In 1720's London, the gay underworld would be exposed to the national consciousness. Find out what happened to the men who frequented the molly houses as their lives became public knowledge.
There was also a courtesan in the 18th c. named Kitty Fisher. As I understand it, she's likely the namesake of the one in the nursery rhyme. I'm reading an advance copy of a book about her at the moment.
I have seen a birthing ceremony performed by two men at a wedding in Morocco. It was just as described here, the pillow to represent the pregnancy, the doll emerging after the agonies and ecstasies. I assumed it was a kind of fertility ritual for the couple getting married, but now I am not so sure!
I find it so fascinating that gay men of that era had found a way to be themselves, despite the societal expectations or consequences. That took a lot of courage. Kinda makes me a bit sad to think that despite the current freedoms we enjoy today, I still choose to be reclusive. Guess I have my own internalised homophobia to thank for that. I was so dismayed that there are no other such videos on this channel. This was so well written and produced, I was looking forward to more. Well if you do get around to making more videos on this topic, I’d really be interested in one about James Pratt and John Smith. Or hell, I’m not fussy…I would be greatful if you just continued making vids of this topic with the same high-calibre of quality! Remember what was written atop the gate during your closing remarks: “Deo Dante Dedi”…. So TIBI DARE!!!
