We Who Have Friends 1969
We Who Have Friends (1969) is a groundbreaking documentary that captures a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history, examining the lives of gay men in the UK just two years after the 1967 Sexual Offences Act decriminalized homosexuality.
Director: Richard Woolley
Frequently Asked Questions
What is We Who Have Friends (1969) about?
This documentary explores the lives of gay men in Britain two years after the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, blending interviews with politicians, activists, and the public to reveal shifting attitudes toward homosexuality in the late 1960s.
Who directed We Who Have Friends?
Richard Woolley directed this pioneering documentary, bringing a rare and candid lens to the early days of gay liberation in the UK.
Who stars in We Who Have Friends?
The film features Leo Abse, the reform act's initiator; Peter Manolt, editor of *Jeremy* magazine; and one of the first gay men to appear on camera in such a documentary.
Is We Who Have Friends (1969) worth watching?
As a historic and informative documentary, We Who Have Friends (1969) offers invaluable insights into the early gay rights movement, making it a must-watch for fans of queer history and social justice films.
How long is We Who Have Friends?
The documentary runs for 49 minutes.
About We Who Have Friends (1969) — The Documentary That Captured Early UK Gay Liberation
We Who Have Friends (1969) is a groundbreaking documentary that captures a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history, examining the lives of gay men in the UK just two years after the 1967 Sexual Offences Act decriminalized homosexuality. Directed by Richard Woolley, this 49-minute film blends rare interviews with key figures like Leo Abse, the politician behind the reform, and Peter Manolt, editor of the influential gay magazine *Jeremy*. The documentary contrasts the perspectives of social workers who viewed homosexuality as a condition to be "cured" with the hesitant but courageous firsthand accounts of gay men navigating a society still grappling with change. Filmed in London and Leeds, it paints a raw portrait of progress and prejudice, offering a time capsule of attitudes that feels both distant and eerily familiar.
As one of the first films to document the early days of gay liberation in Britain, We Who Have Friends (1969) stands as a vital historical artifact. It's not just a record of interviews and street reactions—it's a testament to the resilience of those who dared to speak out when visibility was scarce and stigma ran deep. For anyone interested in queer history or the evolution of social attitudes, this documentary provides a fascinating, intimate look at a turning point that shaped modern LGBTQ+ rights.