June 08 - Readers Awards 2008
Following April’s issue, I was inundated with letters from readers about being gay at school. One particularly moved me with its clear-sighted eloquence. We spoke to its author, Paul, and got his story in more detail (p 57). We also spoke with a gay teacher about his experience from the other side of the desk. Both stories are desperately valuable, and show us a clear way forward. Plotting with Paul, Rupert Smith, the recipient of the last letter, and the teacher in this, we’ve worked up a series of simple demands that we’re going to make of the education system (p 60).
We have a cornucopia of other material. Mary Wilson from the Supremes talks frocks exclusively with us (p 62). Drag legend Bette Bourne talks about, erm…frocks (p 68), and Mark Simpson argues about the death of Queer with Jonathan Best, director of arts festival Queer Up North (p 72).
In fact, we spent a fair amount of time up north in this issue – we examine the development at the end of Canal Street (p 80), and the deeply gorgeous Anthony Crank was shot in Manchester for ‘How We Met’ (p 74).
The Reverend Richard Kirker (much beloved of GT) has announced his retirement from the Lesbian & Gay Christian Movement. We have him in conversation with the Bishop of New Hampshire, Gene Robinson, a man at the centre of history. Theirs was a fascinating encounter. Both are stubborn, resolute, digging their heels in and making sure that our voices are heard within the church – no doubt at great personal cost to them both. We salute them.
And also, we salute you – purchaser, subscriber or ‘undecided’ reading this in the newsagents. Can’t you see the notice on the shelves: ‘No Reading’? Buy the mag, pop on the kettle and settle down with the world’s definitive gay cultural artifact (yes – it’s in your hands).
Joseph Galliano
photo: James O'Neil