David is Homosexual
- Director: Wilf Avery
CGiii Comment
The quality of the film is terrible...that's due to it being lost, neglected and rediscovered.
However, that's no excuse for the content...Wilf Avery's writing and narration are a true horror. It's as if nothing had been produced on homosexuality before!
Basically, it's an advertisement for an activist group, made its members with no filmmaking talent whatsoever.
Whatever planet Mr Avery was on when he made this, his film would do nothing but encourage everyone who sees it to go running - at full belt - back into the closet.
Why he thought it was a good idea to promote 'coming out' at home and at work...is nothing but irresponsible. And, saying that most homosexuals lack the courage to join CHE...well, that's just a disgrace!
Meanwhile...everyone was having a great time in The Black Cap, The Royal Vauxhall, The King Willian IV...
Is there such a thing as a happy activist...or, is that the epitome of an oxymoron?!?
Watch...here
The(ir) Blurb...
This is an important rediscovery in Britain's LGBT history, made on a shoestring on Super8 over the hot summer of 1976 by members of the Lewisham branch of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE). The film follows lonely office clerk David as he discovers CHE, makes new friends and blossoms into a happy, out gay man. The film was shown around the country to straight and gay audiences. It features rare footage of the 1976 Gay Pride rally in Hyde Park, where Tom Robinson debuted his hit anthem 'Glad to be Gay'.
David is Homosexual was written and directed by the late Wilf Avery and filmed by David Belton; the pair were supported by many gay men and lesbians from CHE and the wider community. The edited film, along with many reels of rushes and outtakes, was donated to the BFI National Archive in 2016. The soundtrack, which features music donated by Paul South of the band Handbag, has sadly deteriorated, though the narration is audible.
Cast & Characters
Ray Mclaughlain