a secret that echoes down the generations.
Featuring a cast including Oscar-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave, Man in an Orange Shirt charts the challenges and huge changes to gay lives from the Second World War to the present: In 1944, British Army Captain Michael Berryman (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) meets war artist Thomas March (James McArdle) in Southern Italy while chaos reigns all around them. Despite having a young fiancé, Flora (Joanna Vanderham), waiting at home for him, straight-laced Michael finds himself falling for Thomas’ bohemian charms. In 2017, an ageing Flora (Redgrave) looks on as her grandson, Adam (Julian Morris), tentatively forms a relationship with his client Steve (David Gyasi) in a more accepting world. But while the external obstacles have fallen away, a minefield of internalised issues and dangerous temptations still line the road to happiness.
Further cast includes Laura Carmichael, Julian Sands and Angel Coulby.
Patrick Gale says,
“As a lifelong BBC Two animal, I’m thrilled my first original television drama will broadcast there. The wide social ramifications of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality are still being felt today and had huge implications not only for gay men (those over 21 at least) but for marriage. The two parts of my drama try to show how far reaching those ramifications were and I know the rest of the Gay Britannia season will as well. I can’t wait to watch every bit of it.”
Diederick Santer, Executive Producer for Kudos, says: “It’s been a delight to work with Patrick and the BBC on this timely and highly original drama. I’m thrilled with the cast we assembled and the ambition of the production, and look forward to it playing at the heart of the Gay Britannia season.”
Programme length: 82 mins
Broadcaster: BBC 2
Daniel Mays (Line Of Duty, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Public Enemies) stars in BBC Two’s powerful factual drama as Peter Wildeblood, a thoughtful and private gay journalist whose lover Eddie McNally (played by newcomer to television, Richard Gadd), under pressure from the authorities, turned Queen’s evidence against him in one of the most explosive court cases of the 1950s – the infamous Montagu Trial.
More than ten years before the partial decriminalisation of homosexual acts in 1967, Peter Wildeblood, and his friends Lord Montagu (Mark Edel-Hunt) and Michael Pitt-Rivers, were found guilty of homosexual offences and jailed.
With his career in tatters and his private life painfully exposed, Wildeblood began his sentence a broken man, but he emerged from Wormwood Scrubs a year later determined to do all he could to change the way these draconian laws against homosexuality impacted on the lives of men like him.
The drama also features Mark Gatiss (Taboo, Sherlock) as Wildeblood’s prison psychiatrist, Doctor Landers and Charlie Creed-Miles (Ripper Street, Peaky Blinders) as Superintendent Jones.
Woven through this powerful drama is real-life testimony from a chorus of men who lived through those dark days, when homosexuals were routinely imprisoned or forced to undergo chemical aversion therapy in an attempt to cure them of their “condition”. There is also testimony from a retired police officer whose job it was to enforce these laws, and a former psychiatric nurse who administered the so-called cures. All of these accounts serve to amplify the themes of the drama and help to immerse us in the reality of a dark chapter in our recent past, a past still within the reach of living memory.
Rumoured as the gay version of Sex and the City, Looking is not your typical gay drama.
Usually, gay dramas tend to include either drug-fuelled sex orgies with someone eventually dying of AIDS or ridiculously good looking men just sleeping with each other in unbelievable circumstances and situations.
However, Looking is none of this; it is refreshingly unique in its portrayal of modern gay culture. Yes, there are good looking men but they are not ridiculously hot. They are typical gay men who live in San Francisco and are trying to figure out what it is to be gay in the 21st century; including the blurring of relationships, ageing in the gay world and the question of monogamy versus polyamory.
Looking offers an unfiltered look at three friendships in one of America’s most iconic cities. Looking: Season One introduces us to Patrick (Jonathan Groff best known for The Normal Heart and Glee), who is a 29-year old video game designer getting back into the dating world after learning about his ex’s engagement as well as aspiring artist Agustín (Frankie J Alvarez best known for Smash), who questions the idea of monogamy as he transitions into domesticity with his boyfriend and career waiter Dom (Murray Bartlett best known for White Collar), who is the oldest member of the group who, at 39, is soon to be facing middle age with his romantic and professional dreams still unfulfilled. The trio’s stories intertwine and unspool dramatically as they search for happiness and intimacy in an age of unparalleled choices, and rights, for gay men.
Rounding out the world of Looking: Season One are the UK’s own Russell Tovey (Being Human, The History Boys), starring as Kevin, Patrick’s boss and love interest; Dom’s roommate Doris (Lauren Weedman); Agustín’s boyfriend Frank (O.T. Fagbenle); and Patrick’s co-worker Owen (Andrew Law), as well as the legendary Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap, Star Trek: Enterprise) who stars as Lynn.
The complicated, funny and romantically charged lives of three friends living in San Francisco takes centre stage in the sexy and lyrical Looking: Season One which comes to Blu-ray and DVD on 12th January 2015 courtesy of HBO Home Entertainment. The whole season and individual episodes are also available to own and watch instantly on Amazon Instant Video, blinkbox, Google Play and iTunes.
Looking: Season One, created by Michael Lannan (Nurse Jackie, Remember Me) and executive produced by Sarah Condon (Bored to Death) and Andrew Haigh, who wrote and directed the critically-lauded Weekend, is a ground-breaking comedic drama that focuses on the universal themes of falling in love and ultimately finding fulfilment.
DVD & Blu-ray special features include audio commentary episodes 1 – 8 with Jonathan Groff, Frankie Alvarez, Murray Bartlett, Andrew Haigh, Michael Lannan, Raul Castillo, Ryan Fleck, Russell Tovey, Reed Morano, Jamie Babbit, John Hoffman, Lauren Weedman, Tanya Saracho
Overall opinion:
A must see. Regardless of age, this gay drama tells the true story of what it is to be gay in our modern world. Featuring much-loved stars such as Jonathan Groff and Russell Tovey, we promise you that you’ll watch for the eye candy but stay for the story.
First published Dec 2014
Here are our 10 favourites from Amazon Prime. To see all LGBT films available on Amazon click here.
Read our top choices for Netflix.
Drama centres on the day in the life of a gay college professor who is coming to terms with the death of his long-term lover. Highly rated on IMDB and Netflix, this film stars Colin Firth and Julianne Moore.
The very scary fact thing about watching Dallas Buyers Club is always knowing that this is sadly a very true story. These clubs like Woodroof’s (there were others in other cities) which provided drugs to those who contracted HIV, played an important role alongside the wonderful ACT-UP movement to continually put the FDA on notice, and without their unceasing pressure, demands and activism so many of the drugs that would eventually help with people with AIDS would never have been made available in time. REVIEW: Roger Walker-Dack
Gays in Prison is a documentary featuring Latrice Royale, the popular star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, as she reveals her own experiences in jail and explores the stories of other former and current LGBTQ prisoners, who face special challenges, violence and discrimination in the criminal justice system. The documentary is a joint production of Rogue Culture and Logo TV.
Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, The Imitation Game portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain’s top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II. The script is actually very funny as well as being poignant and thrilling. This is a must see film of this autumn/winter. REVIEW: Chris Bridges
Filmmaker Charlie David‘s light-hearted rambling review of the burgeoning gay pornography takes us through the history of porn from the 1930s. The documentary focuses on four of the most successful performers today. All of David’s subjects are very affable men and happy enough to candidly share their views on controversial topics such as barebacking, HIV, social stigma, fetishes and escorting. The whole question of gay-for-pay was also discussed by them and not always in a positive manner. REVIEW: Roger Walker-Dack
Powerful, heartfelt and a strong testament to a force with that was Harvey Milk, the first openly-gay political powerhouse that ran for major in San Francisco in the late 70s. It is easy for us of a certain age, to forget or not to acknowledge those who went before in the equal rights cause and I say films like this need to be produced more and more, so that we never forget, how and why we are able to live in the western world freer that we’ve ever been able to. REVIEW: Jake Hook
You need to discover this gem of an Australian comedy, created by out actor, writer and comedian Josh Thomas. Follow Josh as he comes out as gay finds his first (second and third) boyfriend and discovers the joy of cooking, dog handling and straight-roommate disciplining. One of the best shows to come out of Australia in years. Fresh and full of heart. REVIEW: Jake Hook
From his days as an obscure contract player to the revelations about his “gay life style,” the film provides an innovative and exciting look at the life of a legend: Rock Hudson.
When the Pfefferman family patriarch makes a dramatic admission, the entire family’s secrets start to spill out, and each of them spin in a different direction as they begin to figure out who they are going to become. Brilliantly thoughtful and wonderfully acted from all quarters.
RuPaul’s Drag Race just got greenlit for 10th series, making it the most popular LGBT TV programme ever. The show will start from March 2018.
The show’s popularity has not waned at all, in fact, the producers have said that series 9 of the show was “breaking rating records”. The show also won RuPaul an Emmy.
Speaking about the renewal RuPaul said,
“As we celebrate a Decade of Drag, we’ll continue to tell universal stories of the tenacity of the human spirit,
“Now more than ever, we rely on the power of love, laughter and creativity to combat fear and darkness.”
Chris McCarthy, President of VH1, MTV and Logo said,
“It’s been amazing to see the show get its highest season ever on a whole new night on a whole new network,” “We brought in a whole new set of audience that is loving the show.”
Tonight Phil will confront Paul about why he left abruptly before during their engagement. Without a word.
Will tonight’s episode bring them back to together or will it destroy them forever?
After 24 hours alone together, will those nagging doubts be put to bed, or will they realise that despite it all, they still have feelings for each other?
This compelling series delves deep into the heart of broken romances, giving former couples the opportunity to clear up any unfinished business by allowing them to ask the questions they wish they had asked and to find out things that they wish they had known.
On Channel 5 at 10 PM
Russian officials have slapped an 18 certificate on the Power Rangers film because it now includes a lesbian/questioning/bisexual/curious character played by Becky G.
The rating was introduced after one of Russia’s most vociferously anti-gay politicians, Vitaly Milonov, lobbied for the film to be given the highest rating by WDSSPR, the Russian distributor of the film. Milonov even argued that the film should be shown in Russia because it promoted “perverted sexual relations”.
Clearly, Vitaly Milonov has a real bee in his bonnet with any content on TV that has the slightest bit of campery or gayness in it. In 2014 he called the Eurovision Song Contest “the sodom show” and branded Stephen Fry “sick” in 2013.
In the US the film received a PG13 and in the UK it received a PG rating.
Russia’s Eurovision entry, Julia Samoilova has been banned from appearing at the competition as it emerges that shehas performed in Crimea.
The former Russian X Factor singer had been due to perform her ballad “Flame Is Burning” at the competition in May, however, Ukraine’s security services, SBU, have determined that her visit to the territory would be “illegal”.
Ukraine law forbids entering Crimea in order to perform.
According to sources around 140 other Russian artists have been blacklisted by the SBU following the annexation of Crimea last year.
Russia and Ukraine have been in dispute since the annexation of Crimea and the fighting in east Ukraine.
The UK’s Foreign office updated its advice for travellers to the Ukraine for Eurovision saying that it advised against travelling to Donetsk oblast, Luhansk oblast to the east of the country and Crimea in the south. It also warned that the UK was not able to provide consular services to any part of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and Crimea.
It tells travellers,
“Russian forces and pro-Russian groups have established full operational control in Crimea. Following an illegal referendum on 16 March 2014, Russia illegally annexed Crimea on 21 March 2014 and tensions remain high”.
The EBU has released a statement about the decision to ban Julia Samoilova saying,
“We have to respect the local laws of the host country, however we are deeply disappointed in this decision as we feel it goes against both the spirit of the Contest, and the notion of inclusivity that lies at the heart of its values.
We will continue a dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities with the aim of ensuring that all artists can perform at the 62nd Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv in May. “
Although The Walking Dead didn’t have any LGBT reputation for the first three seasons, it has made up for lost time by casting at least six openly gay, lesbian or bisexual characters. So who are they?
Tara, played by Alanna Masterson was the first openly lesbian character in The Walking Dead. She appeared in season Four, during the episode “Live Bait” which was the 6th episode in the season.
Alisha who is played by Juliana Harkavy first appeared in the seventh episode, “Dead Weight” of the fourth season of The Walking Dead. She was the girlfriend of Tara Chambler.
Aaron is played by Ross Marquand and is the first openly gay character in The Walking Dead. He appears, with his boyfriend, Eric, in the tenth episode of season five.
Eric is played by actor Jordan Woods-Robinson. The character appears, alongside his boyfriend, Aaron in episode 10 of season five.
Denise, played by Merritt Wever first appeared in the second episode of the sixth season of The Walking Dead. It is revealed that she is lesbian or bisexual when she kisses Tara. She becomes Tara’s girlfriend.
Paul is played by the actor Tom Payne and first appears in season 6 of The Walking Dead in the 1oth episode. It is not known if he’s has a boyfriend or any romantic relationships.