The extraordinary journey of homosexuality in Wales is captured for the first time in Welsh in a powerful feature-length documentary written and directed by one of Wales’ most talented filmmakers, Nia Dryhurst.
The documentary is an honest portrayal of life of the gay community in Wales today. It also presents a picture of how people’s attitude towards homosexuality has changed over the years.
Nia Dryhurst shares her own journey with viewers, of acknowledging and accepting her own sexuality, and also gives us an opportunity to share the experiences of other gay people.
One of the most shocking experiences is that of John of Barmouth. An 18 year old student in the 70s, he found himself at Denbigh Mental Hospital receiving what was then called aversion therapy.
Gareth from the village of Llanbedr near Harlech has had a more positive experience. The 25 year old pub manager says that he hasn’t suffered any discrimination or abuse because of his sexuality. “I’ve had nothing but support from my family and friends,” he says.
He runs the “only gay pub” in north Wales, the Three Crowns in Bangor. “I chat with some people who come into the pub and they’ve suffered a real hell,” he says. “I try to help those who come to the pub if they want help. It’s obvious that they want to talk. I tell them about books that I’ve read and helplines that are available. It’s very difficult, they haven’t got anywhere else to go.”
Gareth says that he has seen a change in attitude towards gays in Wales over the last three years. “Generally, we’re accepted.”
© 2008 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales