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