It seems like it's been too long since I've seen a show that positively wets itself with joy in celebration of something. TV has been focusing on the negative aspects of the human condition for ages now. We've been told that bad things are more entertaining. Look at Big Brother for example. Channel 4's attempts to keep Charley in have basically shown us that abusive idiots make for better TV in the eyes of programmers. I've been longing for something that would make me beam, and thankfully, How Gay Sex Changed the World (Tuesday, Channel 4, 11.05pm) came along to cheer us all up.

This marvelous out-and-proud documentary is part of Channel 4's season celebrating the 40th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality... and what a celebration it's turning out to be. Looking mainly at the blokes of the scene, How Gay Sex Changed the World showed how once, gay men would be physically bullied by police, and now, are free to do as they please. Sometimes, that means being gloriously camp, more importantly, it means gay men are free to have a kiss and a cuddle in public.

As with any documentary on a repressed/oppressed section of society, it was wonderful to see the participants sharing their thoughts on the way they lived their lives, and the way in which the world became a better, more tolerable place. The UK has seen a massive revolution in attitudes with a downturn in racism and homophobia. Of course, that's not to say there is still work to be done, but by and large, most people have a brain these days, and are happy to meet nice people without trying to work out which way they swing or what religious leanings they have.

This documentary didn't really offer anything hard to swallow, nor indeed could you have described it as hard hitting, but that's not the point. This programme basically provided the viewer with an enjoyable look a gay-life in Britain with some very touching, and sometimes hilarious, anecdotes from those that lived through it.

There were engaging contributors from the always charming Simon Callow, interesting glances Matthew Parris and a joyfully camp and plumby Brian Sewell recounting tales for gay men meeting in the V&A and pursing his theatrical lips with devilish glee. In fact, the finest quote of the show came from the nation's fave art critic when he told us that "I never came out... but I have slowly emerged."

I'm not entirely sure that gay sex changed the world, but the acceptance of homosexuality has certainly made the world a finer place to be. With gays, and the gays scene, Britain has been provided with many earth shattering cultural movements. The acid house boom of the early nineties would have been nothing if it wasn't for the gay community. A look at the pop careers of Frankie Goes To Hollywood and the militant Jimmy Somerville also serve as perfect reminders of what the gay community provided our ears with.

Watching the old footage of the Pride marches seemed alien now, what with the marches of the '80s being primarily political affairs. Now, the militancy has been relaxed so that now, Pride marches are now festivals of music and fun. Living in Manchester, and having been to a few Pride festivals, it seems impossible that anyone could have ever wanted anything else in the community. Thankfully, we've come a long way from everyone thinking that John Inman was the archetypal gay man, and now, Britain is, for the most part, welcoming the gay community with open arms. A thoroughly enjoyable show of celebration. [Mof Gimmers]