Why the Tree is Bent: A queer coming-of-age story under Section 28

by Damian Jay Clay

Love, Sex, Hate, and Bullying whilst growing up in the Thatcher years.Matt grew up gay in the 1980s, in a landscape shaped by political correctness, multiculturalism, and Section 28. When he comes face to face with one of the guys who bullied him and his friends, all those years ago, he's forced to reflect on everything that happened, how much of it was due to the political climate and restrictions to free speech. Remembering those first fumblings with teenage boys—a time of innocence locked inside a condemning society, he wonders what can be done to reduce bigoted views and discrimination, and ensure freedom of speech.A nuance story about how much we've moved on and have not moved on from the past.

88 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2025