BBC to produce film showing how gay campaigners supported the miners in 1984
The BBC is making a drama based on a true story about a group of gay and lesbian activists who raised money to support the miners during the strikes of 1984.
Entitled ‘PRIDE’, the drama is a joint project between Pathé, BBC Films, the BFI and Calamity Films.
It is based on the true story of how a group of gay and lesbian activists decided to raise money to support the families of striking miners in 1984.
At the time, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) seemed embarrass to receive support from gay people – so the campaigners decided to ignore the union and go direct to the miners. They identified a mining village in deepest Wales and went to make their donation in person.
The journey resulted in two different communities forming a successful and emotional bond.
PRIDE is being directed by the Tony Award winning theatre director Matthew Warchus.
He said: “This was a script I just couldn’t say no to. It made me laugh out loud, it surprised and delighted me at every turn, and it ultimately moved me to tears. It’s a truly affirming and inspiring story, funny, honest and moving, and by the end of it you want to punch the air and cheer!”
Pride is shooting for 8 weeks in London and in Wales throughout winter.
The historical website Gay in the 80s gives greater detail of how gay rights campaigners helped the miners during their fight against the Thatcher government. The strike ended without victory for the miners.
