Peter Tatchell on George Michael coming out

The transcript discusses the fear of negative reactions faced by public figures, particularly in the 1980s, when coming out as gay. It highlights the potential impact of coming out during that era, the encouragement some received, and the bravery required. The context of public hostility and tabloid sensationalism is emphasized, along with George Michael's fear of being outed.

What were the main sources of fear for the public figure in the 1980s?

• Friends, colleagues, and social media

• Family, fans, record company, and tabloid press

• International organizations and political parties

• Government, schools, and local community

Why was the 1980s considered a challenging time for public figures to come out?

• There was a lack of media coverage

• Public hostility and tabloid sensationalism were prevalent

• Laws were strictly against it

• There were no supportive communities

What could have been the impact if the public figure had come out in the 1980s?

• It might have led to a decline in music sales

• It could have made a significant difference in public perception

• It would have resulted in immediate legal consequences

• It might have been ignored by the media

Who was one of the few pop stars openly out during the 1980s?

• David Bowie

• Freddie Mercury

• Jimmy Somerville

• Elton John

What does the section suggest about understanding public figures' decisions not to come out?

• They had to consider their personal circumstances and fears

• They were unaware of the consequences

• They were not brave enough

• They did not care about public opinion