Gay actors of the 1960s
PRIDE TV: THE Hushed GAY HEROES OF SIXTIES SITCOMS
The faces of these three actors were familiar to Baby Boomers raised on TV situation comedies. Their private lives were not. In a way, though, they helped to blaze trails for which they were never given credit.
by Burt Kearns & Jeff Abraham
With this year’s Gay Pride Month marking the fiftieth anniversary of the uprising at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, the accomplishments of LGBT heroes of the past fifty years have been widely celebrated. But along with political activists and social revolutionaries, there were a number of entertainers who, in the decades surrounding the rebellion, brought a clear, if often exaggerated, gay presence into American homes.
Most did not “come out” officially, but there was no need. Even kids planted in front of the television sets in the 1960s knew there was something “funny” about Uncle Arthur and Claymore Gregg. And these comical men were welcome. They made us laugh. They, along with other favorite sitcom characters, were influences on American punk culture and today are looked upon as pioneers.
What follows are the stories of three of them, acto
The 1960s: A Decade of Queer Liberation
The 1960s brought about a profound switch in societal attitudes towards sexuality as it marked an era of significant change and the inception of the gay rights movement. While societal acceptance wasn't universal, and the effort was real, the courage and determination of these individuals left an indelible mark on history.
This decade was a pivotal moment for the LGBTQ+ people, and saw the emergence of many brave individuals who defied the constraints of their time to boldly express their accurate selves. These trailblazers, who we proudly recognise as queer icons, not only challenged prevailing norms but also served as beacons of hope for the LGBTQ+ community.
They were actors, writers, artists, activists, each contributing to the tapestry of queer history in their unique way. In the face of adversity, their stories of resilience resonated deeply, inspiring generations to come. So, buckle up for a fascinating journey back to the 1960s as we unveil the top ten gay icons of the decade.
Article continues below
1. Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992)
Marsha P. Johnson, a black transgender woman, was a central figure in the Stonewall upris
Homosexuality on British Television 1960s-1990s
Whether channel surfing or browsing streaming platforms, it is difficult to find a television programme airing in Britain that does not portray or involve queer or queer people in some shape or establish. From long running soaps such as Coronation Lane to boundary pushing series like Sex Education, male lover and queer characters and relationships are ubiquitous on British television. Moreover, many actors, directors, producers, and presenters are openly homosexual or queer. This is a remarkable feat considering legal and social proscriptions against homosexuality existed until at least the twenty-first century.
This pride month, it is worth reflecting on this history and the many achievements and challenges along the way. This article traces how lgbtq+ people emerged on the small screen in non-fiction television programmes, from tentative pleas for tolerance in the 1960s and 1970s to bold challenges of gender and sexual norms in the 1980s and 1990s. It focuses primarily on gay men and lesbians as they were the central, and often sole, focus of television programmes on homosexuality in the twentieth century.
‘Homosexuals’, This Week, ITV, 1964
For many, June represents the month of pride; a time to celebrate, teach and communicate all that is queer, gay and fabulous. Although today existence gay isn’t much of a deal, back in the 50’s it was a dangerous label to have. Throughout history, thousands have lost their lives because they were labeled as ‘gay’ or ‘queer’ and many lived out their true sexual preferences in secrecy. As it’s almost the end of Pride month, I wanted to have a glance at some celebrities from the golden age of Hollywood who were queer, or at least thats what the rumours said. It’s difficult to understand if all these celebrities, and of course many more, were truly male lover, but I wanted to share a few stories just so see how far we’ve come. Joyful pride everyone.
*Disclaimer: Please note that some of the following stories may depict graphic descriptions and behaviours which some readers may find disturbing. Discretion is advised.
Katherine Hepburn
Iconic Hollywood actress and Academy Award-winning performer in films such as Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, The Lion in Winter, and On Golden Pond, Katherine Hepburn reportedly had an insatiable
When Hollywood Studios Married Off Gay Stars to Keep Their Sexuality a Secret
Valentino also married costume designer Natacha Rambova in 1923, at a time when his career was starting to accept off and the roles he played were seen as less typically masculine, such as in the film “Monsieur Beaucaire” in 1924. His marriage to Rambova ended in 1925, which left some speculating that the marriages of the “pink powder puff” (a nickname Valentino acquired after playing effeminate roles on screen) were coverups to save the sex symbol’s reputation intact.
Identifying how many Hollywood couples tied the knot to cloak their sexuality is, of course problematic since it’s primarily based on speculation_._
“I believe the hardest thing for a historian is to caring of sift through what the rumor [is] and what is actually factual," says Tropiano.
One commonly cited source for speculation is the memoir of Scotty Bowers, Full Service: My Adventures in Hollywood and the Secret Sex Lives of the Stars. Bowers’ account details sexual encounters, same-sex attracted and straight, that he claims he both arranged and took part in, beginning in 1946.
Bowers wrote that he had been sexually involved with direct