Summary
This issue of Out magazine, from February 1980, focuses on:
“Discophobia” and the Evolution of Dance Music: A major article explores the “discophobia” phenomenon and the perceived decline of disco music. While anti-disco sentiment, often with racial and homophobic undertones, was strong in other parts of the country (like Chicago’s Comiskey Park riot), Pittsburgh’s disco scene remained vibrant. DJs and radio officials generally agreed that disco wasn’t dying but evolving into “dance music,” incorporating elements of rock and New Wave.
Controversy Surrounding the Movie “Cruising”: Significant attention is given to the highly controversial film “Cruising,” starring Al Pacino, which depicts the murders of gay men. The magazine publishes a condensed version of the script’s third draft and an editorial urging a boycott, fearing the film’s negative and violent portrayal of gay life would incite real-world violence against the community.
Gay Travel and Leisure: A “Gottagetaway” travel supplement provides midwinter vacation ideas for gay individuals. Featured destinations include a tour of gay bars in West Virginia, a guide to Chicago’s gay scene (including hotels, discos, and cruise bars), advice for gay women traveling to the Bahamas (noting a lack of exclusive gay clubs for women), and a detailed look at Hollywood’s “boystown” nightlife.
Gay Rights and Political Action: The “National Convention Project” is highlighted, aiming to increase gay representation at the 1980 Presidential conventions through openly gay delegates and pressure on candidates to support gay civil rights. Senator Edward Kennedy’s pledge to sign an Executive Order banning discrimination against gays and support for a pro-gay rights platform are noted. Locally, Randy Forrester and John Zinsmeister are running as gay delegates for Jerry Brown in Pittsburgh. The Justice Department’s enforcement of a ban on gay aliens entering the U.S. and the National Gay Task Force’s opposition are also discussed.
Local Pittsburgh Gay Community Information: The magazine serves as a vital resource for the tri-state area’s gay community, featuring an entertainment guide, news, and a comprehensive directory of local bars, clubs, baths, bookstores, churches (like MCC), counseling services (Persad Center), discotheques, and organizations. Classifieds (“Bazaar”) for personal connections and services are also included.
Health Concerns: The issue addresses rising syphilis rates among gay males in Allegheny County, urging sexually active gay men to undergo regular testing for gonorrhea and syphilis. The BC Club Pittsburgh offers free testing, and the Pittsburgh Free Clinic is highlighted as a confidential resource.
Cultural Reviews: Reviews cover Gotham’s disco album “Void Where Prohibited” (criticized for monotony), Bob Mackie’s “Dressing for Glamour” (with a lesbian-feminist critique), Pittsburgh Public Theatre’s acclaimed production of Joe Orton’s “Loot,” Edmund Wilson’s “States of Desire” (a “tour de force” on modern urban gay life), and Bette Midler’s “remarkable performance” in “The Rose.” A review of Lucian Truscott IV’s “Dress Gray” uses the novel as a springboard to discuss masculinity within the gay community.
Astrology: A “Starscope” column offers astrological predictions for February 1980, with a playful and often gay-themed tone.