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Smalltown Boy: Disco Anthem for LGBTQ+ Freedom
19 Sep
Summary
- The song Smalltown Boy became an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Its release highlighted unequal legal ages for homosexual sex.
- The track has inspired various cover versions by other artists.
Released in 1984, Jimmy Somerville's "Smalltown Boy" continues to be a potent disco classic and an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community. The song tells the poignant story of a young gay man leaving his small, homophobic hometown to seek freedom and acceptance in the big city.
The track was featured on the album 'The Age of Consent,' which notably shed light on the disparity in legal ages for sexual activity between heterosexual and homosexual individuals. This thematic depth has cemented its legacy.
In July 2021, BBC Radio 4 revisited the song's impact, featuring discussions with individuals like Shaun Dellenty, an educator on LGBT+ inclusion, and journalist Paul Flynn. The program also showcased various musical renditions, including those by Bronski Beat, Dido, and Orville Peck.
