Peter Tatchell: “I hope I’m still shaking a protest placard in my nineties”

Veteran human‑rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has said he has no plans to slow down, declaring that he hopes to remain on the frontline of protest well into his nineties.

Tatchell, now in his seventies, made the remark during an appearance on A Gay Old Time, the LGBTQ+ podcast hosted by Nigel May. Described by May as “one of the most important figures in the queer community”, Tatchell reflected on more than five decades of activism and the movements that have shaped his life.

Tatchell began campaigning in 1967 and has since become one of the most recognisable and fearless advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, democracy and global justice. From pioneering Pride marches and challenging HIV stigma to helping pave the way for equal marriage, he has been involved in many of the defining battles for queer liberation over recent decades.

Peter Tatchell “I hope I’m still shaking a protest placard in my nineties” - A Gay Old Time

Nigel’s guest today is Peter Tatchell. Peter is quite simply one of the most important figures in the queer community. He has been campaigning for human rights, democracy, LGBT+ freedom and global justice since 1967. Fearless in his protests, Peter has been responsible for being part of some of the most pivotal and beneficial changes the queer community has seen in recent times. Introducing Prides, fighting HIV stigma, the legalisation of same-sex marriage…the list goes on and Peter, now in his seventies, has no intention of stopping his fight any time soon. He is a true icon.This series is…

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Despite years of high‑profile protests, arrests and global campaigning, Tatchell shows no sign of retreating from public activism. “I hope I’m still shaking a protest placard in my nineties,” he said, emphasising that the fight for equality and human rights “is far from over”.

A Gay Old Time, which celebrates queer lives across generations, features weekly conversations with guests from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Each episode offers personal stories of resilience, identity and humour. May describes the series as a tribute to a community that “inspires, aspires and always entertains”.

The podcast is available on major platforms.