Summary
This issue of Pittsburgh Gay News (published November 2, 1974) covers several key topics impacting the gay community:
- Political Progress in Pennsylvania: Governor Milton Shapp of Pennsylvania made significant commitments to gay rights, including supporting a bill to add “sexual orientation” to anti-discrimination protections in housing, education, and employment, and repealing two crimes code statutes selectively enforced against gay individuals. This is contingent on his re-election and a Democratic-controlled legislature. The Pennsylvania Insurance Commission also issued a directive prohibiting bonding companies from discriminating based on sexual orientation.
- Persad Center Funding Crisis: Persad Center, Pittsburgh’s mental health center for sexual minorities, is facing a funding cut from Allegheny County, leading to a political stalemate. County Commissioners William Hunt and Thomas Foerster refused to renew the contract for consultation education services, while Chairman Leonard Staisey remained supportive. The cuts are believed to be politically motivated, with Commissioner Hunt publicly stating his opposition to “homosexuals counseling homosexuals.”
- Gay Community Updates:
- The Gay Community Service Center of Los Angeles received over $1.1 million in grants for various services, including an alcohol recovery program and a VD control clinic.
- An interview with Elaine Noble, a lesbian-feminist running for State Representative in Boston, highlights her campaign for “Dignity for all” and her commitment to fighting discrimination.
- Author Merle Miller spoke in Pittsburgh, emphasizing the importance of gay people coming out to achieve rights and unity.
- The idea for a Gay Community Center in Pittsburgh has been temporarily abandoned due to insufficient interest and funding.
- Pittsburgh’s gay radio program, Lambda, is now broadcast twice weekly on WYEP-FM, and a lesbian coffeehouse is open every Friday at Persad Center.
- The first annual “Mr. Club Pittsburgh” contest is scheduled for November 5 at Moose Lodge #46, with profits intended for a “bail fund” for gay individuals arrested on gay-oriented charges.
- The London Pub is expanding to a second floor, creating the largest gay nightspot in Pittsburgh.
- A new gay supper club, The Fallen Angel, is set to open in downtown Pittsburgh before the Christmas holidays.
- The Norreh Social Club is organizing a charity drive for local orphanages and a home for the aged.
- The Central Blood Bank of Pittsburgh established a “Gay Family Plan” blood insurance program in cooperation with Gay Alternatives Pittsburgh.
- Social and Cultural Issues:
- A report discusses aversion therapy and its application to “curing” homosexuals, advocating for legislation to outlaw such methods.
- A letter to the editor criticizes racism within the gay community, particularly from “upper-middle class white snobs.”
- The “20 Questions About Homosexuality” series continues with a discussion on defining “Who Is a Homosexual?”
- An interview with a “porno scout” named Chuck provides a behind-the-scenes look at the gay adult film industry.
- An editorial encourages support for Governor Shapp’s re-election due to his pro-gay stands.
- A regular column, “Cora’s Cooking Corner,” features a recipe for “Simon and Garfunkle Meatloaf.”
- National Roundup: Briefly mentions gay rights developments in Boston, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Detroit, New York City, Raleigh, N.C., Washington, and Minneapolis.