LGBT+ History Month Special

Hosted by Ian and Freya. Guest appearance from Stephen Bourne author of Fighting Proud

We are really excited to introduce you to our guest on today's episode. Writer, film and social historian Stephen Bourne. Not only has Stephen trailblazed a route to cast light on many hidden figures throughout history in his books playing gay, brief encounters, fighting proud and most recently under fire, but he was also instrumental in setting up one of the first locally-based multi-agency forums to combat homophobic crime in 1995. Throughout his illustrious career Stephen has enriched the lives of many and done amazing work bringing hidden stories into the mainstream.

Questions Freya and Ian ask Stephen throughout the episode:

1. What made you decide to write a book about the gay men who served in the two world wars?

2. How difficult was it researching the book and uncovering these hidden stories – did you come up against any resistance?

3. What fact affected you the most when you were researching the lives of these men?

4. Did you feel connected to anyone when you were bringing their stories to life?

5. Have you received any feedback since the book’s publication, particularly from former military service personnel or their families or communities?

6. What do you think is the most important lesson we can learn from looking back at these people and their stories?

You can find Stephen's books on our library system here.

We would love to get your recommendations so please comment or message us on Twitter or Facebook @EssexLibraries. Feel free to give us a rating or review or send comments and suggestions of things you’d love to hear to reading@essex.gov.uk.

Thanks for listening.