In 1981, openly gay activist Peter Tatchell was selected as the Labour candidate for Bermondsey’s MP. What followed became one of the most infamous and openly homophobic election campaigns in modern British political history.
Tatchell faced abuse on the streets, death threats at home, and relentless hostility in the media throughout the by-election campaign. Although Bermondsey had long been a Labour stronghold, the Liberal candidate won the seat in what was then the biggest swing in British electoral history.
Today, Southwark Archives preserves material connected to the campaign, including the BBC documentary Open Space: Peter Tatchell and the Battle for Bermondsey. While the campaign exposed deep prejudice, Tatchell himself has cited positive change as it also forced LGBTQ+ rights into mainstream political debate and prompted wider public reflection on homophobia in British politics.
Courage Yard – Walk With Pride Heritage Trail
