Section 28 and Me (the b-side edition)

A playful, honest, and heartfelt portrait exploring the legacy of Section 28—legislation that silenced queer voices in schools from 1988 to 2003.

Part performance, part presentation, this b-side edition invites audiences into theatre-maker Tom Marshman’s creative process, as he reflects on making and touring the original show across the UK.

Through storytelling, tea parties, and conversation, Tom asked queer communities: What’s your Section 28 story?  From living rooms to libraries, including a very special gathering in Portland hosted by b-side’s LGBT+side group, he collected powerful intergenerational responses. These voices—funny, raw, and deeply personal—challenge the shame and silence of that era.

In the show, Tom explores how growing up under Section 28 shaped him—as both a show-off and an oversharer. Drawing from his past performances, personal memories, and even his dad’s surprising perspective, he revisits a time of erasure to celebrate queer resilience and visibility.