‘What they’re talking about,’ Fridolin whispered, nodding towards the queens. ‘Is it to do with the kids’ picture book you told me about this morning?’

‘I never did finish that story, did I?’ Elgan said, nodding his head in agreement. ‘Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 was introduced to prohibit the promotion of homosexuality in schools.’

‘But what does promoting homosexuality mean?’

‘That was never really clarified, but the legislation caused confusion and fear in education circles and as a consequence, a majority within the teaching profession believed that teaching about homosexuality in the classroom was illegal.’

‘How can learning about something important, that affects lots of people, be made illegal?’

‘Just think about your grandparents for a minute… they probably still think I shouldn’t have been your godfather.’

Fridolin pulled an anguished face and shrugged.

‘Section 28 effected schools in a profound way for more than fifteen years,’ Elgan ventured again. ‘Efforts to recognise and systematically address homophobic bullying faltered because school governors and school managers were afraid of the possible consequences and there was virtually no support for students who chose to come out at school.’

‘And still you don’t hate her?’ Fridolin said, but now it was almost an accusation.

‘‘Hate is a lack of imagination,’’ Elgan said.

‘Ah… you’re being a priest again… another quote!’ Fridolin spat with frustration.

‘Frido… don’t be like this,’ Elgan said, reaching for his hand. ‘It’s something one of Graham Greene’s characters said in a novel, and I think it’s true. Hate isn’t so difficult… or creative. Some of us tried to respond to Thatcher’s nastiness by using our imagination.’

Fridolin shook his head dismissively: ‘And?’

‘We organised, Frido. It didn’t happen overnight… it took years, but we organised.’

‘And?’ he said again.

‘Slowly, the lesbian and gay community in Britain found a voice – a strong political voice. Thatcher was only successful with Section 28 because there was no organised, articulate opposition from the gay community… that only developed as a reaction to her legislation. A really strong lobbying group called Stonewall was founded, with supporters from all over Britain; lawyers and doctors; teachers and civil servants; people in the military; actors, movie stars and writers… and plumbers and electricians and secretaries. Stonewall attracted people from all walks of life, and through the 1990s it learned how to lobby individual politicians, parliament and people in the public eye.’

‘And?’ he said again, but this time with anticipation.