Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners

Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners was a British activist group that formed in 1984 to support the National Union of Mineworkers during the UK miners' strike (1984-1985). The group was founded by Mark Ashton, a Gay Liberation Front activist, and Mike Jackson (activist), a member of the Communist Party of Great Britain, with the goal of raising funds and awareness for the striking miners. The group's efforts were supported by various LGBT rights organizations, including the Gay Socialist Action Group and the Lesbian and Gay Rights Committee of the Greater London Council. Key figures such as Nicola Field and Peter Tatchell also played important roles in the group's activities.

● History

The UK miners' strike (1984-1985) was a major industrial action that took place in the United Kingdom from 1984 to 1985, involving the National Union of Mineworkers and the National Coal Board. The strike was sparked by the Thatcher government's plans to close unprofitable coal mines, which would have resulted in significant job losses for miners. The Labour Party, led by Neil Kinnock, and other trade unions, such as the Transport and General Workers' Union and the National Union of Railwaymen, supported the miners' strike. The Socialist Workers Party and the Communist Party of Great Britain also played important roles in the strike.

● Formation and Activities

The group was formed in 1984, with the goal of supporting the striking miners and their families. The group's founders, including Mark Ashton and Mike Jackson (activist), were inspired by the Gay Liberation Front and the Communist Party of Great Britain. The group's activities included organizing fundraising events, such as the Pits and Perverts benefit concert, which featured performances by Bronski Beat and The Communards. The group also worked closely with the National Union of Mineworkers and the Labour Party to raise awareness about the strike and its impact on mining communities. Key figures such as Derek Jarman and Ian McKellen also supported the group's efforts.

● Impact and Legacy

The group's efforts had a significant impact on the LGBT rights movement in the United Kingdom. The group's activities helped to raise awareness about the strike and its impact on mining communities, and also helped to build alliances between the LGBT community and the labour movement. The group's legacy can be seen in the continued activism and solidarity between the LGBT community and the labour movement in the United Kingdom. The group's efforts were also recognized by the National Union of Mineworkers and the Labour Party, who praised the group's commitment to supporting the striking miners. The TUC and the STUC also acknowledged the group's contributions to the strike.

● Cultural Depictions

The group's story was depicted in the 2014 film Pride (2014 film), which starred Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, and Dominic West. The film was directed by Matthew Warchus and written by Stephen Beresford. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and received critical acclaim, including several BAFTA nominations. The film also won the Queer Palm award at the Cannes Film Festival. The group's story has also been depicted in various documentaries, including All Out! Dancing in Dulais and The Miners' Strike: A Personal View.

● Relationship with

the Mining Community The group's relationship with the mining community was complex and multifaceted. The group's efforts were initially met with skepticism by some members of the mining community, who were unfamiliar with the LGBT community and its activism. However, through the group's persistent efforts and solidarity, the mining community came to accept and appreciate the group's support. The group's activities helped to build bridges between the LGBT community and the mining community, and also helped to raise awareness about the strike and its impact on mining communities. Key figures such as Arthur Scargill and Peter Heathfield played important roles in building relationships between the group and the mining community. The NUM and the Labour Party also worked closely with the group to build support for the strike. Category:LGBT rights organizations