In a groundbreaking new podcast series, Hidden Belfast: Forbidden Love, listeners are taken on an immersive journey into the secretive world of LGBTQ+ individuals living in 1930s Belfast. This five-part drama, featuring acclaimed actors Desmond Eastwood and Jonathan Harden, unravels the hidden lives and struggles of gay people during a time when their very existence was shrouded in secrecy.
A Hidden Past: The Diaries of David Strain
At the heart of this series lies the remarkable discovery of the diaries of David Strain, a linen merchant whose personal writings have shed new light on the hidden history of Belfast’s LGBTQ+ community. Strain’s diaries, meticulously chronicled between 1920 and 1943, were uncovered by Dr. Tom Hulme of Queen’s University Belfast and Professor Leanne McCormick from Ulster University. These diaries, comprising 38 volumes and more than a million words, offer a rare glimpse into a world that has largely remained invisible.
The Life and Legacy of David Strain
David Strain’s diaries are more than just a personal reflection; they are a window into the lives of countless gay men who navigated the complexities of their identities in a time of profound social and legal repression. Strain’s writings capture not only his own thoughts and feelings but also the conversations and relationships he had with other men. These diaries, along with his photo albums, newspaper scrapbooks, and letters, were deposited in the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland after his death from a stroke in 1969.
From Isolation to Community: The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Identity
Hidden Belfast: Forbidden Love takes listeners through the emotional and social journey of Belfast’s gay community as it evolved from isolation and fear to a more vibrant and connected existence. The diaries reveal the inner turmoil, the risks, and the profound connections that defined the lives of gay men during this era. They also highlight the resilience and solidarity that emerged within a community that was forced to live in the shadows.
A Forgotten History Brought to Life
The survival of David Strain’s diaries is nothing short of miraculous, providing historians and the public alike with a unique opportunity to explore a chapter of Belfast’s history that has long been overlooked. The series is not just a retelling of these stories but a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the past and the importance of remembering and honoring their experiences.
Listen Now: Hidden Belfast: Forbidden Love
All episodes of Storytellers: Hidden Belfast, Forbidden Love are now available on BBC Sounds, offering a compelling and emotional portrayal of a hidden community and their fight for love and acceptance in a time of prejudice and fear.
