Synopsis

The colour video begins on the close-up of a police office, one of many swarming the now famous February 6th 1992 Equality Now protest. Launched by the queer direct-action group OutRage, this protest marked the beginning of a six-month campaign of non-violent direct action to challenge anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in Britain. Timed to coincide with the UK General Election, activists sought to force politicians to support law reform by calling for the repeal of all homophobic laws.

Musician Jimmy Somerville of Bronski Beat and filmmaker Derek Jarman can be seen marching with a long white banner, flanked by police on either side.  When the police blocked the protest from reaching Parliament, the demonstrators staged a historic ‘die-in’ which resulted in over 50 arrests. The video shows glimpses of Somerville and Jarman being arrested by police.  

Over six months of the Equality Now campaign, thousands of activists took part in protests, blockades, and civil disobedience, resulting in scores of arrests and massive media attention.