Eddie concludes his interview with memories of the Gay Liberation Front, along with some observations about Pride past and present, and the Civil Partnership Bill.

Eddie recalls, in this concluding extract, how he and his partner, Chris, were overwhelmed by what they saw at the London School of Economics' first Gay Liberation Front meeting. Expecting to see a lot of stereotypical 'theatrical types', what greeted them was a room full of ordinary men who wouldn’t have looked out of place at a trade union meeting. Given that the prevalent image of the gay man was camp, effeminate and flamboyant, to see a room full of hairy men, smooth men, bald men, men of all shapes and sizes, made Eddie and Chris realise, for the very first time, the enormous spectrum of gay people that existed in this country. Eddie says of that meeting that it was, ‘as though a veil had been taken away’. They also saw the possibilities of all gay men acting together to achieve more in the future.

Eddie and Chris became involved in the Campaign for Homosexual Equality, or CHE, which had an office in London’s Windmill Street, and also helped out at Gay News, activities which were to become very important in both Eddie’s and Chris’ lives. They went on all the early Pride marches, but Eddie thinks that London’s current Pride events have deteriorated over the years, and this is something he finds very disappointing. However, Eddie is heartened by the changes that have occurred with legislation affecting gay people and looks forward to the Civil Partnership Bill.

Remaining his optimistic self, Eddie reflects that if he was to meet himself as a young man, he would tell him to ‘have courage in his own beliefs, be true to what he feels to be true and not to be side-lined or dishonest. Above all he must remain true to himself’.

Born in 1935, Eddie, a single child, grew up in wartime South London, where his father was a hairdresser and his mum a housewife. He knew from an early age that he was 'different' and an influential and affluent aunt proved quite an inspiration for him. His father, whom Eddie suspected might also have been homosexual, prevented his son from undergoing aversion therapies which were being recommended by a school doctor.

Eddie chose to do his compulsory National Service in the Royal Air Force, and after the completion of his basic training, was selected to train for secretarial duties. Sent to RAF Ruislip in Middlesex, Eddie discovered that the base was largely run and staffed by gay personnel.

Back in civilian life, Eddie, after numerous affairs met Chris, who became his life partner. He also holds several degrees and worked for a number of years in Germany, and together they became involved in a number of gay equality organisations including the Gay Liberation Front and the Campaign for Homosexual Equality. Eddie also worked for a time at Gay News.