Jordan Dunbar, who was a comedian and drag performer in Belfast before becoming a BBC journalist, looks back at Darren’s murder as well as examining what it was like to be gay during the Troubles
“The Belfast of today is a city transformed but the incredible change and the thriving LGBT scene is all thanks to the pioneering DJs, Drag Queens and ordinary clubbers who wanted that change.” — Jordan Dunbar
Blood On The Dance Floor, the acclaimed BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds podcast, has been commissioned as a television documentary for BBC Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer.
The hour-long special is presented by journalist Jordan Dunbar, who investigates the unsolved case of 24 year old off-duty police officer Darren Bradshaw, shot dead in The Parliament Bar in 1997 – which at the time was Belfast’s only openly gay bar.
Jordan Dunbar, who was a comedian and drag performer in Belfast before becoming a BBC journalist, looks back at Darren’s murder as well as examining what it was like to be gay during the Troubles. The killing came at a pivotal time for both the gay scene in Northern Ireland and the peace process.
The republican paramilitary group the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) claimed responsibility for the killing but no one has ever been convicted for Darren’s murder. The documentary, for BBC NI Spotlight, will include new interviews, never before seen archive footage of the LGBT scene and shines new light on what’s been described as ‘the secret history of being gay in the Troubles’.
The Parliament bar was a crucial part of Belfast’s nightlife becoming what it is today – this was the first openly gay bar seven days a week playing the newest dance music to a crowd that we now know included world famous celebrities.
The murder sent shockwaves through the gay scene as rumours swirled about who knew he was in the bar and who may have betrayed him. Jordan hears from the DJs, drag queens and police officers who were there – and who helped the LGBT community rebuild.
Jordan Dunbar says: “The Belfast of today is a city transformed but the incredible change and the thriving LGBT scene is all thanks to the pioneering DJs, Drag Queens and ordinary clubbers who wanted that change. Darren’s story stuck with me as he lived in such a strange time – between conflict and peace – between shame and pride. His life had been forgotten until now. This film uncovers the people, the music and places that helped to make Belfast the incredible place it is today.”
Blood On The Dance Floor is produced by BBC NI’s award-winning Spotlight team and will air on Tuesday 19 March, 10.40pm on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer.
Source
BBC iPlayer
