Careless Whisper

XV

November 1994

Louis stands in front of his mirror and looks at himself. He's wearing a dark blue suit and a white shirt underneath, he has gelled his hair sideways but something is still missing.

Today he's with Liam and the other LGBTQ activists at a charity event organized by their movement. Lectures are to be given, and the OutRage! also invited a musical act to get more exposure from the straight people and media. The organizers haven't told anyone who it is, it's meant to be a surprise for everyone. After such a secret is made of it, Louis suspects a musician like Elton John. Liam guesses Village People and they have a bet that whoever is right owes the other a blowjob. Louis has to grin as he thinks about how both of them laid on the sofa and pondered who it could be, the most absurd ideas came up until both of them just laughed holding their bellies and then decided on the win of bet, which they didn't find any less funny.

Louis gets an idea of what little accessory is perfect for the occasion and he rummages through his drawer with odds and ends until he finally finds it. His rainbow button from his school days, which Jay gave him back then. Memories of his mother flood him immediately and he quickly pushes every thought of her aside because otherwise he wouldn't make it to the event, but would bury himself in his bed crying. He pins the button on his jacket at the height of his heart and is finally pleased with his sight.

He makes his way to Liam's room, but he's already waiting for him in the hallway.

"Ready?" he asks, grinning broadly and Louis grins back and nods.

"Absolutely. Let's find out who wins the bet," Louis winks and they both start walking outside. The streets of London are full of people, many walking in the same direction and they're meeting some of the other activists along the way. Everyone is in a good mood and looking forward to the evening. Arriving in front of the hall, where the event is taking place, the group looks at the huge rainbow flag that is mounted above the entrance. There are already a few reporters and some of the activists who are handing out rainbow flags, people are bustling everywhere, unfortunately also a few assholes who bawl hate slogans from the other side of the street with horrible banners. Louis tugs at Liam's jacket and nods his head towards the entrance, he doesn't want to let these people spoil his mood and prefers to have a nice evening with like-minded people in the hall. Liam nods and they walk off, both get handed a rainbow flag and enter the hall. Inside, too, everything is decorated in the colors of the LGBTQ community and they look at everything proudly.

They push their way through the many participants and get a colorful cocktail. The two strike up conversations with each other until Founder Keith Alcorn steps up to the microphone on stage and asks for silence. The murmuring of those present subsides, only the clicking of the cameras of the reporters present can be heard.

Everyone listens to the impressive speech in which he again demands the same rights as heterosexual people and asks for more educational work against homophobia. He concludes by saying that it's finally time to affirm the right of queer people to their sexual freedom, choice and self-determination. Everyone in attendance applauds loudly and Louis takes a quick look at his 28 tattoo, hoping it'll all make a difference in the near future. Keith briefly explains the course of the evening, the other Founders Chris Woods, Simon Watney and Peter Tatchell will also give speeches and the musical surprise will come at the end.

Between the speeches, the DJ plays music by queer artists or songs that are important to the community, and while Gloria Gaynor's 'I will survive' is playing, Liam and Louis dance together. They sing along at the top of their lungs and toast each other with what is now their third cocktail. Louis feels so alive and free, both dance close together, wiggling their hips and Louis even goes so far as to dance lasciviously down on Liam. When Liam trips over his own feet, Louis quickly catches him with his body and hugs him. Both laugh out loud, Louis shakes it so much with laughter that he throws his head back and holds his stomach. After that he hugs Liam again who also giggles and when he looks over his shoulder his eyes meet with the last person he expected to be here.