The Clash, ‘Hitsville UK’

To mark LGBT History Month, 2013, Polari asked its contributors to recall a song that had an impact their own stories.

“To this day, we play it first at all our major club nights. Every time I hear those opening chords I get a frisson of nerves and expectation.”

Joan Jett, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll

The Readers Wifes twenty-ninth choice of song with LGBT significance: Joan Jett, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“What’s certain is that Joan Marie Larkin is the definitive lesbian music icon of our times. A rock ‘n’ roll model, if you like.”

Rod Stewart, The Killing of Georgie

The Readers Wifes twenty-eighth choice of song with LGBT significance: Rod Stewart, The Killing of Georgie. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“Rod was always down with the gays and, at a time when prejudice in the straight, macho world of rock ‘n’ roll was rife, it was pretty brave of him to stick his neck out so steadfastly.”

Soft Cell, Numbers

The Readers Wifes twenty-seventh choice of song with LGBT significance: Soft Cell, Numbers. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“Sexual addiction had never sounded so good – and ‘throw ‘em away like Kleenex’ is still a fantastic line, isn’t it?”

Divine, You Think You’re A Man

The Readers Wifes twenty-sixth choice of song with LGBT significance: Divine, You Think You’re A Man. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“‘You Think You’re A Man’ delivered Divine his biggest UK hit, and sneaked him onto ‘Top Of The Pops’, whereupon he gave a performance that’s passed into the history of the show. “

McAlmont & Butler, Yes

The Readers Wifes twenty-fifth choice of song with LGBT significance: McAlmont & Butler, Yes. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“McAlmont gives the command performance of a lifetime and the whole thing just keeps building up and up skywards in what feels like a glorious homage to the kind of classic, Dusty-esque ‘60s pop they weren’t supposed to make anymore.”

Jessie J, Do It Like A Dude

The Readers Wifes twenty-fourth choice of song with LGBT significance: Jessie J, Do It Like A Dude. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“And if I was a 2012 teen, confused about my sexuality, I’d imagine statements like “I’ve never denied it. Whoopie-doo guys, yes, I’ve dated girls and I’ve dated boys – get over it” might just feel like some kind of lifeline.”

Pet Shop Boys, The Truck-Driver And His Mate

The Readers Wifes twenty-third choice of song with LGBT significance: Pet Shop Boys, The Truck-Driver And His Mate. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“A great big howling BRUTE of a record it’s the closest we’ll probably ever get to hearing the fellas ROCK OUT.”

The Singing Nun, Dominique

The Readers Wifes twenty-second choice of song with LGBT significance: The Singing Nun, Dominique. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“Struggles with her faith, her fame, her sexuality and drugs, not to mention a hounding from the Belgian authorities over unpaid taxes, all took their toll. When nuns go bad.”

Lou Reed, Walk on the Wild Side

The Readers Wifes twenty-first choice of song with LGBT significance: Lou Reed, Walk on the Wild Side. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“With its myriad references to drugs, prostitution and yer actual oral sex (“giving head”) one can only wonder at how in God’s name Lou’s timeless, wistful tribute to a coterie of Andy Warhol disciples ever made it past the censors at the BBC.”