Graham Norton opens up about living through the Aids epidemic in ‘frightening’ San Francisco as he recalls the death of a ‘very good friend’

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As an ardent fan, I find myself deeply moved by Graham Norton’s heartfelt recollections of the AIDS epidemic and its profound impact on his life and those around him. His experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the fear, loss, and resilience that characterized this dark period in history.

Graham Norton has shared his experiences surviving during the AIDS crisis, a period marked by the tragic loss of a dear companion.

61-year-old BBC presenter shared that he arrived in San Francisco, California, following the city’s decision to shut down all saunas and sex clubs back in the early 1980s.

Talking to Jack Guinness on the Queerphoria podcast, he shared: ‘The fear of Aids had sort of taken over San Francisco.

For some reason, that location seemed far scarier to me than London. Interestingly, upon arriving in London, it gradually became less intimidating.

The Irish talk-show host reminisced about notices in a London gay club that warned against sleeping with individuals who had an American accent.

He also recalled ‘people would just vanish’ from his social circle during the outbreak, but the disappearances really hit closer to home when he lost a ‘very good friend‘.

‘I remember mutual friends sort of sitting me down and telling me Sid was sick,’ Graham said. 

Losing him was a significant setback for me and our small group, as he was the individual who often provoked profound thoughts like, “Wow, that’s amazing!

When the pandemic hit (Covid), it reminded us of a truth – personal responsibility is key. By taking care of ourselves, we are also caring for others.

He continued: ‘No matter how accepting parents are and how much they love you and how much they don’t care that you’re gay and they support you in all your gay relationships, they are being robbed.

‘As parents they had an expectation that they one day might dance at your wedding.

It’s clear that this marriage is wonderful for us, as it allows us to unite. However, it brings joy to everyone who cherishes you, as they get to celebrate a moment many thought would never come true after so many years.

In the month of July, 2022, Graham tied the knot with filmmaker Jonathan McLeod from Scotland, in his native town of West Cork, Ireland.

He announced the news of their marriage the following year, which took his fans by surprise due to the private nature of their relationship.

Graham and Jono got married at Bantry House in Ireland, choosing an Irish wedding specifically because it suited Graham’s mother Rhoda.

The extravagant event took place in his birthplace, the picturesque west Cork, welcoming approximately 120 attendees. It was speculated that music legend Lulu might perform, and the renowned drag queen Panti Bliss provided the music as a DJ.

Later on, the celebrity shared with The Guardian his account of that particular day, humorously implying that the commitment ‘for better or worse, till death do us part’ seemed more feasible at the age of sixty.

In his speech, he shared a humorous comment: “The vows become less daunting.” Saying “for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, as long as we live” feels more attainable at our current stage of life.

If you decide to marry at the age of 23, it’s quite an expectation. After all, we’re looking at spending several decades together. Eventually, though, I’d find myself moving on.

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2024-10-03 13:48