Sunday 21 September was Streets for People day in Brighton. There were lots of free events going on around town: live music, unusual sculptures, strange bicycle-related machines and much more. The day was organised by Brighton & Hove City Council as part of the council’s JourneyOn transport campaign which aims to promote healthier and more active ways of living in our city.

One of these free events was a gay man’s history tour of central Brighton by the city’s very own lesbian, gay and bisexual history group: Brighton Ourstory.

Our guide was Tom, a seedy soldier who seemed to know all the hot spots of the old town. Meticulously researched from court records and local press reports, Tom told us the tales of gentlemen and their man-servants finding pleasure where they could, committing crimes against no-one but becoming victims to blackmailers and street mobs.

Ourstory events are a historically accurate glimpses back into the lives and loves of our sexual ancestors. We were taken by the old law courts, the soldiers barracks and a public convenience; through busy crowds, down side streets and up more than one back alley... Lasting a comfortable hour and a half, Tom satisfied us all.

Brighton Ourstory: www.brightonourstory.co.uk