Out in the World: A Global Gay History: Episode 1 (Radio 3)

Episode one of Richard Coles' landmark series examining same sex desire through the ages, in which he discovers a far more complex and nuanced story than one of darkness into light. In this first programme, Richard confronts the challenges of uncovering such a history given that the idea of 'being gay' is a very modern phenomenon. Richard's quest takes him to Saqqara in Egypt and the contested tomb of two men, Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum. Some claim the two men were lovers - others say they were twin brothers. He explores the ideas of the 'sexologists' so crucial to the formation of modern gay identity. And he tells the story of Anne Lister, a 19th century Yorkshirewoman who had same sex relationships - but can we actually label her a lesbian? Producer: Laurence Grissell.