Peter Tatchell

Peter Tatchell - Red Wall - 8by10 - 2016-10-15

Peter Tatchell (born 25 January 1952) is a British human rights campaigner, best known for his work with LGBT rights and social justice issues. He has been involved in various campaigns and protests, often employing direct action tactics to draw attention to issues of inequality and injustice.

Early Life and Education

Peter Tatchell was born in Melbourne, Australia. He attended Mount Waverley Secondary College and later moved to London in 1971. Tatchell studied at the Polytechnic of North London where he became actively involved in political activism.

Activism

Tatchell's activism began in the early 1970s when he joined the Gay Liberation Front (GLF). He was a prominent member of the GLF and participated in numerous protests and demonstrations advocating for LGBT rights.

OutRage!

In 1990, Tatchell co-founded the direct action group OutRage!, which aimed to challenge discrimination against LGBT individuals. The group was known for its bold and often controversial actions, including "outing" public figures who were perceived to be hypocritical in their stance on LGBT issues.

Political Career

Tatchell has also been involved in politics. He stood as a candidate for the Labour Party in the 1983 Bermondsey by-election, which was marked by a highly homophobic campaign against him. Despite losing the election, Tatchell continued to be an outspoken advocate for social justice and human rights.

International Human Rights

Beyond LGBT rights, Tatchell has campaigned on a wide range of human rights issues globally. He has been involved in protests against dictatorships, war crimes, and human rights abuses in countries such as Zimbabwe, Russia, and Iran.

Awards and Recognition

Tatchell has received numerous awards for his activism, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British LGBT Awards and the Blue Plaque from the London Assembly.

Personal Life

Tatchell is openly gay and has been a vocal advocate for LGBT rights throughout his life. He continues to live in London and remains active in various human rights campaigns.

See Also

• LGBT rights in the United Kingdom
• Human rights activism
• OutRage!
• Gay Liberation Front