Blood on the Dance Floor

6. Take Back the City

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Episode notes

This is the untold story of his life and murder. A story of both love and eventually betrayal. Presenter Jordan Dunbar grew up in the city, he was a comedian and drag performer on the Belfast scene and yet this murder and Darren's life was never talked about. As a child of the ceasefire, his knowledge of LGBT life in Northern Ireland all came after the Good Friday Agreement. His history was based on the Loyalist and Republican - the Orange or Green versions and the rainbow had never come up. Following Darren's story brings to life the struggle of being gay in The Troubles, how Belfast got its first Pride parade only in 1991 and its very first gay club in 1994 -The Parliament - where Darren was tragically shot dead. It's a community surviving as well as thriving against a backdrop of violence and discrimination. He meets the original drag queens, DJs and club pioneers determined to claim back the city centre from the terrorists and create a safe place of their own. Determined to piece together for the first time how Darren was killed that night and why, Jordan uncovers stories of bigotry, bravery and betrayal. Reporter: Jordan Dunbar Series Producer: Paul Grant Producer: Patrick Kiteley Technical Production and Sound Design: Craig Boardman Journalism Assistants: Tim Fernley and Jordan King Production Manager: Sarah Payton Assistant Commissioner: Lorraine Okuefuna Commissioning Editors: Richard Maddock and Dylan Haskins Editor and Executive Producer: Carl Johnston