History is a lesson. In 1984, conservative governments in the U.S. and U.K. had a stranglehold on the queer community. Ronald Reagan refused to fund AIDS research or even publicly acknowledge the epidemic. But these constrictions were matched by unprecedented queer representation in pop culture.
Artists like Boy George, Annie Lennox, Bronski Beat, Pet Shop Boys, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and Prince, who each brought a unique spin on gender expression and sexuality, helped shape public perceptions of gender and sexuality by using their platforms to redefine masculinity, femininity, and everything in between. These artistic expressions were connected to broader political and social shift, such as the rise of conservative leadership in both the U.S. and the U.K. and their response to the growing AIDS crisis.
Tune in and see why 1984 was one of the gayest in pop music's history.
Music in this episode include songs from Bronski Beat, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Grace Jones, Pet Shop Boys, Culture Club, Dead or Alive, Soft Cell, The Smiths, WHAM!, R.E.M., David Bowie, Prince, and Madonna.
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