The Clash, ‘Hitsville UK’

To mark LGBT History Month, 2013, Polari asked its contributors to recall a song that had an impact their own stories.

“To this day, we play it first at all our major club nights. Every time I hear those opening chords I get a frisson of nerves and expectation.”

LGBT History Month Music, 1 of 4

29 Songs of LGBT Significance. Selected by the Readers Wifes.

LGBT History Month Music, 2 of 4

29 Songs of LGBT Significance. Selected by the Readers Wifes.

LGBT History Month Music, 3 of 4

29 Songs of LGBT Significance. Selected by the Readers Wifes.

LGBT History Month Music, 4 of 4

29 Songs of LGBT Significance. Selected by the Readers Wifes.

Joan Jett, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll

The Readers Wifes twenty-ninth choice of song with LGBT significance: Joan Jett, I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“What’s certain is that Joan Marie Larkin is the definitive lesbian music icon of our times. A rock ‘n’ roll model, if you like.”

Rod Stewart, The Killing of Georgie

The Readers Wifes twenty-eighth choice of song with LGBT significance: Rod Stewart, The Killing of Georgie. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“Rod was always down with the gays and, at a time when prejudice in the straight, macho world of rock ‘n’ roll was rife, it was pretty brave of him to stick his neck out so steadfastly.”

Soft Cell, Numbers

The Readers Wifes twenty-seventh choice of song with LGBT significance: Soft Cell, Numbers. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“Sexual addiction had never sounded so good – and ‘throw ‘em away like Kleenex’ is still a fantastic line, isn’t it?”

Divine, You Think You’re A Man

The Readers Wifes twenty-sixth choice of song with LGBT significance: Divine, You Think You’re A Man. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“‘You Think You’re A Man’ delivered Divine his biggest UK hit, and sneaked him onto ‘Top Of The Pops’, whereupon he gave a performance that’s passed into the history of the show. “

McAlmont & Butler, Yes

The Readers Wifes twenty-fifth choice of song with LGBT significance: McAlmont & Butler, Yes. For 2012 LGBT History Month.

“McAlmont gives the command performance of a lifetime and the whole thing just keeps building up and up skywards in what feels like a glorious homage to the kind of classic, Dusty-esque ‘60s pop they weren’t supposed to make anymore.”