Description: In this 1979 BBC interview, Philip Timmins and Drew Griffiths discuss the groundbreaking work of the Gay Sweatshop, an all-gay theatre company aimed at challenging the stereotypes and misrepresentation of LGBTQ+ individuals in the media. Drew emphasizes the company “want[s] to portray truthful and accurate image[s] of gay people”, countering tragic and camp depictions like those of Larry Grayson and John Inman. Both actors, writers, and directors within the company are gay, and they strive to entertain gay audiences while informing the broader public. They conduct three audiences by two female hosts and one male host in the same orange studio set. The conversation touches on the broader societal context of the gay liberation movement, highlighting the impact of women’s liberation, the importance of sexual identity education, and the need for safe spaces such as gay centers and information networks, including the vital role of organizations like Icebreakers, Gay Switchboard and Lesbian Line in providing support.

As the interview unfolds, the discussion expands to the struggles faced by gay individuals, including the challenges of coming out in a society that remains largely hostile to their identity.. The movement's militant push for visibility is balanced with a desire for acceptance and equality. Drew and Philip also emphasize the significance of community-building through activism, including the importance of gay news, bookshops, and educational materials in fostering a sense of identity and support. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by other minority groups and draws connections between the gay liberation movement and the womens, disabled and black social justice struggles, underscoring the common fight against male-dominated oppression. Near the end, the tape cuts to a blurry recording of a live concert of Gay Sweatshop performers. The first performer is a white man in a chequered shirt, performing an electric keyboard cover of The Staples Sisters, “Respect Yourself.” The second performer is a white man in a tux, he sings a torch song encapsulation of the Gay Sweatshop play, “As Times Go By.”