An LGBTQIA+ History Podcast
Hosted by Jonathan Mayor, Sally Probert-Hill and the fantabulosah Colin Avery, I-Vada brings the rich, rebellious, and often forgotten history of LGBTQIA+ culture to your perfectly-formed ears via the magic of the podcast.
With sharp insight, warmth, and a touch of mischief, the hosts explore the people, politics, and stories that have shaped queer life across generations. From hidden histories to headline moments, each episode shines a light on the past to better understand our present.
In this episode, we highlight the extraordinary lives of LGBTQ+ individuals with deep roots in Cheshire. The discussion moves from the tragic prosecution of Alan Turing in Knutsford to the pioneering activism of Esther Roper and Anthony Gray. We explore the life of trans icon April Ashley and the importance of recording 'living history' through projects like Silver Rainbows. The episode also uncovers staggering evidence of same-sex unions recorded in Cheshire parish registers as far back as 1707, proving that our community has always been a part of the local fabric. Finally, The Lesbian Avengers ‘Rage of Nylon' continues as the chapter takes a rather eventful bus trip to Manchester, involving parachute straps, Scotch eggs, and a very right-wing python.
Links
Body Positive - bpcnw.co.uk (http://bpcnw.co.uk)
Studio production by Copperbeach - copperbeach.co.uk (http://copperbeach.co.uk)
28 Mar 2026
From Prejudice to Pride - Part One
This episode of I-Vada explores the local history and heritage of the LGBTQ+ community in Cheshire. We examine archival records that reveal stories often missing from national narratives. We also discuss a significant 1806 case in Warrington where three men were executed following a raid on a Molly house. The discussion also covers the 1936 Altrincham trial, which was one of the largest prosecutions of gay men in English history. Other topics include the Cheshire connections of Anne Lister, the history of aversion therapy in Chester, and the growth of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE) in the 1970s.
This episode was so in-depth that we're going to conclude it next week in Part Two.
Links
Body Positive - bpcnw.co.uk (http://bpcnw.co.uk)
Studio production by Copperbeach - copperbeach.co.uk (http://copperbeach.co.uk)
21 Mar 2026
HIV and AIDS
In this episode, we discuss the history of HIV and AIDS in the UK and globally. We trace the timeline from the early 1980s, when the condition was first known as 'Gay-Related Immune Deficiency' (GRID), to the identification of HIV and the later development of life-saving combination therapies. We reflect on the 'Don't Die of Ignorance' government campaign, the stigma faced by the community, and the vital role of grassroots activism and support networks like the Terrence Higgins Trust and George House Trust. The episode also features an interview with actor and activist Nathaniel J. Hall, who discusses the impact of the TV series 'It’s a Sin' and living with HIV today.
Evolution: The change from GRID to AIDS and HIV.
1980s Fear: The effect of the 'tombstone' adverts on the community.
Volunteer Support: Early work by the Terrence Higgins Trust.
Royal Support: Princess Diana's visit to patients.
Treatment: The move from AZT to modern combination therapy.
Special Guest: Nathaniel J. Hall discusses his work and activism.
Archival Recording: The Lesbian Avengers attempt a mission in 1988.
14 Mar 2026
Section 28
Section 28
The Law That Tried to Silence Us
In this episode of I-Vada, we dive into one of the most controversial pieces of legislation in recent British history: Section 28.
We cast our minds back to Thatcher's Britain to explore how a few lines of law created a decade-long climate of fear for the LGBTQ+ community.
From the infamous ‘pretended family relationships’ clause to the protests that shook Manchester, we look at the personal toll of state-sanctioned homophobia and the community that rose to fight it.
In This Episode:
The Roots of the Law: We discuss how Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 prohibited local authorities from ‘promoting’ homosexuality, effectively silencing teachers and youth workers.
The ‘Red Herring’ Book: The story behind Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin, the Danish children’s book that became a focal point for moral panic despite hardly being used in schools.
Manchester Fights Back: Insights from oral historian Jamie Starr and activist Tony Openshaw on the massive 20,000-strong protest in Albert Square.
Working from the Inside: Paul Fairweather shares his experience as a Gay Men’s Officer for Manchester City Council, navigating legal minefields to continue supporting the community.
A Culture of Fear: Personal reflections on the 1980s "gay plague" headlines, the panic surrounding the AIDS crisis, and the internalised shame many still carry today.
Art as Activism: Choreographer Gary Clark discusses his performance piece, Detention, which explores the trauma and rage of growing up under Section 28.
Links
Body Positive - bpcnw.co.uk (http://bpcnw.co.uk)
People's History Museum - phm.org.uk (http://phm.org.uk)
Gary Clarke Company - garyclarkecompany.com (https://garyclarkecompany.com/) or detentiontour.co.uk (http://detentiontour.co.uk)
Out In The City (Gary Openshaw) - outinthecity.org
Studio production by Copperbeach - copperbeach.co.uk
7 Mar 2026
Prides and Protest
This episode tracks LGBTQ plus history in the UK from 1957 to 2026. We discuss the Wolfenden Report and the 1967 Sexual Offences Act; they explore how the movement shifted from hidden social groups to radical public activism. Peter Tatchell shares his memories of the first London Pride in 1972. Tom Robinson explains the founding of Gay Switchboard and the importance of sharing legal and medical information. The team also reflects on the rise of the pink pound and the continued importance of visibility in local communities today.
Legal Milestones: Examining the Wolfenden Report and the partial decriminalisation of 1967.
The First Pride: Peter Tatchell recounts the policing and bravery of the 1972 London march.
Gay Switchboard: Tom Robinson on providing support before the internet existed.
Music as Protest: The story behind the song "Glad to Be Gay" at Pride 1976.
Regional History: Colin describes organising Pride North in 1986.
Links
Body Positive - bpcnw.co.uk
Peter Tatchell - petertatchell.net
Tom Robinson - tomrobinsonband.co.uk
Studio production by Copperbeach - copperbeach.co.uk
28 Feb 2026
Polari
In our series opener, we’re taking a deep, occasionally dank, and wonderfully camp dive into the secretive world of Polari. Ever wondered where 'bona' or 'khazi' actually came from? We explore the linguistic underground used by the LGBTQ+ community, sailors, and even carnies to keep things 'discreet'.
What’s in the Bag?
A Coded History: We trace Polari’s roots back to the 19th century—a cheeky mix of Italian, Romany, and back-slang.
The Secret Handshake (but with words): Why having a private language was a survival necessity before decriminalisation.
From Dockside to Diva: How it travelled from London’s West End theatres to the docks of the East End and eventually into the mainstream.
Bona Words to Live By: A quick-fire glossary to get you speaking like a true 'ommee-palone.'
Featured 'Polari' Highlights
The Origins: It wasn’t just for fun - it was a clever way to gossip right under the noses of the 'lily-law' (police) without getting pinched.
Social Signalling: How using the right 'slang' word like lalleys (legs) could immediately tell you who was in the know.
The Modern Legacy: Why Polari still matters today and how it has influenced the way we talk about queer culture now.
Our Special Guest
The Polari Master: We are joined by artist and researcher Jez Dolan, who brings the history of this secret language to life with his incredible insight and a wink of mischief.
Links
Body Positive - bpcnw.co.uk
Jez Dolan Instagram - @jezdolan
Studio production by Copperbeach - copperbeach.co.uk
13 May 2025
i-vada teaser
Hosts Jonathan Mayor, Sally Probert-Hill, and Colin Avery preview their upcoming LGBTQIA+ history podcast, promising to unearth bold and forgotten queer stories with wit and warmth.
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