LGBT+ History
Queer Lives of 20th Century
LGBT+ Memories of the 20th Century
Coming out was always difficult, in fact, many correspondents did not come out until they were in their thirties and onwards. Some had relationships with member of the gender they were not attracted to (‘lavender marriages’), few if any, were sexual.
Many members of the LGBT+ community who have sought help to fit in among their peers (Queer or otherwise) have become in a way more engaged in providing support to others themselves, mainly in volunteering, or in a more official capacity.
As time went on, knowledge of support groups became more common, but rarely heard of during 70s and 80s and ‘The Gay Bar’ became the most frequented and efficient way of interaction and communication.
Especially during the 1990s onwards, people became interested in others’ sexuality and often gay men experienced forced outings. Possibly this was a by-product of Section 28, because nobody was allowed to talk about homosexuality in schools, there was a lack of decorum of how to talk about sexuality in general.
This was mixed with a sense of curiosity as people knew of LGBT+ existence but did not know/could not know what to think about them.
Correction Wynd (894), Silver City Vault and Aberdeen City Libraries , www.silvercityvault.org.uk
There is a slight bitterness to several testimonies – mainly regarding changes of how visible and public LGBT+ scene is. Despite decriminalisation of homosexuality in Scotland by 1981, there were no legal protections for housing, education or employment, example scenarios of which are reported through Aberdeen press. Especially television in the 70s and 80s, featured negative stereotypes of homosexual men, caricaturing their appearance and performance, with jokes to humiliate ‘anyone feeling gay’.
Correspondents referenced changes in entertainment on television and internet, making them relive the experiences that were not what they see on the screen today.
Furthermore, mixed response is to organisations and their relations to Aberdeen, the central metropolitan areas sidelining areas like Fife, Grampian, and the Highlands.
However, there is a noticeable difference from their times.
‘Aberdeen is getting used to seeing gay people, trans people…and people, who noticed me, helping me, asking me: Are you ok lass?’
‘There seems to be a grassroots movement, and part of that is Queer Expression…and again I had this feeling that little gay me would love this….’
Our Contributors, while realistic and aware of the current situation of LGBT+ People, they were expressing hope that things will move forward towards a more diverse and inclusive society.