Wolverhampton gay scene

This was a tough time to be anything other than cisgender and heterosexual. Despite all this, the Black Country was home to a queer community throughout the twentieth century: this blog focuses on some of the spaces where they could safely meet in the s and s, and draws on archival documents from the Albany Trust, and newspaper reports from local journalists.

Untilmale homosexual activity was a criminal offence in Britain. There were several high-profile prosecutions including the scientist Alan Turing and the actor Sir John Gielgud and public attitudes towards homosexuality were still very negative. Although the Wolfenden Commission which included Walsall MP William Wells had recommended decriminalising homosexual acts inthis was not enacted until the Sexual Offences Act.

This atmosphere meant that gay social life was forced underground. It was a typical Wolverhampton gay scene Country pub: a small, plain beerhouse that had served locals since the s. Born Alice Brown in Walsall inshe had been a music hall star in Edwardian London, performing with her husband Richard and a troupe of performing dogs.

In she moved to the Fountain. Visitors came from all over the region, particularly using the Midland Red bus service, which specialised in routes crossing between local transport jurisdictions, bringing visitors from Birmingham and beyond. They caused us no trouble. She died aged 80 inand the pub was demolished to make way for new housing that same year.

It was raided by police on multiple occasions, including in February when an anonymous tip-off led the West Midlands Constabulary to seal off the street and search visitors. Members complained of police aggression. One, Peter Bentley a bus conductor and former town councillor even threatened to raise the issue with the Home Secretary.

In July wolverhampton gay scene, the Sexual Offences Act became law, decriminalising male homosexuality within tight boundaries including an age of consent of 21 compared to 16 for heterosexual couples.

Wolverhampton Gay Cruising Areas

The publicity around the article may have prompted the police to raid the Flamingo on 12 April Men were dancing with men and behaving with excessive familiarity. Some men were dressed as women. Supporters noted that only the police seemed to have been concerned by the Flamingo — there had been no public complaints or outcry prompting the raid.

The Flamingo closed later that year, its premises taken over by the Emerald Irish Club. Britain in the s was a homophobic place. We would like to learn more about what these queer-friendly spaces as part of our commitment to ensure the history of the Black Country that we tell is broad and comprehensive.

Gay Birmingham Remembered is a rich archive of memories of gay life across the West Midlands. Back to News index. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

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