29/07/2018
The hippie movement of the late nineteen sixties was arguably one of the most important social, cultural and political transformations of the twentieth century. It brought together a huge range of alternative political beliefs, counter cultures and practices, many of which had been simmering away for decades under the radar. In just a few short years, it transformed music, art, fashion and perhaps most importantly, the way people viewed themselves. As one veteran of that exciting era has noted, perhaps they didn't change the world immediately, but every time you do a yoga class, or have an aromatherapy massage, or visit a humanistic counsellor, or sign a petition for the environment, or visit your local organic food co-operative, well – all these things stem or were massively reinvigorated from that late sixties high tide for alternative living. Why is this relevant to LGBT people you may ask? Well, many of the institutions of the hippie experience, such as the underground press, pirate radio stations, benefit gigs and consciousness raising groups, were to form a backbone to the gay revolutions that kicked off in 1969 and spread across the globe. And many gay, women's liberation and trans liberation activists cut their teeth through the hippie movements. So, it is noteworthy that BBC Four television have re run their two part series on the hippie counterculture, exploring its long incubation, and its long legacy. The programme is available to rewatch on the I Player.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippie
