Coming Out (Inside Story) (1980)

• 78%
• 1980
• Documentary
• Peter Barber

In June 1979, London played host to Gay Pride Week, which culminated in the Pride March through the capital. It was, at the time, the largest assembly of homosexuals Europe had ever seen. Frank language is used throughout as six gay people talk about their experiences of 'coming out' to family and friends. Some have faced pressure from their loved-ones not to appear in the programme, while others have a confrontational approach to their critics. As seen in this programme, the heavy police presence at the 1979 London Pride March was mainly to maintain order. In more recent times, police forces have allowed officers to take part in the event. The Gay Police Association was founded in 1990 by a small group of officers and there are now representatives of the association in forces throughout the UK. Since 2003, off-duty officers have been allowed to join Gay Pride marches in uniform, as it was felt that the celebrations were a good way to promote the diversity of modern policing.