Queer Connections in the 1920s

Рет қаралды 80,626

Күн бұрын

In the 1920s people we might now consider to be LGBTQ used innovative and creative ways to meet and communicate with members of the same sex involving love letters, publications and events. This film explores this, asking, in eras when the law criminalised your love, how was it possible to forge relationships?
This film uses LGBTQ as an umbrella term to talk about collective experiences, and also uses the term queer, as it is the most commonly used word in The National Archives records for men to self-describe their sexuality in this period.
The National Archives is the official archive of the UK government, England and Wales. We are home to 1000 years of history and are the guardians of some of the world’s most iconic documents from the Domesday Book to Downing Street tweets. We believe that archives are for everyone because they are about everyone, past, present and future. Our collections contain ideas, language and imagery from original records which reflect historical viewpoints and attitudes. Some may be considered offensive. However, we think it important to show them here as accurate representations of the record to help us understand the past.

Пікірлер: 109

@felicitybywater8012 4 ай бұрын

This sheds some light on my grandfather's life. Later, when my uncle got engaged to my aunt, her father and my grandfather became close and went on weekend fishing trips together. Unfortunately, my grandfather died just a few short years after they met but he made my grandfather very happy and I miss them both.

@Jace7310 3 ай бұрын

They could have been just friends. Not everyone is gay.

@susanpage8315 4 ай бұрын

In the previous centuries there were “Molly houses,” where gay or cross-dressing men met. They were often raided by police, and if a man were exposed as being gay his life was basically ruined.

@RoderickFernandez-ps5ci 2 ай бұрын

I'm always love the expression Molly house I use it occasionally just for just because I like to say it

@andrewsundell2502 4 ай бұрын

Although I am heterosexual I have a great respect for a very brave man; Quentin Crisp!

@RoderickFernandez-ps5ci 2 ай бұрын

I had the great pleasure of meeting Quentin Chris at an event and we sat and talked for around 10 minutes actually he talked and I listened and I didn't care. I have nothing to say there was more interesting than what he was saying it was a lovely man

@theunintelligentlydesigned4931 4 ай бұрын

Lonely, 54, seeking friendship with an average man, love the artwork of Thomas Eakins, would love good conversations.

@stevenhorton-vp5gi 4 ай бұрын

❤

@erico26cat 4 ай бұрын

Hi I'm 46 easy, going enjoy intellectual discussions and hard debates, I can cook in the kitchen and cook in the bedroom. Enjoy very spicy food and stiff drinks. I used to love art but it didn't work out. So tell me more, do you have any pets?

@theunintelligentlydesigned4931 4 ай бұрын

@@erico26cat I'm very intellectual. I have a 136 IQ and a bachelor's in psychology. I have also studied theology, law, politics a number of other subjects. I'm more into fruit. I never met a fruit I didn't like. Even cantaloupe tastes nice. I would like a cat someday. Unfortunately, I'm seriously struggling. I work but can't afford housing. I'm writing something that I hope will help me get out of the hole I'm in.

@erico26cat 4 ай бұрын

I'm intrigued I enjoy someone who is sharp witted and can dive into many topics. You sound like a smarty pants! Well I think we'd go bananas anyway. I like bananas are my favorite fruit I admit. I'm sure you'd enjoy a juicy peach? I've got a few trees here on my lot. Speaking of which, I may be able to get you into something! Writing sounds swell I'd be curious to learn about that! See what kind of things keep your big brain up all night. You know I never tested my iq. I'm certain it's under yours of coarse. Well I look forward to chewing it with you some more! 😊

@RoderickFernandez-ps5ci 3 ай бұрын

@@erico26catif I wasn't so damned old I'll be on you like white on rice you sound like a real ticket

@terrycrowley525 5 ай бұрын

Great video. We are indebted to the National Archives of the U.K. We have nothing similar for Canada. Perhaps we will have something similar when someone, someday, sees this video and understakes a new venture. Thank you very much,

@stutzbearcat5624 4 ай бұрын

I love this young blonde lady!! She is utterly sincere, even empathetic, in her delivery! Bravo!

@judithhopes151 4 ай бұрын

What they all seem to have in common is very nice writing.

@petermedcalf1191 4 ай бұрын

Ball pens ruined writing

@juliemichaud8990 4 ай бұрын

@judithhopes151 What they all have in common was love...

@capt.bart.roberts4975 4 ай бұрын

I met Lord Wolfenden as a patient of mine. A delightful, intelligent and caring man.

@itsdavidhertznow5022 4 ай бұрын

i like to point out that QUEER was an insult word. QUEER THEORY was made up in the 1980s to get budget for universities. i point out that its the wrong word to use here. they weren't even gay... its a theory, thats all. life was life. love was love and lust was lust.

@vascoemyer 4 ай бұрын

Wonderful glimpse into the past, fascinating! Thank you v.much for uploading

@medavog 5 ай бұрын

I SUBSCRIBED - AMAZING HISTORICAL VIDEO!

@londonschoolofwigmaking5793 4 ай бұрын

None of these people identified as queer. They're homosexual or same sex attracted men. Please stop using this offensive language to describe us.

@KempoWarrior1954 4 ай бұрын

Yet gay people use the term queer when it suits them. Hypocrites 👎

@mason4966 Ай бұрын

It's all the same thing. At least where I live it is. Is it considered offensive where you are?

@KempoWarrior1954 Ай бұрын

@@mason4966 In Australia in the 1960’s the word queer was like saying fag or poof today. Yet the gays use the term queer today when it suits their agenda but I’d be frowned upon even if said in a non aggressive way.

@londonschoolofwigmaking5793 Ай бұрын

@@mason4966 no it's not

@DEEANNA88 5 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for that comment. It’s interesting how people like to erase language just to fit a political agenda.

@billyinwaves 5 ай бұрын

This is brilliant to watch. Thank you. But I do worry about your use of modern language here - to describe events and the hidden lives of over 100 years ago. For example, the use of the word 'Queer' was widespread as a quietly-spoken euphemism for homosexual, but was used in a very different way from that of today. You also use the term 'gender fluid' to describe a man's clothing, and that term was not in use at all in the 20th century. The clothing would have been described as 'flamboyant' or 'effeminate'.

@GlasPthalocyanine 4 ай бұрын

Absolutely. Queer was a horrible word. To be fair, my Grandfather (born 1890s) wouldn't have had any positive words to describe his homosexuality. That's the problem. Younger people won't understand the extreme self- loathing that many gay people experienced. That's a good thing, but you can't deny the reality of other people's lives. The thing about euphemisms was that they could be used in "mixed company". Growing up in the 60s and 70s, I quite liked this way of adults talking. Children could either allow conversations go over their heads, or pick up little bits of gossip about the neighbours. From memory, my Nanna would have described gender fluid clothing as theatrical. She would have have described Liberace and Larry Grayson as nice men who were a bit too fond of their mothers.

@alisonj9533 4 ай бұрын

Masculine for the women

@juliemichaud8990 4 ай бұрын

😂

@MickeyGee73 3 ай бұрын

@@GlasPthalocyanineMy mother would have used the term 'Bohemian'..

@robertknight2556 Ай бұрын

The presenter is applying words such as 'queer' and 'gender fluid' using today's terminology. Gays of that period often used words such as 'so', 'musical' or 'earnest' to describe someone who was like themselves. 'Flamboyant' or 'effeminate' would have been applied by people who were not gay, and were being censorious. Robert, uk.

@Bananadiva1 4 ай бұрын

Another fantastic video from this wonderful and insightful channel

@white_clover767 2 жыл бұрын

4:05 Orphan friendless boy looking for a mother figure (I´m not crying...its allergies)

@greatyorkshirelump 2 ай бұрын

Stop using the word queer! Homosexuals in the 1920s - 1990s never referred to themselves in this way. Show some bloody respect to the people who did all the hard work to gift you the freedom you have today. And use your brains, look around you and be honest about the demographics of those who plan to take it all away again.

@MichaelYoder1961 2 ай бұрын

Wonderful view of our history. Thanks!

@aryaastrayzoomer2003 5 ай бұрын

Amazing

@KarlSmith-p5r 3 ай бұрын

This is very London-centric. I'm sure the story was very different for those living in the provinces.

@clancy_101 4 ай бұрын

Detest use of that hateful "Q" word

@SkaramooshCharlie 4 ай бұрын

I grew up in the 1970s and 80s, before the word was "reclaimed". It was a vicious insult then and that's how it remains for me. I resent being forced under the modern umbrella term whether I like it or not, and I have never identified and will never identify using that term. A few years ago, a young gay man, who grew up "post-reclamation", and whose experiences had been quite different to mine, not only couldn't understand my point, but wasn't remotely interested in it. His view seemed to be that the term's popularity with LGBT+ youth trumped everything else. My opinion was outdated and not worthy of consideration. Which is a shame really, because the older generations have dealt with all the crap, so that the kids can have the freedom to be openly LGBT+ and ridicule those of us who are trying to make a genuine point about childhood trauma caused by socially acceptable homophobic slurs being used for the duration of our formative years and throughout adolescence. At least ask us if we want to get on board and identify as queer. Don't just tell us that's what we are and tough shit if we don't like it.

@Problembeing 4 ай бұрын

Agreed!!

@Problembeing 4 ай бұрын

@SkaramooshCharlie well said!! Thank you

@carolannpacificadam1944 4 ай бұрын

I was called Queer in highschool..I'm straight.. Queer was a derogatory slam back then I married 3 times have a sibling who changed genders and I'm married into a family that is alt lifestyle What people do is their own choices We were taught love whom you want but cause no harm to another

@geoffdundee 4 ай бұрын

@@SkaramooshCharlie 💯👍

@jimhayes5188 4 ай бұрын

There is a documentary from the 1980s. It’s is a great glimpse into past and the secretive life of the lgbt community. I believe it is called “Maude’s place.” The film is made on the occasion of the closure, after decades, of Maude’s. Maude’s, I gather, was the heart of an underground network of lgbt support, friendships, and belonging. See if you can find that documentary from the mid 80s. I looked it up. It’s called “Last Call at Maud’s

@barryleveson6147 2 ай бұрын

Oscar Wilde described it as the love that dare speak it's name. Today it's the love that refuses to shut up

@robertknight2556 Ай бұрын

There should be a 'not' after dare, and in fact it was Lord Alfred Douglas who coined the phrase in his poem 'Two Loves'. Wilde referred to the phrase at his trial, but did not actually originate it. Long live free speech, whether good or ill (as in your case). Robert, uk.

@bdcochran01 Ай бұрын

1960s. House party with local kids from about 13 to 25. Two guys we all knew got up and announced that they were an item. No reaction from the party attendees. They made the announcement a second time. No one cared. You get subjected to horror stories about how people were treated differently because of [fill in the reason]. The rest of the story is that playing the role of victim is a favorite role of human beings. If YOU want to find the source of most of your problems, just look in the mirror.

@judithhopes151 4 ай бұрын

Was it ever illegal to be a lesbian, thank you for answering.

@rosiebottom3870 4 ай бұрын

No it wasnt illegal. Queen Victoria didn't believe lesbianism existed or was possible.

@peterwinning1983 4 ай бұрын

Fabulous!

@pup1008 4 ай бұрын

I did hear, although don't know how true it is, that there was no legislation against lesbianism because *Queen Victoria* flatly refused to accept that such a condition could exist & therefore, she never allowed any acts against it to be passed into British law!

@paulapridy6804 3 ай бұрын

Great collection. Unfortunate source. We all know what happened to Alan Turing😢

@ih8utbe Ай бұрын

I like the personal ads. Wish we had these again. Sadly men arent interested in friends but hookups that do not last more than a wham bam thank you sam. Or should i say come and go quicky.

@jimfoley8014 4 ай бұрын

Subway toilet.

@guybher8019 2 ай бұрын

Why do you use the word "queer"? It was in insult then, and it's an insult now. If you wouldn't use the term N(word) culture, don't use the work queer.

@ih8utbe Ай бұрын

Being a 55 gay man is not easy to find friendships or relationships. 😢😢

@LaurieValdez-zk3dy 4 ай бұрын

It's never easy for any human❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 gay or straight

@edie4321 4 ай бұрын

Exactly.

@ray-hj1do Жыл бұрын

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

@jimfoley8014 4 ай бұрын

I would have gone to Cambridge and asked for Philby, MacClean, Burgess, Blunt, Cairncross.

@Wolcik3000 2 ай бұрын

"13 red"

@joevasquez3434 4 ай бұрын

",.relationships with other men". It's 2024 sweetie' ot sure it's ok to say the word SEX .

@terrifiorelli9819 4 ай бұрын

Lots of syphilis too. Poor women who didn’t know their husbands were doing this. Pretty horrible.

@kaysmith8992 3 ай бұрын

Yeh, that's what happens when it's all driven underground.

@pussysugary 10 ай бұрын

thank you for this

@nofatherfigure69420 7 ай бұрын

Love your user

@londonschoolofwigmaking5793 4 ай бұрын

We are homosexual, we did not give you permission to call us queer, how dare you!

@alisonj9533 4 ай бұрын

I was called queer as a child and beyond but that was from non compliance and I'm not homosexual so it doesn't pay to get offended at everything, it will all change again someday

@londonschoolofwigmaking5793 4 ай бұрын

@@alisonj9533 That's a different thing entirely, you were being referred to as someone to be avoided, to be wary of and 'not quite right'. You do not have the same life experiences as me, so you're politely invited to mind your own business and refrain from telling homosexual people not to be offended by a homophobic derogatory slur.

@OrangeySky11 4 ай бұрын

@@londonschoolofwigmaking5793Nah, Ima call you queer.

@carolannpacificadam1944 4 ай бұрын

I absolutely love this history

@RoderickFernandez-ps5ci 3 ай бұрын

I've seen a few shows on this subject and it's always some explanation of why they never talk about lesbians they don't have enough information or they'll talk about it another program why are the lesbians all left out I'll tell you why because sex between two men is more interesting than sex between two women to titillate I've probably said too much already but I don't really give a damn about 86 years old and I seen it all

@RoderickFernandez-ps5ci 3 ай бұрын

I think I understand what you mean I was just saying that they should do more shows on lesbians and even out of it I don't know why are you seem to be angry with me or just please anyway

@catherinewebster4765 4 ай бұрын

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@bgw33 4 ай бұрын

❤😂🎉

@emmapeel8163 4 ай бұрын

"Queer"

@kalnfornia 4 ай бұрын

Fascinating subject matter,boring narrator

@Itscoldupnorth 2 жыл бұрын

7 minutes and 45 seconds in. "I am longing to revel in the joys of your naked body" - I don't think there's any lass I could write that to who'd regard it as a 'loving' expression - lustful, yes, and a pretty bad way of obtaining my desire.