TL;DR
- Tom Read Wilson praises Martin Kemp’s Polari skills.
- Polari was a secret gay language used pre-decriminalization.
- Kemp shared insights about LGBTQ culture and history.
- The language is fading but has influenced modern slang.
- Kemp’s conversations revealed his rich experiences.
In a delightful twist of cultural nostalgia, Tom Read Wilson recently gushed about his I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! co-star Martin Kemp, revealing that the Spandau Ballet heartthrob can speak Polari, the iconic gay slang that once served as a lifeline for LGBTQ individuals navigating a world of oppression.
Wilson, known for his charming wit and sharp observations, shared his admiration during an episode of the We Need To Talk podcast. “Oh my God, Martin is fascinating!” he exclaimed. The revelation that Kemp could converse in Polari—a language that flourished in the shadows before the decriminalization of homosexuality in the UK—left Wilson in awe.
“He can speak Polari, and Polari was a secret gay language, pre-decriminalisation of homosexuality. People could speak it so that, mainly, if Hilda Handcuffs, which was what they’d call the law, were around to go under the radar and still say what they’d like to say,” Wilson explained, shedding light on the historical significance of this unique dialect.
During their time in the jungle, Kemp reportedly told Wilson the phrase “bona lallies,” which translates to “great legs” in Polari. Wilson was taken aback: “You don’t speak Polari?” to which Kemp replied, “Yes, in fact I wrote a thriller, and one of my characters only spoke Polari.” Talk about a literary twist!
Kemp’s love for Polari stems from his childhood, where he was influenced by the likes of Kenneth Williams and Hugh Paddick, who often used the language on the classic radio show Round the Horne. “We’d listen every Sunday,” Kemp reminisced, linking his early experiences with the rich tapestry of LGBTQ culture.
But Kemp didn’t just stop at sharing his linguistic prowess; he also delved into the socio-political context of his youth. He pointed out that the decriminalization of homosexuality in England and Wales in 1967 coincided with the rise of the New Romantics movement a decade later. “We’d go to a club called Blitz where there was no gender, there was no orientation,” he shared, reflecting on a time when identity was fluid and artistic expression was celebrated.
Wilson was clearly enamored by Kemp’s depth of thought and experience. “I thought, what a special man. We had so many conversations about his life, and those revelations in his life, as they happened, and how they always happen, happening at the same time as the arts, and there was therefore a movement. I loved him, oh my goodness,” he said, capturing the essence of their bond.
Polari, which included colorful terms like “bona” (good) and “lally” (legs), was more than just a playful lexicon; it was a means of survival for many in the LGBTQ community. Although its use has dwindled since the late 1960s, its legacy lives on in the very fabric of modern slang. Words like “naff” have transitioned from Polari to mainstream vernacular, albeit with a shift in meaning.
As we celebrate the rich history of LGBTQ language and culture, Kemp’s ability to speak Polari is a reminder of the resilience and creativity of a community that has always found ways to express itself, even in the face of adversity. So here’s to Martin Kemp and his fabulous linguistic skills—may they inspire a new generation to embrace their heritage and continue the conversation!