Emma and John Kelly(March 2013)

In an interview conducted by Gareth Watkins on March 17, 2013, Emma-Jean Kelly and John Kelly discuss their experiences spanning from the 1950s through to the 2010s, focusing on the dynamics of their father-daughter relationship in the context of John's sexuality and the changing societal attitudes towards homosexuality.

John Kelly talks about discovering their homosexual identity early in life, despite the lack of open conversations or language to articulate it at the time. The interview touches upon their hidden magazines as a teenager, the realization of their sexual orientation, a discreet seduction in a department store, and the societal challenges they faced. Raised in a conservative environment, they recall a time when homosexual activities were both illegal and socially unacceptable, leading to a life of discretion.

Emma, the youngest of John's children, shares anecdotes of being raised by their father, who played both parenting roles. This upbringing led Emma and their sister to mistakenly believe John represented an ideal heterosexual man due to their nurturing traits, which were uncommon in men at the time. They talk about their experiences at university, where discussions about feminism and sexuality were abundant.

John's relationship history also comes under the spotlight, revealing their first marriage to a woman who hoped to change John's sexual orientation. Post-divorce, their romantic life remained discreet until John met Graham, whose flamboyant nature prompted a shift in John's approach to privacy. This resulted in greater openness, including a memorable coming-out moment in a fairy shop.

Emma discusses the familial reactions to John's open homosexuality, noting the support and excitement. Their sister, who also identified as queer, found empowerment in John's openness, even if there wasn't an immediate in-depth discussion following their own coming-out.

The interview addresses the broader LGBTQ+ community and the sense of belonging within it. Both Emma and John reflect on feelings of inclusivity, the distinction between gay men and lesbians, and the importance of community events like the Big Gay Out for public expressions of same-sex affection.

The conversation covers topics such as the impact of mainstreaming gay culture, perspectives on marriage equality, generational differences in LGBT experiences, and the role of family support. John's advice is to live life as best one can, while Emma emphasizes the value of conversations and learning from others.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Emma-Jean Kelly John Kelly

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