Michael Cashman
Michael was born in the East End of London and through mishap and luck went on to star in Oliver at the age of 12 in London’s West End. He left full time education soon after.
His successful career in films and television lead him on to become infamous as the man who delivered the first gay kiss on British television. While starring in EastEnders for three years as Colin, he took up the tabloid and right-wing challenges in the Thatcher years and campaigned against the stigma of AIDS and HIV, and the anti-lesbian and gay law section 28. He became founder and chair of the LGBT equality group Stonewall. Michael’s love of acting gave way to his pursuit of equality and Civil Liberties and he was elected to the European Parliament, as well as the Labour Party National Executive, where he achieved many notable successes.
He stepped down from elected politics in 2014, was awarded the CBE, became Labour’s LGBT Global envoy and was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Cashman of Limehouse in 2014, where he still champions and defends equality in the UK and beyond. His partner and husband of 31 years died four days before he entered the House of Lords.
Michael Cashman’s memoir, One of Them, recounts his life working on EastEnders to his days in Parliament, and finding love in between. One of Them was published by Bloomsbury in February 2020. It was shortlisted for the RSL Christopher Bland Prize in May 2021.
Awards include: Special service Award from the American Association of Physicians for Human Rights, Honorary Doctorate from Staffordshire University: Commander of British Empire (CBE). Lifetime Achievement Award, European Diversity Awards, Pink News Awards 2014, Stonewall Politician of the Year 2014, Honorary Freedom of the City of London 2016, Honorary Life Membership from British Equity 2017.