Remembering Paul O'Grady: A Trailblazing Hero.
Paul O'Grady, who has died at the age of 67, became a star for his comedy and presenting - not to mention his love of dogs. But one pre-fame story shows his role in fighting for LGBT rights. O'Grady was preparing to go on stage as his drag alter ego Lily Savage at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in south London one Saturday night in January 1987, when a police officer burst into his dressing room. The raid sparked a backlash from the LGBT community and landlords of other gay pubs, while the Campaign for Homosexual Equality wrote to the home secretary to say they were worried "that some officers of the Metropolitan Police are embarking on a deliberate policy of harassment of gay pubs".
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- 'He Was A Trailblazer!' - Sharon Osbourne Pays Tribute To Friend Paul O'Grady TalkTV
- Paul O’Grady faced down Tory austerity, homophobia and shame – he was a true hero The Guardian
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