Film – Pride (2014)

Available to watch on TVNZ+

Pride (2014) is based on a true story, offering a heartwarming and rousing look into the genesis of the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) alliance, which came to be during the National Union of Mineworkers’ 1984-1985 strike.

After the Thatcher government seized the National Union of Mineworkers’ funds in attempts to destabilise the union during the strike, gay rights activist Mark Ashton gathered his friends and collected donations for the union at the 1984 London Lesbian and Gay Pride march. This led to the creation of the LGSM, and entrenched solidarity between LGBTQIA+ people and unionists for decades to come.

Pride does a fantastic job of showing us what solidarity between oppressed groups looks like historically, and leaves the viewer empowered and hopeful.

Book – Untouchable Girls: The Topp Twins Story by Jools and Lynda Topp

Untouchable Girls: The Topp Twins Story navigates the life of the beloved Topp Twins – from their first talent show at Huntly College hall to the trials and tribulations of fame. Their storytelling is hilarious, touching, boldly honest, and, above all, laced with the unmistakable charm of Jools and Lynda Topp.

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