Queer as Old Folk

These gay men made choices about their sex lives and sexual identities before legalisation in 1967, and for several decades simply lived with the consequences of these choices. But in the last few years, they've finally felt able to start making new choices.

Seventy-three-year-old Alan came out in his teens, and has never hidden his sexuality. His family were supportive considering it was the 50s: his mum said it was okay to be gay as long as he was in love, and didn't kiss on the lips.

Alan was left heartbroken at 27 after his first long-term relationship ended. But then he met Jimmy, 40 years later they are still together, and now that the law's changed, they can finally get married.

When he was younger, 58-year-old Clive always suspected he might be gay, but got married to subdue his homosexual urges. Eighteen months ago, however, he decided things had to change. Clive lost weight, got fit and came out. He's still married, and living with his wife and teenage son, but this doesn't stop him from lining up dates, surfing Gaydar and cruising saunas to have sex with dozens of men each week.

Unlike Clive, 64-year-old Roger always knew he was gay, but, nevertheless, he married and had two children, continuing his gay life on the side. He says his wife knew he was gay, but they continued their marriage and stayed together for 30 years. Then, at 58, Roger met Ian, who was just 18: they've now been a couple for six years, and Roger manages Ian's career as a male stripper.

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