Summary
This Pittsburgh Gay News issue from April 13, 1974, reports on several significant events and topics affecting the gay community in Pittsburgh and nationally.
- Pennsylvania Crime Commission Report: A major highlight is the Crime Commission’s recommendation for a review of “victimless” crime statutes, including anti-gay laws. The report suggests that current policies regulating consensual sexual conduct are ineffective, wasteful, and contribute to corruption within law enforcement. Roger Arner, Director of Intelligence for the Crime Commission, clarified that the recommendation is for a review, not necessarily an immediate change in law, emphasizing the goal of minimizing corruption.
- Arena Baths Fire: Two residents died in a fire that destroyed the predominantly gay Arena Health Club Steam Bath on March 12, causing an estimated $40,000 in damages. The cause was undetermined, but a fireman suggested building code violations and a smoker in bed as possible factors.
- Gay Pride Week Plans: Efforts to plan Pittsburgh’s 1974 Gay Pride Week (tentatively June 17-23) are moving slowly due to low participation. Scheduled events include an educational program by Persad Center, an art exhibit/dinner by the Universal Church of Celebration, a Gay Cabaret, the Gay Trolley Party, and a march to Point Park for a rally.
- Gays at Pitt Festival: Gay Students at Pitt (GSP), Gay Alternatives Pittsburgh (GAP), and the Universal Church of Celebration (UCC) participated in “Pittsburgh-What Is Your Role?” at the Pitt Student Union. Debbie Boyle, GSP president, spoke on rethinking sexuality, and a confrontation occurred between gay students and a gospel choir.
- Gay Prisoner Seminar: Gay Alternatives Pittsburgh (GAP) is sponsoring a seminar on April 27 to address the rights of gay prisoners and how the gay community can assist them. This comes after the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corrections issued a directive prohibiting gay organizations’ mail and publications in prisons.
- Woman Becoming Journal: Pittsburgh’s feminist literary journal, Woman Becoming, features an interview with its staff, discussing feminism, gay liberation, and the magazine’s evolving policy, which now includes manuscripts from men sympathetic to women’s issues.
- “Is ‘gay lib’ hurting ‘gay life’?” Editorial: An editorial explores the tension between the gay liberation movement and the established “gay life” subculture, advocating for mutual respect between activists and those who prefer discretion.
- “Reach Out And Touch” Column: This column offers reflections on personal liberation and provides updates on community events and personal anecdotes, including news about openly gay authors on the bestseller list and the upcoming Living Theatre of NYC in Pittsburgh.
- “The Prison Call” Column: This section provides updates on the “no gay mail” policy in Pennsylvania prisons and features letters from incarcerated gay individuals seeking pen-pals and assistance.
- Advertising and Community Support: The issue features advertisements for local gay-friendly businesses like David’s Lounge in Steubenville, Shawn’s 1209 (a women-owned and oriented bar), Schume’s Liberty Baths, and the Norreh Social Club, with calls for community financial support for Pittsburgh Gay News.
The issue also includes a “Gay Calendar” of events and various viewpoints and personal reflections from readers and contributors.