Catalogue Number
NMLH.1992.112
Object Name
Banner
Title
'Gays Against Fascism.'
Place
Longsight, Manchester, UK
People
Gays Against Fascism, Rock Against Racism, Miners' Strike, National Front
Events
Miners' Strike, Rock Against Racism Concert 1978
Description
A purple banner with white writing declaring 'Gays Against Fascism' which surrounds a pink triangle.
This banner, made in Longsight, Manchester, by Gays Against Fascism (GAF) a nationwide group that emerged in the 1970s in response to attacks on gay men from the National Front, a far right political party. It was used at the Rock Against Racism concert at Victoria Park in 1978 and on several demonstrations during the 1984 to 1985 Minersâ Strike. Intended as a mark of shame, the downward pointing pink triangle was a Nazi concentration camp badge used to identify gay prisoners. The symbol has been reclaimed and is used as a symbol of defiance against homophobic policy, such as by the group ACTUP in response to the AIDS crisis.
The National Front's publication 'Spearhead' declared in the 1970s, âWe believe in making Britain a land for decent people, not homosexuals and degenerates to live in'. The National Frontâs attacks on gay men encouraged the formation of campaign groups such as GAF who campaigned against fascist groups. GAF remembered the homosexual persecution under Nazi rule with slogans such as: âNational Front = Nazi Front = No Future for gays.â The group also drew attention to the plight of gay men and lesbians in fascist regimes such as in Chile, where there was evidence of violent assault and murder of gay people living there.
**ON DISPLAY**
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