Summary
This issue of the Pittsburgh Gay News from January 12, 1974 includes:
- APA Decision: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) ruled that homosexuality would no longer be considered a “mental disorder,” a landmark decision celebrated by local gay leaders like Fred Gormley and Jeff Cole of Gay Alternatives Pittsburgh (GAP). The APA also urged civil protections for gay people.
- National Council of Churches Recognition: Following confrontations by Pittsburgh gay activists in February 1973, the National Council of Churches (NCC) recognized a task force of gay individuals, legitimizing their efforts to educate Christian leaders about gay people.
- Local Media Coverage: KDKA radio aired a 10-part pro-gay documentary series titled “Ready Or Not…Here’s Gay Lib!” in December 1973, written and narrated by John Haidar. KDKA-TV also aired a six-part documentary on gay lifestyles in February 1974, though it received mixed reactions from the local gay community regarding its representation of gay individuals.
- Community Resources: Persad Center, Inc. received welfare approval to receive medical assistance payments for clients and continued to offer various services, including consciousness-raising groups and a gay encounter group. The Gay Coffeehouse, sponsored by GAP, was held weekly at the First Unitarian Church.
- Gay Pride Week 1974: Plans were underway for Pittsburgh’s second annual Gay Pride Week, tentatively scheduled for June 17-23, with discussions for a march, picnic, dance, and other events.
- “Coming Out” Article: Jeff Cole contributed an article exploring the meaning of “coming out” as both self-realization and public openness, emphasizing it as an expansive and unique process for each individual.
- Prisoner Correspondence: A “Prison Cell” column provided a way for gay prisoners to communicate with the outside world, featuring letters from inmates like Harold Reaves and Clifford P. Gaines, who detailed the challenges and loneliness faced by gay individuals in prison.
- Advertisements and Events: The issue features advertisements for local gay-friendly establishments like 1999 Inc., Shawn’s 1209 (a women’s bar), David’s Lounge in Steubenville, Ohio, The House of Tilden, Norreh Social Club, and Liberty Baths. A “Gay Calendar” lists upcoming events, including GAP meetings, Persad Center groups, and a conference on human sexuality at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.