Section 28 Manchester

From the collection of

North West Film Archive at Manchester Metropolitan University

Established in 1977, the North West Film Archive preserves moving images made in or about the North West of England for the education and enjoyment of the region’s people. Part of Manchester Metropolitan University Library’s Cultural Collections, and based within Manchester Central Library’s Archives+ partnership, we are a specialist resource dedicated to saving and growing our region’s rich filmed history.

Section 28 Manchester

An Act of Injustice - Manchester voices its resistance to a divisive and discriminatory piece of legislation.

Section 28 was a controversial piece of legislation introduced by Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government in 1988. Section or Clause 28 of the Local Government Act was designed to "prohibit the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities", in effect stifling discussion of the subject in schools, leaving LGBT+ pupils even more isolated than before, and preventing councils from funding local initiatives to help their gay and lesbian residents. The legislation remained in force until 2000 in Scotland, and 2003 in the rest of the country. There was ferocious resistance to it, and in this documentary film, speakers from Manchester Council and other organisations relate how they set about tackling and ultimately defeating it.

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From the collection

Queer Lives

Shining a spotlight on the individuals at the helm of revolutionary marches, movements and cultural moments across the UK.

The 1980s and decades that followed saw a radical shift in queer and trans visibility nationwide; from the debut of gay and lesbian tv programming, with the first national TV series for and about queer individuals premiering on Channel 4 in 1982 (One in Five), to a rise in community mobilisation and activism. In response to the need for collective care and room for self expression, we also see notable contributions to the arts, as well as the facilitation of safe spaces for queer youth - some of which still exist today!

A selection of these milestones have been highlighted in this collection, alongside oral histories, works that counter misinformation and challenge stereotypes, and films that represent the simple joys of the 'everyday'. It is important to see how attitudes and support for the community has changed over the decades, although somewhat unnerving to see how much has remained the same. A reminder of the urgent need for solidarity, support within communities and advocacy against homophobia / transphobia.

24 videos in this collection

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Personal Best / Talking Hairs / Running Gay

  • 1991
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Lesbian Health Matters - A Teaching Pack

  • 1995
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A Short Film about Us

  • 1996
Hackney teenagers - black, white, gay and straight - talk sex, love and marriage in this compelling drama-documentary.

True Romance, Etc.

  • Hackney
  • 1982
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Fighting to Save Gay and Lesbian Prayer Book

  • Plymouth
  • 1992
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Out on Tuesday [03/04/90]

  • 1990
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A Day in the Life of a Drag Queen

  • Manchester
  • 2007
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Out on Tuesday [28/03/89]

  • 1989
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Out on Tuesday [07/03/89]

  • 1989
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Section 28 Manchester

  • Manchester
  • 2003
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Video 28

  • 1988
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Gay Heritage Trail

  • Manchester
  • 2005
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Before Stonewall: Patricia's Interview Clip 1 of 1

  • 2003
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Before Stonewall: Chris's Interview Clip 1 of 1

  • 2003
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Before Stonewall: Charlie's Interview Clip 1 of 1

  • 2003
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Before Stonewall: Peggy's Interview Clip 1 of 1

  • 2003
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Norrie

  • 1997
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Vogue Workshops Final Preparations

  • Liverpool
  • 2008
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An Invitation to the Liverpool Grand Vogue Ball

  • Liverpool
  • 2008
Manchester is 'Tickled Pink' with this annual celebration of LGBT life.

Manchester Tickled Pink

  • Manchester
  • 1993
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Homotopia Launch Party

  • Liverpool
  • 2008
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Homosexuality

  • 1977
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Pedagogue

  • 1988
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PA Macglochlainn Campaigns for Gay Rights

  • Belfast
  • 1994
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