Summary
The June 1, 1974, issue of Pittsburgh Gay News focuses heavily on the upcoming Gay Pride Week (June 17-23, 1974) and other significant developments for the Pittsburgh gay community.
- Gay Pride Week 1974: A detailed four-page pull-out guide outlines nine events, including a cocktail party and awareness workshop at Persad Center, a natural foods buffet and dance sponsored by the Universal Church of Celebration, a Lesbian/Feminist Night at Shawn’s 1209 Bar, a Gay Cabaret, a Gay Electric Trolley Party, a Gay Dance, and culminating in the Gay Pride Week Celebration Parade and a Gay Pride Picnic at South Park. The parade has secured an official city permit this year.
- “Gay Alternatives” Radio Program: A new weekly gay radio program, “Gay Alternatives,” is set to begin on Thursday, June 6, 1974, at 7:30 p.m. on WYEP-FM (91.5 Stereo). Sponsored by Gay Alternatives Pittsburgh (GAP), it is described as the first of its kind in Western Pennsylvania and aims to improve communication within the local gay community.
- Gay Unity Conference: The first annual Pittsburgh Gay Unity Conference, held May 10-11, emphasized the need for a gay community center and revitalized local gay organizations.
- “Gay Zap” Force: A newly formed “Gay Zap Force” confronted candidates for State Legislature and U.S. Congress in Moon Township about gay rights, and later distributed literature at Pittsburgh City Council meetings to push for the inclusion of “sexual orientation” in anti-discrimination statutes.
- American Psychiatric Association Decision: The results of a referendum by the American Psychiatric Association confirmed the removal of homosexuality from its list of “mental disorders,” with 58% of psychiatrists agreeing it is not a mental illness.
- Community Center Idea: Discussions are underway for creating a “Gay Community Center of Pittsburgh” to serve as a central hub for various gay groups and offer a range of services.
- Organizational Updates: Gay Alternatives Pittsburgh (GAP) celebrated its second anniversary, and both GAP and Pittsburgh Gay News have a new phone number: (412) 363-0594.
- Pittsburgh Gay Theatre: The Pittsburgh Gay Theatre is actively working on productions and plans to tour, aiming to be “an authentic voice of liberation.”
- “Tearoom” Crackdown at Pitt: University of Pittsburgh officials are cracking down on sexual activity in men’s restrooms at the Cathedral of Learning due to complaints, with warnings being issued to the gay community.
- Calls for Engagement: The paper urges readers to participate in Gay Pride Week, contribute to the Gay News (financially and through writing), and support gay businesses. There’s also a reader survey included to gather feedback.