00:00 Edwin Morgan [EM] born 27 April 1920 in Glasgow. Father clerk in Iron and Steel Works, mother typist in same firm. Reception of EM’s work following the 1990 interview with Christopher Whyte and the question of apprehension about coming out. EM explains muted reaction in literary world, some had guessed, some were surprised. Mentions one strong reaction from someone unsympathetic to homosexuality for whom the love poems were ‘spoiled’. EM felt some guilt hadn’t been more open in 60s when very much in love but wrote in coded way. 1990 aged seventy, needed to be truthful about his sexuality. Talks about context of Christopher Whyte interview in which he came out.

06:04 EM not sure how far he would say he was a part of the gay community: writer is solitary by nature. Enjoys contributing with poetry readings/talks at Dixon Street [LGBT Centre]. About expectations on him after coming out, how he has dealt with them. Was able to be more open, e.g. about things that were physically sexual. It’s like waving a flag to the gay community: here we are. Irrespective of subject matter, important thing was that it would be a good poem. About the power in concealment, gives example of poem ‘Glasgow Green’, which became standard school text. About positives in ambiguity, still enjoys writing obliquely. Sees his poem about Edith Piaf [‘Je ne regrette rien’] as a gay poem about a gay icon.

14:10 Impact of American poet Hart Crane. When fifteen/sixteen EM had a Latin and piano tutor who was possibly gay. Their discussions often centred on gay writers: Proust, Lorca. EM’s father described the tutor as an ‘awful jessie’, more an amused reaction than critical. Story of going to tea rooms in Glasgow with mother and aunt, noticing one lesbian dressed like a man, aunt commenting she always felt sorry for people like that, so EM’s first image of lesbian was of being sad.

20:58 Felt different at school, at 12 or 13, but homosexuality so little discussed, so had no help. Had strong crushes on other boys of same age. Was aware of possibility of loneliness as a problem. Went to university at 17, then could talk more openly. Close friend Frank at university was heterosexual. Being rebuffed is hurtful, so try to avoid it.

25:20 Army was very liberating: intense friendships. Describes first physical relationship with man during wartime when serving in medical corps, passionate affair, took great risks: danger of court martial. Very physical, not love. True love later in 60s with John. Defines what he means by love.

28:43 Explains common labels for gays in 60s: pansy or queer. Didn’t apply such

terms to himself or his character, despite a sense of difference and non-heterosexual experiences. EM’s slow process of awareness and acceptance. When he returned to university after the war, he was aware of other gay students and lecturers, but was never a great joiner of groups, and just went his own way. Going his own way meant that he didn’t always have the vocabulary: he did what he wanted to do without defining it. ‘It doesn’t worry me now, whatever people call me. I don’t mind at all, but I think that it probably is a fact that there’s no 100% in these matters: everyone is partly this and partly that.’ Mentions fact that many Glaswegian men have homosexual experiences without necessarily having gay identity. Example of relationship with G, happily married man with children: relationship with EM helped him maintain married life.