Summary
This issue of the Pittsburgh Gay News (Number Sixteen, published Saturday, December 7, 1974, with a circulation of 7,000) covers several key topics for the gay community.Key Articles and News:
- Persad Center faces shutdown: The lead story highlights that Persad Center, Inc.’s Consultation Education Program is in danger of closing due to a lack of renewed funding from Allegheny County Commissioners. Despite widespread protest, only two commissioners oppose the funding. The Center is appealing for volunteers for a public protest and for donations (estimated at $8,000-$10,000) to pursue a court case, which they believe could set a precedent for gay persons’ right to mental health care in Pennsylvania.
- Gay-backed candidates win: The general election on November 5, 1974, saw success for candidates supporting gay rights. Pennsylvania Governor Milton Shapp, who announced support for gay rights reforms, was re-elected. Democrats also gained control of the House and strengthened their control of the Senate in Pennsylvania. Nationally, more pro-gay elected officials will be taking office than ever before. Elaine Noble made history by winning election to the Massachusetts state legislature, becoming the first openly gay candidate to win a major office.
- PGN to be sold, new features planned: Starting with the January 4, 1975, issue, the Pittsburgh Gay News will cost 35 cents per copy, moving from a free to a sold publication. This change is to generate income and ensure the paper’s long-term viability as a non-profit corporation. Future plans include expanding editorial content, using color, and publishing a 1975 Gay Guide supplement. The PGN also hopes to establish a permanent walk-in office and production facility that could serve as a temporary community center.
- Supreme Court refuses Acanfora case: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case of Joseph Acanfora, a student teacher at Penn State who was ousted after his affiliation with Homophiles of Pennsylvania State (HOPS) became public. While the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals had previously ruled that homosexuality was not sufficient reason for dismissal, it upheld his ousting because he had not listed an earlier gay group association on his application.
- Date-match service launched: Banner Gay-Guy Date-Match, a discreet and guaranteed service for gay men in the tri-state area, has been launched. For a one-time fee of $25, applicants receive a comprehensive questionnaire and are guaranteed at least five compatible matches within 60 days.
- GAA Firehouse looted and burned: The Gay Activists Alliance of New York’s headquarters in Greenwich Village was ransacked and burned on October 15, 1974. Over $5,000 worth of equipment was stolen, and officials believe the fire was deliberately set to cover up a robbery.
- Pittsburgh Catholic refuses Dignity ad: The Pittsburgh Catholic newspaper refused to publish a small want ad from Dignity/Pittsburgh, a local chapter of a national gay Catholic organization, announcing its formation and a meeting.
- Gay Community Center opens in Ohio: A new Gay Community Center opened on October 20, 1974, in Kent, Ohio, aiming to unify the Kent-Akron area gay community.
Regular Features:
- Community Calendar: A full-page calendar lists daily events for December 1974 and early January 1975, including social gatherings, meetings (GAP, GSP, Dignity), and events at local venues like London Pub and Norreh Social Club.
- Lambda Radio: Pittsburgh’s gay radio program, Lambda, is now broadcast twice weekly on WYEP FM, 91.5.
- “How Is a Person’s Sexual Orientation Determined?”: This installment of the “20 Questions About Homosexuality” series discusses scientific perspectives on sexual orientation, largely rejecting individual choice or fixed biological factors, and critiquing past research biases.
- Guide to buying gay books: Jay’s Book Stall at 3604 Fifth Avenue in Oakland is highlighted as a local bookstore that prominently stocks gay and women’s liberation books, unlike other local bookstores that categorize them under “psychology” or avoid them.
- Health Department info on “scabies” and head lice: The Allegheny County Health Department has reported outbreaks of these infections and provides recommendations for treatment.
- “The Prison Cell”: This section seeks book donations for gay prison residents and provides pen pal contact information for several incarcerated gay men.
Other News and Mentions:
- The Central Blood Bank has appealed to Gay Alternatives Pittsburgh (GAP) for blood donors due to critically low supplies.
- NBC executives conceded but then reneged on a promise to cancel a lesbian-oriented Police Woman episode after protests from the National Gay Task Force (NGTF).
- Father Daniel Berrigan, a Jesuit priest and activist, publicly supported the gay movement’s struggle for civil rights.
- The Eromin Center, a non-profit counseling clinic for sexual minorities in Philadelphia, received a $5,000 grant.
- The Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Welfare are preparing a new gay venereal disease pamphlet.
- Dignity/Pittsburgh received a $1,000 discretionary grant from the Falk Foundation.
- Dennis McTigue was crowned the first “Mr. Club Pittsburgh” and will compete nationally.
- An NAACP representative spoke at a GAP meeting, urging cooperation between oppressed groups.