Ep. 29: Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Story w/ Artistic Director Adam Zane; Drag King Lydia Bernsmeier-Rullow and others; Singer & Poet Jamila Woods; Smack That: A Conversation

Just over 30 years ago the city of Manchester was key in fighting back against what was known as ‘Section 28’ of The Local Government Act 1988. The law was brought in by the Conservative government under Margaret Thatcher and aimed to ban the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality nationally. This was met with anger and the ultimate fightback from activists and artists. Stance travels to this formidable city to find out why its globally recognised as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world.

Sir Ian McKellen, Peter Tatchell & Louise Wellwein (pictured third from the right in the white) in Manchester on March Against Section 28, February 1988. Photography: Alamy Stock Photo

Manchester once again became the focus of LGBTQ+ popular culture when ‘Queer As Folk’, a groundbreaking TV show created by Russell T Davis aired on Channel 4. It’s celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year.

Charlie Hannam, Aidan Gillen, and Craig Kelly in Queer as Folk (Photo: Channel 4)

This controversial and highly anticipated drama series told the story of three gay men and their wider group of friends living life in Manchester’s Canal Street. Stance speaks to actor Adam Zane who played the character of Dane McAteer to find out how this television show put Manchester and his community on the map. Adam Zane is Artistic Director of Hope Theatre and a trustee of Manchester Pride.

We wanted to find out what Canal street is like now and the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. Stance meets Lydia Bernsmeier-Rullow, also known as DickSlick, who’s part of the thriving Drag King scene in Manchester.

Sen Raj

Sen Raj is an academic Lawyer at Keele Law School and serves on the board of Amnesty International UK and is the chair of Black Gold Arts. He speaks to us about how international law and notions of emotion impact on LGBTQ+ people globally.

Louise Wallwein MBE is a Poet, Playwright and activist whose work has been performed across the world. She helped organise the largest march against ‘Section 28’ in the UK. Stance speaks to Louise about her previous and current work.

Jamila Wood Photography by Bradley Murray

LEGACY! LEGACY! is the new album by Chicago born American Poet, RnB & Soul singer, Jamila Woods. This is her second album with each track celebrating twelve black iconic figures from the African Diaspora including “EARTHA,” “BASQUIAT,” and “MILES.” Stance speaks to her about her life, artistry and poetry influenced her critically acclaimed new album.

Smack That: Photography sourced from The Junction

Choreographer Rhiannon Faith creates a challenging and thought provoking piece of dance-drama with actors who are survivors of domestic violence. Stance went to see a performance of Smack That: A Conversation, which is touring nationally, to find out more.

If you are listening to this piece in the UK and need help please call The National Domestic Abuse Helpline Call 0808 2000 247.

Stance Cultural Shoutouts:

Art:

Women on Screens - Hackney Museum

Keith Haring - Tate Liverpool

Audio - Podcasts & Radio

Estate Music - Seriously.. BBC Radio 4

Tell Them, I Am - NPR Podcast

Books

The Collected Autobiographies Of Maya Angelou - Suggested by Adjoa Andoh

Theatre

Small Island by Andrea Levy - National Theatre

Be More Martyn - by Hope Theatre

Cover Photo: Jamila Woods (Photo by Bradley Murray)