The Q Archives are a project of QBurgh.com

Q Archives:
Pittsburgh’s Out #39 June 1980

Explore more of: Pittsburgh's Out

PrevPreviousPittsburgh’s Out #38 May 1980

NextPittsburgh’s Out #40 July 1980Next

Summary

The June 1980 issue of Pittsburgh’s Out magazine features:

Cover Stories & Features:
- Editor Tim Whitaker Interview: Whitaker discusses his resignation from Pittsburgh magazine, which he believes was largely due to the controversy surrounding their February 1980 issue featuring Randy Forrester and Pittsburgh’s gay community. He talks about the backlash from conservative readers and the management’s lack of support.
- Letters to the Editor (March, April, May 1980): A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reprinting letters from Pittsburgh magazine readers reacting to the controversial gay issue. These letters are a mix of strong condemnation, support, and discussions about homophobia. Randy Forrester also provides a “pointed reply” to the negative letters.
- El Greco Fire: A four-story building housing the El Greco Lounge, a gay institution in Pittsburgh, was destroyed by fire in April 1980, killing three men. While city officials initially attributed it to an incendiary device, they later changed their findings to an electrical short-circuit, leading to accusations of a “fix.”
- Dithridge Street Sweeps: Police in Oakland conducted a crackdown on Dithridge Street, a popular gay cruising area, leading to dozens of arrests on charges like indecent assault and voluntary deviate sexual intercourse. There’s an ongoing effort by the ACLU to challenge these arrests, which some believe were ordered by Mayor Richard Caliguiri under pressure from residents.
- Lesbian-Feminist Style Gay Life: An article explores gay life from a lesbian-feminist perspective, including a critical letter about how lesbian-feminists on the Lesbian & Gay Pride Week Steering Committee are perceived to be alienating much of the gay community in Pittsburgh with their strict guidelines.
- “About Crabs and Other Parasites”: A fictional story by Ralph Ashworth about dealing with crabs.
- Three Rivers Arts Festival: An announcement about the expanded festival taking place June 6-15.
- Men’s Liberation: An article titled “Liberating the American male” discussing the goals of Pittsburgh’s Men’s Collective.
News & Departments:
- National News: Coverage of David McReynolds, an openly gay civil activist, running for president on the Socialist Party ticket; gay students fighting to bring same-sex dates to prom in Rhode Island; a gay real estate broker building a referral network; rule changes benefiting vets discharged for homosexuality; and ABC’s Adam and Yves program unaffected by anti-gay pressures.
- Local News: Persad Center receiving the Kluth Award for its work with sexual minorities; Anita Bryant’s appearance in Pittsburgh drawing protests; and the Governor’s Council for Sexual Minorities getting a new lease.
- Political Club Assessment: Randy Forrester discusses the primary election wins and losses for candidates endorsed by The Political Club, Pittsburgh’s gay political endorsement organization.
- Other Sections: Bazaar (classifieds), Coupon page, Doing America, Faces and places, The family zoo, Gallery, Gay Life, Lost and found, Out and about, Outbursts, Outfront, Outguide, Outrageous, Outspoken, Readers’ turn.
Advertisements: Include ads for Club Baths, Amtrak’s “The Pennsylvanian” train service, Berlin, Boas, Isaacson, and Logan law firm (experienced in gay rights), and In Touch For Men magazine.

The issue highlights the struggles and progress of the gay community in Pittsburgh and nationally in 1980, covering topics like police harassment, political activism, media representation, and the fight for acceptance.

PrevPreviousPittsburgh’s Out #38 May 1980

NextPittsburgh’s Out #40 July 1980Next

Explore more of: Pittsburgh's Out

RETURN TO Q ARCHIVES PORTAL