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The pop and Hi-NRG music so prevalent in gay pubs and clubs didn’t get a look in at the Bell. The other common denominator for the Bell crowd was their taste in music which, like their politics, was leftfield, quirky, (very) specific and frequently obscure. This combination of political activism and generosity made the Bell a beacon for people with a cause and a collection bucket, including the Terence Higgins Trust, ACT UP, OutRage and striking print workers. Lesbians Against Pit Closures were supported with a benefit on one of the women-only nights and Lesbian and Gay Switchboard also reaped the profits from a benefit night.
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Donations to LGSM from the Bell were double that of any other venue (£1,500 by December 1984) which is all the more impressive given how young and skint the Bell crowd were. And that type of queer came in all manner of guises – from elaborately quiffed rockabillies to plumed punks, black swathed Goths to shorn skinheads – many of them students or unemployed.ĭespite their sartorial differences, the Bell crowd had plenty in common, not least their left of centre politics which saw them at the forefront of many significant LGBT groups of the time, most notably perhaps, Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners. The Bell on Pentonville Road was the main attraction for a certain type of queer looking for somewhere to drink, dance, laugh and love. Those who lingered were often sex workers, alcoholics, drug addicts, homeless – or queer. Hub of the Tube and over ground network, it had a restless, edgy, energy an undercurrent of danger that made most people pass through it as quickly as they could. Kings Cross in the 1980s wasn’t the most salubrious location in London. There will be discounted copies available to buy and get signed at the event.Exterior of The Bell in London’s Kings Cross. During the event, you will get a chance to engage in a audience-participatory conversation with Jeremy about the topic of his book, whether you've read it or not. But in urban centers around the world, they are closing, a cultural demolition that has Jeremy Atherton Lin wondering: What was the gay bar? How have they shaped him? And could this spell the end of gay identity as we know it?". Description of 'Gay Bar': "Strobing lights and dark rooms throbbing house and drag queens on counters first kisses, last call: the gay bar has long been a place of solidarity and sexual expression-whatever your scene, whoever you’re seeking. For this first one, we invite you to join us for a conversation with Jeremy Atheron Lin () about his book, "Gay Bar: Why We Went Out". Shop The Union Shop - source of all King's branded clothes, stationery, gifts, accessories and speciality food.įollowing the success of the Book Event with Shon Faye for Trans Awareness Week 2021, this LGBT+ History Month the LGBT+ Network is organising TWO author events.We’ve got five fantastic venues for you to chill out in, have a drink, eat some great food and hang with your friends. Bars & Cafes Here at KCLSU, we pride ourselves on our spaces.Events We have a huge range of events all year-round ranging from activities and talks to nights out in some of the best bars and clubs in London, all organised by sports clubs and activity groups.Make Change At KCLSU, we enable and support our diverse student population to build collective power to make positive change in their education and communities.Student Groups At KCLSU there are nearly 300 societies, sports and other student activity groups.Help & Advice Between our student officers, advice team and wellbeing initiatives, we are here to help through your studies at King's.About Us Every student at King's is automatically a member of KCLSU - a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.