The Log Books

What if you could glimpse into LGBTQ+ life from decades ago?
The Log Books is an award-winning history of LGBTQ+ life in Britain as noted by volunteers at the helpline Switchboard. Each episode of this stirring podcast centres around log book entries made by the volunteers who staffed the phones from the charity’s very first day.

Created for

Switchboard - national LGBTQ+ helpline National Lottery Heritage Fund

Recognition

Bronze Winner Audio Production Awards 2020

Comments

“A unique insight into the UK’s changing attitudes to gender identity and sexuality, the issues facing gays and lesbians from the 1970s on—and how we approach such issues today. Immensely moving, this show has moved me to tears more than once.”

Miranda Sawyer, The Guardian, June 27th, 2020

“The Log Books has gained a serious following since it launched last year, so it's good to see it recognised as Best New Podcast by the British Podcast Awards.”

Amelia Heathman, Evening Standard, July 14th, 2020

“This unique and endearing podcast sparks a dialogue about one of Britain’s hidden tales: our LGBT+ history.”

Gareth May, Metro, July 14th, 2020

Credits

The Log Books is produced by Shivani Dave, Adam Zmith and Tash Walker, in partnership with Switchboard, the LGBT+ helpline.

Music by Tom Foskett-Barnes

Artwork by Natalie Doto

Producer headshots by Imogen Forte / @imogenforte

Thanks to:

Stef Dickers and team at the Bishopsgate Institute, where Switchboard’s archive is held

The folks at Acast

Gareth Mitchell at Imperial College London

Peter Zacaroli at West Digital

Content is Queen

The BFI National Archive

MACE, the Media Archive for Central England at the University of Lincoln

The staff and volunteers at Switchboard

And all the contributors who shared their stories

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