Jordan Dunbar - Blood on the Dancefloor: The Murder of Darren Bradshaw and LGBTQIA+ Histories of the Troubles

In this episode Sam and Gareth chat to BBC presenter and documentary maker Jordan Dunbar about his BBC Sounds documentary 'Blood on the Dancefloor' which examined the life and legacy of Darren Bradshaw, a gay RUC officer who was murdered in a Belfast bar in 1997. The discussion explores the complexities of Darren's story, the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Northern Ireland and how the historical context of the Troubles framed lived experiences. Jordan shares his journey of uncovering Darren's narrative, the challenges faced by the gay community, and the importance of telling these often-overlooked stories. The conversation highlights the evolution of LGBTQ+ narratives in Northern Ireland and the ongoing efforts to commemorate and understand the past. This conversation delves into the complexities surrounding the murder of Darren and the subsequent societal and political ramifications. It explores the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, the role of media in shaping narratives, and the emotional toll on those involved in telling these stories. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of conflict and the importance of empathy in understanding diverse experiences.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:01 The Story of Darren Bradshaw
04:21 Exploring the Gay Scene in Belfast
08:13 The Complexity of Darren's Legacy
12:30 The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Narratives
15:52 Challenges of Being Gay in Northern Ireland
19:02 Witnesses and the Aftermath of Darren's Murder
26:11 The Complexity of Investigating Darren's Murder
27:05 Political Fallout and the Peace Process
29:02 Media's Role in Shaping Public Perception
30:59 The Impact of Public Outing on Family
32:25 Dehumanisation in Media Reporting
35:16 The Struggles of the LGBTQ+ Community
37:10 Empathy and Understanding Through Conflict
39:05 Mental Health and Emotional Impact of Storytelling
41:47 Comparative Analysis of Global Conflicts
45:05 Future Projects and Storytelling Aspirations

 

WATCH the BBC Spotlight Documentary here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001xjx6

 

LISTEN to the BBC Sounds Documentary here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0fdqs8p 

 

Want to get early access to new episodes and articles from Shrapnel? Then head across to our Patreon and support us today!