Gaybase Alpha
| Fan Club | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Gaybase Alpha |
| Dates: | 27 September 1999 |
| Founder(s): | Anthony (GBA Commander) |
| Leadership: | |
| Country based in: | Online |
| Focus: | Space: 1999 |
| External Links: | Facebook Group |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Gaybase Alpha is an online group for gay fans of Space: 1999.
Origins
GBA was started after the "Breakaway" convention in September 1999 that commemorated the date around which the series was set. "Anthony" decided that there were clearly enough gay fans of the series to warrant an independent email group. He reported that for two years, the group had enjoyed steady growth, with an estimated target of 300+ members.[1]
He was unable to discern why there were apparently so many gay fans of the series: "(well, really, would straight men appear in pyjama costumes from the series?)"[2].
He further explained:
While our content is not "adult", we do ask that all members be at least 18 years old - we occasionally have gotten risque, plus gay issues can be a touchy area - so keeping it 18 or older avoids most problems. We welcome all gay/bi/trans/lesbian fans of Space:1999 - we also welcome heterosexual members who are supportive of gays and gay issues. Right now, our focus is Space:1999 - I've toyed with the idea of opening the membership to include gay fans of all Gerry Anderson shows, but I love Space:1999 the most and want to keep the list focused. It gives it a unique perspective on the series. I don't think there are as many gay fans of other Gerry Anderson series as there are in Space:1999 fandom....though I could be wrong.[3]
Around that time, GBA received wider publicity on the Space1999.org website, where it was stated:
While GBA exists solely to unite gay fans of Space: 1999, it will also serve as a meeting place in cyberspace to discuss all issues affecting its members, including legislation, human rights, love, relationships or any other topics which its members would like to discuss with each other in a group or one-on-one setting.[4]
Today
In more recent years, the group transferred to Facebook, where it stated that:
The original GBA Manifesto states:
"GBA exists to unite gay fans of the TV series Space:1999 in a friendly and supportive environment where such fans can combine their love for the show and their sexual orientation."...The Group will always remain Private. Rauchy [sic] is allowed. You can submit Fan Fiction (yes, that includes Slash AND Porn!), pictures of Sexy Alphans (you can use Face Swap/Deepfake - Use your imagination) --but no Porn pictures or FB will delete the Group Sorry). Imagine a sort of Space1999 Spin Off where the "other side" of things is explored! Set to a Derek Meddings soundtrack and sexy 70's Italian movie style![5]
References
- ^ Anthony, GBA Commander, 'Gay Base Alpha: Uniting Gay Space: 1999 Fans!', Diverse Universe #11, 20 January 2002.
- ^ ibid.
- ^ ibid.
- ^ 'Discussions: Mailing Lists', Space1999.org, circa 1999-2003.
- ^ 'About this Group', [Gaybase Alpha], Facebook.