Outrageous!: The Story of Section 28 and Britain's Battle for LGBT Education

On May 23, 1988, Paul Baker celebrated his sixteenth birthday with his family, but the atmosphere was tense due to the impending passage of Section 28. The law forbade local authorities from promoting homosexuality as a legitimate family relationship, leading to protests and the formation of LGBTQ+ rights groups. Outrageous! By Paul Baker provides a detailed account of the background, press coverage, political debates, and the eventual repeal of the law in the 2000s. The book is based on extensive research, interviews with key figures, and personal recollections, offering an impassioned and poignant reflection on prejudice and the power of community to overcome it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: Reaktion Books

On May 23, 1988, Paul Baker celebrated his sixteenth birthday with his family, enjoying a cake while The Six OClock News played in the background. However, an unsettling atmosphere prevailed as muffled shouts of "Stop Section 28!" echoed through the room, accompanied by a scuffle. The following day, Section 28 was enacted into law, prohibiting local authorities from promoting the acceptance of homosexuality as a legitimate family relationship. This landmark legislation sent shockwaves across British society, silencing gay students and teachers while igniting widespread protests and the formation of influential LGBTQ+ rights groups such as OutRage! and Stonewall.

Now available in paperback, Outrageous! delves into the comprehensive history of this Act, encompassing its background, the media's role in exacerbating tensions, the statements made by politicians during debates, the resilience of protestors who fought against the law's repeal in the 2000s, and its enduring legacy. Drawing upon extensive research, insightful interviews with key figures, including Ian McKellen, Michael Cashman, and Angela Mason, as well as personal recollections, this book offers an impassioned, warm, and often moving account of the unimaginable prejudice enshrined within law and the remarkable power of community to overcome it.

Paul Baker's engaging and relatable writing style, interspersed with wry asides and anecdotes, further enhances the impact of this historical narrative. It sheds light on the heady extremes of a bygone era, highlighting the stark contrast between the societal attitudes of the time and the progress that has been made toward LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Outrageous! serves as an important and fascinating deep dive into one of the most damaging pieces of legislation in modern history, providing valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for inclusivity and acceptance.

Whether you are interested in history, social justice, or simply seeking to understand the complexities of our past, this book is a must-read. It offers a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the collective determination to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 223 x 156 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789145618