LGBTQ+ STORIES OF LIFE, DEATH AND LOVE: A VERY PERSONAL TIME LINE

To mark Pride Month, ASHA CLEARWATER looks back through time, sharing people’s stories and issues that have impacted millions of us, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community.

BEFORE I came out at the grand old age of 30, in 1998, I had lived my LGBTQ+ ‘life’ through other people’s stories. Despite being aware of my same sex attraction, for years I remained firmly closeted and pushed down my Sapphic feelings.

Instead I soldiered on, trying to live a straight life while immersing myself in every LGBTQ+ storyline I could find. In the 70s, 80s and even in the 90s, they were pretty few and far between.

Whether on the big screen, in the pages of a book or through the lyrics of a song, they made me feel so much more than ‘other’. They fuelled me, filled me with hope and, ultimately, helped me find the courage to live my life, my way.

To mark Pride Month, here’s my very special timeline, featuring people’s stories — including some of my own — and points of reference that have impacted millions of us, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community.

1968: It’s me, I’ve arrived! A second daughter for Gwen and Alan. Watch out world!