The Log Books

Introducing... The Quilt Nov 12, 2024

The Quilt: Living memories of queer Britain & Northern Ireland

An audio exhibition open to anyone, anywhere, at any time of day, produced and hosted by Tash Walker and Adam Zmith.

Born from a collaboration between the producers of the award-winning podcast The Log Books and the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ museum Queer Britain, challenges who and what makes queer history.

The series takes the listener on a journey across the UK, collecting queer memories, from queer people. The Quilt weaves together all these stories and histories, into a beautiful documentary patchwork series.

The Quilt is an audio archive for the future.

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Introducing: Queer Roots and Routes Apr 04, 2023

We'd love to introduce you to this new podcast we've been working Queer Roots and Routes!

Queer Roots and Routes is made by a collective.

We are queer. We are migrants or descended from migrants. And we want to tell our stories. Stories of where we’ve come from and how we move in the world today.

We don’t have a boss or a Beyoncé. So each episode of this six-part first series of Queer Roots and Routes has a different host and a different set of voices from our group. Our promise to you is that our podcast is GORGEOUS, FIERCE, SUPERGAY and... REVOLUTIONARY!

We all met through the MAUREEN project by The Love Tank, a not-for-profit community interest company that promotes health and wellbeing of under-served communities through education, capacity building and research.

An Aunt Nell Production

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INTRODUCING: New podcast Black and Gay, Back in the Day Oct 02, 2022

We'd love to introduce you to this new podcast Black and Gay, Back in the Day which brings to life a photo archive of Black LGBTQIA+ life in Britain, from the 1970s through to the early 2000s.

Each episode is an intergenerational journey focusing on a key photograph from the archive - joining stories of the past, with those of today. Marc Thompson is the gentle, inquisitive and warm guide to the archive, helping a rotation of younger Black LGBTQIA+ co-hosts navigate these often untold stories. Each episode covers a different theme drawn out of a single photograph from the collection, submerging you into Black LGBTQIA+ history.

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BONUS: Tash and Adam tour the Out And About LGBTQ+ exhibition at the Barbican Feb 23, 2022

In this bonus episode made for Nothing Concrete, the podcast of London's Barbican, Tash and Adam riffle through many more items from LGBTQ+ history. The Bishopsgate Institute doesn't just look after the amazing Switchboard log books — they also hold gay badges, protest placards, intimate photo albums and historical trackie tops. Forty of these items are being displayed in the free exhibition Out and About! at the Barbican in London from February 28th to March 21st. To mark the occasion, Adam and Tash made this special episode for Nothing Concrete, featuring archivist Stef Dickers and recorded on location at the Barbican and in the bowels of Bishopsgate.

Transcript here.

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“Thank you for being here” | Episode 10 Jan 10, 2022

This is it! After three seasons covering 1974 to 2003, Tash and Adam reach the final page in the log books in Switchboard’s archive. In this closing episode of The Log Books, Adam and Tash reflect on all the stories they’ve heard across the three years making this podcast. They also bring to light one type of log book entry that has not yet been covered in the podcast, and listen to young people who are living our queer futures.

Thank YOU, our amazing listeners, for joining us on this moving, empowering and joyous journey!

Content warning: biphobia, suicide and archaic language about transgender identities

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBTQI+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Not suitably dressed” | Episode 9 Jan 03, 2022

Rubber? Feet? Piss? Flogging? Role play? What’s your kink? In this episode Tash and Adam listen to dozens of dirty stories from the LGBTQI+ community in the 90s. From the publicly funded multi-gender kink night at the London Lesbian and Gay Centre to people wearing nappies and S&M dykes — this episode is raw, sexy, hilarious... and you’ll never be the same again. We also speak to Alex (the DJ Kiwi) from Crossbreed and Matt Skully about running kinky events and club nights today.

Content warning: extreme sex practices and state homophobia

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBTQI+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Interested and willing” | Episode 8 Dec 27, 2021

In the 90s more and more lesbians called Switchboard to ask where they could get hold of sperm. All sorts of LGBTQI+ people in the period sought to make families outside of conventional methods and constraints. In this episode, Tash and Adam hear stories from the people who pioneered queer family-making. We also catch-up with some folks who have their own experiences and opinions on what queer family means to them today.

Content warning: homophobia

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBTQI+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

For more information about the themes in this episode, take a look at:

NHS info: having a baby if you’re LGBT+

Stonewall: parenting rights

COTS: Childlessness Overcome Through Surrogacy

PACT: Parents and Children Together

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The inability of others to understand” | Episode 7 Dec 20, 2021

There is still so much work to be done in making sure LGBTQI+ people with disabilities have what they need, but the 90s saw a definite shift in the right direction. Legal change, growing awareness, and a place at the front of the Pride march. In this episode, Tash and Adam hear from queer disability rights campaigners and, of course, Switchboard volunteers about handling calls about intersecting identities. They also catch up with Erin Ekins about the experience of being queer and neurodivergent today.

Content warning: archaic language around disability.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBTQI+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

For more information about the themes in this episode, take a look at:

Para Pride: Pride. In. Everyone.

Regard: Supporting Disabled LGBTQ people

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Needs support and reassurance” | Episode 6 Dec 13, 2021

Understanding and awareness of various gender identities grew from 1992 to 2003, and more and more trans people called Switchboard for support. This episode offers a fascinating insight into how the LGBTQI+ community evolved over the period, and how trans people grew stronger in asserting their identities. Essential listening for anyone interested in the recent history of gender and queer identity. Tash and Adam also hear from Steph Fuller, the general manager of Switchboard, about the nature of calls about gender identity today.

Content warning: archaic language around transgender identities, transphobia, and stories of negative medical experiences.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBTQI+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

For more information about the themes in this episode, take a look at:

Mermaids

London Friend

Gendered Intelligence

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“They do mean us harm” | Episode 5 Dec 06, 2021

On April 30th 1999, the Admiral Duncan gay pub in Soho was bombed by a homophobic Nazi. The attack followed a series of calls to Switchboard threatening violence. In this episode, Adam, Tash and volunteers at the helpline tell the story of the bombing from the phone room, as volunteers rushed to support the LGBTQI+ community. We also hear from John Sizzle, who runs The Glory pub in east London, on creating safer queer spaces today.

Content warning: homophobic language, and stories of hate crime and violence.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBTQI+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

For more information about the bombing, we recommend the Netflix documentary Nail Bomber: Manhunt

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“How refreshing” | Episode 4 Nov 29, 2021

Remember how you felt when you first saw the lesbian kiss on Brookside? Or *those* scenes in Queer As Folk?

This episode is a tour through the landmark television moments for queer people from 1992 to 2003. Taking in Hayley in Coronation Street and even the calls to Switchboard following a gay storyline on Peak Practice, Tash, Adam and contributors discuss the importance of TV representation, with a few laughs along the way. We also feature a conversation between producers Stella Merz (Gentleman Jack) and Katie Carpenter (Flowers, The Bisexual, Landscapers) about their experience as queer women in the TV industry today, compared to the 90s.

Content warning: archaic language around transgender identities.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBTQI+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Not an easy call at all” | Episode 3 Nov 22, 2021

Because Switchboard is set up to support people around matters of sexuality, volunteers sometimes take difficult calls from paedophiles and those who have been the victims of abuse. In this episode, Tash and Adam hear from Switchboard volunteers in the 90s about taking those calls, and how they supported people in these awful situations. This episode also features an interview with Oliver, a Switchboard volunteer today reflecting on taking difficult calls.

Content warning: paedophilia, rape, sexual assault, sexual violence, suicide, and archaic language around transgender identities.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBTQI+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

For support around the themes in this episode, take a look at:

Childline

GALOP

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The little darlings” | Episode 2 Nov 15, 2021

In the 90s, if two men had sex and one was under 21, both could be imprisoned, while straight people could legally have sex at age 16. This inequality could not last, and that’s thanks to campaigners such as Hugo Greenhalgh and Euan Sutherland, supported by Stonewall. This is the story of their campaign to equalise the law, and of the Switchboard volunteers who helped. Tash and Adam also hear from Phil Samba, from Prepster and the Love Tank, about his work on campaigning around queer sex today.

Content warning: homophobic language.

TV clips from Age of Dissent, directed by Will Parry.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBTQI+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

For more information about the themes in this episode, take a look at:

Stonewall

Prepster

The Love Tank

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Multiple paradox net files” | Episode 1 Nov 08, 2021

The internet began to revolutionise LGBTQI+ life in the 1990s: chat rooms, emails, and of course dating websites. In this first episode of the third season of The Log Books, Tash and Adam pull out stories from the archive at Switchboard - the LGBT+ Helpline about people who called to talk about how the internet was changing their experience of sexuality and gender. They hear memories of early online photo searches and hook-ups arranged via chat rooms. And YouTuber Jake Edwards who grew up making videos about their transition and coming out as non-binary, explains their experience on the limits of the internet at making genuine connections today.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The queer 90s” | Episode 0 Nov 01, 2021

Tash and Adam are back, with 11 all-new weekly episodes covering LGBTQI+ life from 1992 to 2003, using calls made to Switchboard in that period.

In this opening teaser episode, Tash and Adam visit two special locations to explain what’s coming up in the season. They also play clips from the forthcoming episodes, from the lesbians looking for sperm donors to the kinky group for people who like dressing up as babies.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBTQI+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing: Making Gay History Oct 25, 2021

Season three of The Log Books launches next week, November 1st, with eleven all-new episodes covering 1992 to 2003, released weekly.

FOR NOW — just before our third season begins — we want to share one of our inspirations. Making Gay History. This is such a special podcast to us at The Log Books, for showing us how to bring LGBTQI+ history to life sensitively, now working on its tenth season.

To give you a taste of Making Gay History, we’re dropping one of our favourite episodes right here. In this episode, host Eric Marcus interviews Edythe Eyde, who started a newsletter for lesbians in 1947 through illicit use of her typewriter in her office job as a secretary. Edythe even sings for Eric from her porch — one of her witty ditties about cute butches...

You can find Making Gay History wherever you get your podcasts or at www.makinggayhistory.com. We hope you enjoy this amazing podcast and come back for The Log Books season three.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

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Introducing: Call Me Mother Apr 20, 2021

News! We’re making season three of The Log Books because we’ve received a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

While you wait, here’s an episode of Call Me Mother, another podcast, featuring an interview with Sandra Caldwell, a 67-year-old actor who was forced to hide part of herself for 40 years. We loved hearing Sandra tell her story to Shon Faye, with such warmth and wisdom, and we think you will too.

We’ll be back with the third season of The Log Books later in 2021... See you soon.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

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“Would like to stay” | Episode 11 Jan 25, 2021

We have so many fascinating stories for our final episode of the season: a lesbian who helped a gay immigrant to stay legally in the UK, a gay refugee who fled Syria, an Indian who learnt that cruising is different in India, Canada and the UK, and a British Indian who built mixed dance nights for London’s range of cultures.

Tash and Adam hear about the people who phoned Switchboard for advice on how to live, love and work in the UK, and from a range of contributors with different perspectives on borders, cultures and LGBTQ+ identity.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute and the BFI National Archive.

‘Louise’ voiced by Cathy Tyson

'Sami' voiced by Aso Sherabayani

Clip from Here and Now: Gay Black Group used with permission from MACE, the Media Archive for Central England at the University of Lincoln. First broadcast on June 26th, 1983.

For more information about the themes in this episode, take a look at:

Legal advice from the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants

Black Pride UK

Naz and Matt Foundation

Kaleidoscope Trust

Peter Tatchell Foundation : Speaking out for Human Rights

Lesbians & Gays Support the Migrants

UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group

Gaysians

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Crude form of censorship” | Episode 10 Jan 18, 2021

After a gay bookshop was raided by customs officers in 1984, the booksellers fought back. This is the story of censorship and community solidarity, and it is not the only one in this episode. Tash and Adam explore the actions of the British state to stop people from seeing things that were considered obscene in the 80s. We also feature a story from people whose magazines and posters were seized, and Adam even sings a song.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute and the BFI National Archive.

For more information, take a look at:

More about Operation Tiger

More about Yulia Tsvetkova’s case

Fringe! Queer Film and Arts Fest

Ezra Benisty

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“No reason whatsoever to doubt” | Episode 9 Jan 11, 2021

From 1983 to 1991, calls to Switchboard about rape and domestic violence increased in number. So in this episode Tash and Adam hear some of those stories and ask volunteers from the time to share their experience of supporting survivors. This episode also features an account of how Switchboard evolved in order to improve how it handled calls about violence, and an update on how these matters are handled today by GALOP, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity.

Content warning: domestic violence, abusive relationships, rape and sexual consent, and suicide.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute and the BFI National Archive.

For more information, take a look at:

Get help from GALOP

SurvivorsUK for help with male rape and sexual abuse

Book:

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Kiss my rump” | Episode 8 Jan 04, 2021

It wasn’t easy being young in the Eighties! Tash and Adam read log book entries and hear stories about growing up, looking for help, and even a teenager who took the government to court. We also catch up with the changes happening around relationships and sex education in schools right now, via Kaley Foran from The Key.

Content warning: Suicide, sexual consent and under-age sex.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute and the BFI National Archive.

For more information take a look at:

Brook, a charity with help and advice about healthy relationships and sexual health

Sex Education Forum, partners working on relationships and sex education for young people

The Key, with advice for school leaders

Educate & Celebrate, helping to make education more inclusive

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Fatally disruptive” | Episode 7 Dec 28, 2020

In 1988 the British government passed explicitly anti-gay legislation. Through log book entries from Switchboard, Tash and Adam return to the scene: lawmakers spaffing about what constitutes a family, gay teachers zipping up and living in fear, and bewildered young people with seemingly nowhere to turn to for advice. This episode is filled with untold stories about Section 28 of the Local Government Act and the censorship of LGBTQ+ lives — and concludes with the joyous launch of a new kids’ book by Olly Pike called Kenny Lives With Erica and Martina.

Content warning: attacks on LGBTQ+ people, including language that some people may find offensive.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute and the BFI National Archive.

TV clip from Gay Rights – The London Programme, produced by LWT, April 10th, 1987.

TV clip from Back In The Closet, produced by Thames TV, January 14th, 1988.

For more information about Section 28, take a look at:

Section 28 detailed history from the LGBT+ History Forum

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Right on, sister!” | Episode 6 Dec 21, 2020

Lipstick on the windscreen to tackle homophobia — just one of the stories in this latest episode from 1983 to 1991. Tash and Adam focus on the hostility in the air during this period, from people using HIV/AIDS as a reason for their prejudice to tensions within Catholic families. We conclude by speaking to Hafsa Qureshi about her experience as a bisexual Muslim woman today.

Content warning: attacks on LGBTQ+ people and biphobia.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute and the BFI National Archive.

A book:

Go The Way Your Blood Beats by Michael Amherst

For more information, take a look at:

Imaan, supporting LGBTQ+ Muslims

Hidayah, supporting LGBTQ+ Muslims

Naz and Matt Foundation, tackling homophobia triggered by religion

Tackling biphobia, support from GALOP

BiPride UK, a safe space for bisexual people in the UK

OneBodyOneFaith, empowering LGBT+ Chrisitans advocating for change

Keshet, supporting LGBTQ+ Jews

Sarbat, LGBT Sikhs

Quest, a support group for LGBT+ Catholics

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Expect extra calls” | Episode 5 Dec 14, 2020

Every time anything to do with LGBTQ+ life was mentioned on TV or in the newspaper in the 80s, Switchboard volunteers took extra calls. In this episode, Tash and Adam speak to the people behind TV programmes and newspaper columns, and hear about the feverish atmosphere that led to anti-gay legislation in 1988. The section on today has two very special guests: our very own Shivani Dave, and Simon McCallum from the BFI National Archive, both comparing the media today with 1983 to 1991.

Content warning: some archaic language that some listeners may find offensive as our contributors discuss how language was used to attack people especially in the media.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute and the BFI National Archive.

LAGNA

Lesbian and Gay Newsmedia Archive at the Bishopsgate Institute

TV

Watch more episodes of Gay Life on the BFI Player.

Books

Mediawatch: Treatment of Male and Female Homosexuality in the British Media by Terry Sanderson

Policing Desire by Simon Watney

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“A hedgehog in my kitchen” | Episode 4 Dec 07, 2020

Some light and laughter in our fourth episode of this season! Tash and Adam hear memories of joy and strength from 1983 to 1991, through the log books at Switchboard and stories from people who remember those years. We also feature the Lesbian Strength Marches, Switchboard’s one-millionth call and an interview with Thigh High, the band who centre their music on queer joy.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute and the BFI National Archive.

Songs by Thigh High featured in this episode, Go Slow and Nannas on the Rampage, used with kind permission of the band. Listen to Thigh High on Spotify.

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Damage caused” | Episode 3 Nov 30, 2020

Bottling attacks and cruel newspaper editorials — this is the story of how the HIV/AIDS crisis hit the LGBTQ+ community in the 80s. Through Switchboard’s unique log book entries, Tash and Adam also uncover the story of a very special volunteer who handled the hardest calls you can imagine. This episode concludes the three-part set of episodes on HIV/AIDS in Season Two, before we move on to other stories found in the log books.

Content warning: Illness, death, archaic language, and ill-treatment and discrimination of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute and the BFI National Archive.

TV clip from The London Programme produced by London Weekend Television, 08/03/1985.

For more information about the themes in this episode, take a look at:

From organisations:

All about HIV from the Terrence Higgins Trust

All about PrEP from Prepster

National Aids Trust, the UK’s HIV rights charity

Positively UK, advocates for and supporters of people living with HIV

Positive East, health and wellbeing for people living with HIV

The National AIDS Map, which grew out of Switchboard!

Tonic Living, which seeks to build LGBT+ affirming retirement communities

TV:

BBC Horizon Killer in the Village from 1983

Podcasts:

From Probably True with Scott Flashheart:

Doctor part 1

Doctor part 2

Plague

Books:

Policing Desire by Simon Watney

The End of Innocence by Simon Garfield

AIDS: Don’t Die of Prejudice by Norman Fowler

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“One hell of a state” | Episode 2 Nov 23, 2020

Tash and Adam continue exploring the HIV/AIDS crisis through the calls made to Switchboard from 1983 to 1991, in this second of three episodes on the subject. This episode contains memories of Switchboard volunteer Mark Ashton, more from George, and further log book entries from the anonymous volunteer looking for others with an HIV diagnosis. We also have untold stories about the UK government’s official public health campaign from 1987 and words from Dr Tristan Barber on the status of HIV prevention and treatment today.

Content warning: Illness, death, and ill-treatment and discrimination of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute and the BFI National Archive.

TV clip from Daytime: AIDS produced by Thames TV, 02/07/1988. TV ad clip from the UK government campaign AIDS: Don’t Die of Ignorance campaign produced in 1987.

For more information about the themes in this episode, take a look at:

From organisations:

All about HIV from the Terrence Higgins Trust

All about PrEP from Prepster

National Aids Trust, the UK’s HIV rights charity

Positively UK, advocates for and supporters of people living with HIV

Positive East, health and wellbeing for people living with HIV

The National AIDS Map, which grew out of Switchboard!

Tonic Living, which seeks to build LGBT+ affirming retirement communities

TV:

BBC Horizon Killer in the Village from 1983

Podcasts:

From Probably True with Scott Flashheart:

Doctor part 1

Doctor part 2

Plague

Books:

Policing Desire by Simon Watney

The End of Innocence by Simon Garfield

AIDS: Don’t Die of Prejudice by Norman Fowler

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Please be gentle” | Episode 1 Nov 16, 2020

This is the story of the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic as it has never been told before: through the voices and notes of the people who took phone calls made to an LGBTQ+ helpline. From 1983 to 1991, Switchboard volunteers supported people living with HIV, their loved ones, and people scared of it. In the first of three special episodes that start Season Two of The Log Books, Tash and Adam hear from survivors, a nurse and a doctor, and the people who were among the first to tackle what became a crisis.

Content warning: Illness, death, and ill-treatment and discrimination of people living with HIV and AIDS.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline. With thanks to the Bishopsgate Institute and the BFI National Archive.

For more information about the themes in this episode, take a look at:

From organisations:

All about HIV from the Terrence Higgins Trust

All about PrEP from Prepster

National Aids Trust, the UK’s HIV rights charity

Positively UK, advocates for and supporters of people living with HIV

Positive East, health and wellbeing for people living with HIV

NAM AIDS Map, which grew out of Switchboard!

Tonic Living, which seeks to build LGBT+ affirming retirement communities

TV:

BBC Horizon Killer in the Village from 1983

Podcasts:

From Probably True with Scott Flashheart:

Doctor part 1

Doctor part 2

Plague

Books:

Policing Desire by Simon Watney

The End of Innocence by Simon Garfield

AIDS: Don’t Die of Prejudice by Norman Fowler

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Re-opening The Log Books | Episode 0 Nov 02, 2020

The award-winning podcast The Log Books returns for Season Two!

Our brand-new set of episodes cover 1983 to 1991, continuing where Season One left off in 1982. As always, our re-telling of Britain’s history is led by the handwritten notes made by volunteers at Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline.

In this short episode, hosts Tash and Adam return to the Switchboard log books by visiting two locations that are integral to LGBTQ+ history in these years. We hope you’re as excited as we are about the re-opening of The Log Books, and for all the stories, memories and reflections ahead.

Transcript here.

The Log Books: stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced in partnership with Switchboard, the LGBT+ helpline.

Produced by Shivani Dave, Tash Walker and Adam Zmith

Nightclub music at the start of this episode by Pond5

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Joy, friendship and also bitterness” | Season 2 preview episode Jun 29, 2020

Season 2 of The Log Books is coming soon... Our unique exploration of the UK’s queer history through the pages of Switchboard’s log books will be strong, reflective and antiviral!

If you’d like to support our work in bringing season 2 to life, you can contribute financially at supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

In this preview episode, Tash, Adam and Shivani welcome you into their production process for their next full season. The behind-the-scenes glimpse features old and new voices talking about the stories they want to share from 1983 to 1991. The season will cover HIV/AIDS, Section 28, the media — and the countless colourful stories from LGBT+ life that flowed through Switchboard.

Transcript here.

If you have a story to share, please contact us here: www.thelogbooks.org/your-story.

This preview episode was recorded during the Covid-19 lockdown in May and June 2020. We’ll be back in the autumn with the full season 2!

Excerpt from "Gay Rights (The London Programme)", first broadcast by London Weekend Television 10/04/87. With thanks to the BFI National Archive.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Smith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline.

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Just needs a chat” | Bonus lockdown episode Apr 27, 2020

This strange moment in history is bringing feelings of isolation and loneliness to so many of us. The coronavirus lockdown has even slowed the production of season 2 of The Log Books, as Tash and Adam are stuck at home. So let’s talk about it.

We’ve based this special lockdown episode on untold stories from calls to Switchboard from the 70s and 80s, as usual. But the episode is also built around Adam and Tash’s reflections on the experiences of those LGBTQ+ callers’ from history and all of us today. We remain physically distant while trying new ways to be socially connected.

Thanks to everyone who read log book entries for this bonus episode: Luis Amália, Frances Lubbe, Rhian Petty and Amy Spiller.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Smith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline.

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

For more information about the themes in this episode, take a look at:

London LGBTIQ+ COVID19 Mutual Aid

COVID-19 – How LGBT-inclusive organisations can help

Covid-19 Information and Resources

NHS: Mental wellbeing while staying at home

Rethink: Covid-19 and mental illness

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Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“How nice!” | Bonus LIVE Episode 1 Feb 24, 2020

We’ve taken The Log Books out of the archive for LGBT History Month! We recorded this special episode in front of an audience at an event in London on February 5th 2020. You’ll hear fresh voices and familiar ones, including Tash and Adam. As ever, we are led by the handwritten notes made by volunteers in Switchboard’s log books from 1974 to 1982.

The event was held at the Finsbury Library and co-organised by Islington’s Pride, a Heritage Fund project that aims to preserve, archive and celebrate Islington’s LGBT+ heritage.

Transcript here.

Here are the voices you’ll hear:

Julian Hows, LGBT+ rights activist and former Switchboard volunteer

Marlin Khondoker, project archivist with Islington's Pride

Seán McGovern, project manager with Islington's Pride

Femi Otitoju, former Switchboard volunteer

Adam Smith, co-producer of The Log Books

Tash Walker, co-producer of The Log Books and co-chair of Switchboard

...and members of our live audience

Special thanks to everyone who helped with the event and this bonus podcast episode: Luis Amália, Scott Flashheart, Helen MacKenzie, Egle Rutkauskaite and Eliot Smith.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Smith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline.

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Closing The Log Books | Episode 9 Dec 30, 2019

Hello listeners, thank you for joining us through the laughter and tears of queer life in Britain from 1974 to 1982. In this final episode of our first season, Adam and Tash reflect on the stories we’ve all heard. We love hearing your reactions to the stories we’re telling too. Please keep them coming!

Transcript here.

The handwritten notes in Switchboard’s log books continue through the difficult years of the 80s. So we are planning to make a second season, covering 1983 to the early 90s. If you can help with funding, ideas or would like to share your story from those years, please email us on hello@thelogbooks.org.

— Shivani, Tash and Adam

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Smith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline.

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I was an inconvenience” | Episode 8 Dec 23, 2019

The early log books open up a world before HIV, showing what it was like for LGBTQ+ people needing healthcare between discos in the 70s. A doctor and a patient are among those who tell Tash and Adam what it was like. Some of the same infections are on the rise again today, as explained by Dr Tristan Barber, a consultant in HIV and sexual health.

Content warning: stories about transitioning and being intersex.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Smith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline.

For more information about LGBTQ+ health, take a look at:

Unexpected fluids

SXT: Sexual health information

GMFA — the gay men’s health project

Beating about the bush

Lesbian Sex 101

Mens R Us

CliniQ

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“It’s great to be gay!” | Episode 7 Dec 16, 2019

People often make a phone call because they are lonely and isolated, as the log books at Switchboard show. Exploring this issue, Tash and Adam hear from Tony Whitehead and others who took such calls in the dead of night. Chryssy Hunter explains about the issue of loneliness among our LGBTQ+ elders today.

Content warning: stories about racism, including slurs, and suicide.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Smith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline.

For more information about loneliness among LGBTQ+ elders, take a look at:

Opening Doors London

Tackling loneliness and isolation can help older LGBT people’s health

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Anything goes” | Episode 6 Dec 09, 2019

In the 70s, there was no such thing as an “LGBTQ+ community”. The log books reveal how identities, labels and definitions have always been in flux among those with minority sexual and gender identities. Former Switchboard volunteer Diana James is among the contributors who explains all this to Tash and Adam. Transgender and non-binary activists Owl and Fox Fisher guide us through their thoughts on how identities form in today’s internet-focused world.

Content warning: historic terms.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Smith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline.

For more information about identities and labels, take a look at:

Why We Need More Queer Identity Labels, Not Fewer

Stonewall’s glossary of terms

A Brief History of the LGBTQ Initialism

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“You might well be very angry!” | Episode 5 Dec 02, 2019

The 70s was a hotbed of activism, from lesbians fighting for child custody to gay men demanding equal laws for the age of sexual consent. Tracking the movement through the log books, Tash and Adam hear from activists on the frontline, including Lisa Power and Ted Brown. Meanwhile, young activists in a resurgent Gay Liberation Front discuss the actions they plan for 2020...

Content warning: stories about racism and stories with sexual content.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Smith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline.

For more information about LGBTQ+ rights, take a look at:

Blowing the Lid by Stuart Feather

No Bath But Plenty of Bubbles by Lisa Power

A short history of LGBT rights from the British Library

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Pretty policemen” | Episode 4 Nov 25, 2019

The log books are full of stories about raids on parties and arrests made in public toilets, as the police sought to stop men having sex with men in the 70s and 80s. Tash and Adam hear from the people who suffered through unfair laws and police persecution, a lawyer who defended them, and a retired police officer with regrets. Contributors include Terry Stewart, who is still seeking a pardon for his conviction today.

Content warning: difficult stories of persecution by the police.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Smith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline.

For more information about pardons and disregards for old crimes, take a look at:

Alan Turing law: Gay, unjustly convicted - and now denied a pardon

Don’t fall for the myth that it’s 50 years since we decriminalised homosexuality

Information on previous convictions, from Galop

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Let's not shy away from sex" | Episode 3 Nov 18, 2019

A quick glimpse into Switchboard’s log books from the late 70s might make you think that every caller wanted to know about sex. Tash and Adam hear from former volunteers such as Femi Otitoju on advising callers about how to do it, where to cruise, and importing sex toys. Contemporary poems from Michelle Mangal, Annie Hayter and Richard Scott put sex lives into modern words.

Content warning: sexual content.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Smith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline.

Transcript here.

Poems:

Mooncup by Michelle Mangal

Public Toilets in Regent's Park by Richard Scott, reproduced with the kind permission of Faber and Faber

God-birth by Annie Hayter

For more information about the items in this episode, take a look at:

Mens R Us info for men having sex with men

Unexpected Fluids podcast

Beating about the bush sexual health guide for lesbians

Lesbian Sex 101

Back Pocket Guide Trans Men

Juno Roche on her book Queer Sex

Risk Aware Consensual Kink

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Huddled together in a corner" | Episode 2 Nov 11, 2019

Pubs and clubs have brought LGBTQ+ people together for many years—to chat, plot, dance, and hook-up. Tash and Adam listen to stories from nights out in the 70s/80s, from the log books and new interviews. They hear how Elaine and Lyn’s lives changed forever in a pub more than three decades ago, and from the queer babes behind Aphrodyki, one of London’s hottest nights today.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Smith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline.

Transcript here.

For more information about queer nightlife, take a look at:

Queer today, gone tomorrow: the fight to save LGBT nightlife

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Crashpad needed" | Episode 1 Nov 04, 2019

Runaways and rough sleepers, communes and flatshares, crashpads and catastrophes... Stories about home feature heavily in Switchboard’s log books. Tash and Adam listen to LGBT+ people who searched for somewhere to live in the 1970s, and hear about the persistent problem of homelessness in 2019.

Content warning: stories of suicide and racism, and historic terms.

Transcript here.

The Log Books — stories from Britain’s LGBT+ history and conversations about being queer today. Produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Smith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard - the LGBT+ helpline.

For more information about homelessness, take a look at:

The Outside Project

akt

LGBT Youth Homelessness report by akt for the Proud Trust

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Opening The Log Books Oct 16, 2019

What if we told you that we could glimpse into LGBT+ life from decades ago?

The Log Books are a unique set of documents tracking Britain’s queer history through the voices of people who have called for help.

Since 1974 volunteers at Switchboard, the LGBT+ helpline, have written callers’ stories down in log books. Hosts Tash Walker and Adam Smith are re-opening these pages today, to hear worries and joys from Britain’s queer history. Episodes of The Log Books include untold stories from dozens of voices, and conversations about being queer today. The first full episode arrives on November 4th, 2019.

The Log Books is produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Smith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard, the LGBT+ helpline.

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

https://www.thelogbooks.org

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.