Summary
This inaugural issue of the Gay Alternatives Pittsburgh Newsletter (which would become in just a few issues Pittsburgh Gay News) is dated March 10, 1973, and introduced Gay Alternatives Pittsburgh (GAP), outlining the reasons behind the gay liberation movement.Key highlights from the newsletter include:
- Editorial: “Why Gay Liberation?” Fred Gormley’s editorial discusses the societal prejudices and stereotypes faced by gay individuals and emphasizes the necessity of the gay liberation movement to advocate for legal and attitudinal changes.
- Activism and Confrontations:
- National Council of Churches Convention: Members of GAP, Gay Students at Pitt (GSP), and Lesbian-Feminists (L-F) successfully brought the issue of gay liberation to the attention of the National Council of Churches convention in Pittsburgh, leading to articles in local newspapers and a TV news broadcast.
- Pornography Forum and Police Superintendent: GAP, GSP, and L-F members confronted a pornography forum and spoke with Pittsburgh Police Superintendent Robert Colville regarding police oppression of gays.
- GAP’s First Anniversary: GAP is celebrating its one-year anniversary in March 1973, marking a year of significant growth for the gay liberation movement in Pittsburgh, including CR groups, coffeehouses, political action, and media appearances. An anniversary dinner and dance are planned for March 16.
- Community Activities:
- Gay Coffeehouse: A weekly gay coffeehouse is held every Saturday night at the First Unitarian Church in Shadyside, offering a welcoming, non-restrictive meeting place.
- Gay Community Meeting: GAP holds weekly community meetings every Sunday at the First Unitarian Church, encouraging involvement from all interested individuals.
- Educational Outreach:
- Sydney Abbot Report: A colloquy at Chatham College featured Sydney Abbot discussing gay women’s lifestyles, which saw a large turnout and fostered a sense of lesbian pride.
- Speaking Engagements: GAP representatives are actively involved in speaking engagements at various colleges and on TV to educate the public about gay people and dispel stereotypes.
- Upcoming Events and Initiatives:
- Candidate for Judge: Ms. Bernice Hummert, a judicial candidate, attended a GAP meeting to discuss her views on the predicament of gays in court.
- Lesbian Mothers Program: A program focusing on lesbian mothers is scheduled for the March 18 community meeting.
- Liaison with Other Groups: GAP is forming a committee to connect with other friendly organizations like Federated Gays of Pennsylvania, GSP, Persad Center, Lesbian-Feminists, and the Pittsburgh Free Clinic.
- CR Groups: New Consciousness-Raising (CR) groups are being planned for men, women, and mixed groups.
- Gratitude and Involvement: GAP publicly thanks the First Unitarian Church for providing facilities for their activities. The newsletter encourages new volunteers to join GAP, highlighting various standing committees such as Political Action, Social, Publicity, Legal Action, Finance, and Education.
- Newsletter Contributions: This being the first issue, the newsletter solicits contributions for future publications.