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Gay Life Pittsburgh #12 February 1978

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Summary

This issue of Gay Life Pittsburgh from February 1978 is an anniversary issue, marking one year of publishing. It covers a range of topics relevant to the gay community in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.

“Intelligence Report: Tracking down Anita’s source”: An investigative report on Anita Bryant’s anti-gay campaign, tracing her “information” to the “Christian Family Renewal” group led by Joe Ledbetter, a self-proclaimed “former homosexual.”
“Local Briefs”:
- Dr. Franklin Kameny: A nationally known gay liberationist, credited with coining “Gay Is Good,” will speak at Pittsburgh’s Cinema Follies Club on February 18-19.
- Norreh Social Club Carnival: A carnival on February 9 to benefit the Metropolitan Community Church of Pittsburgh.
- Arena Baths Specials: Semi-annual discount cards and a Midnight Buddy Plan are offered.
- South Seas Free Buffet: A free buffet is available on the third Sunday of each month in Huntington, WV.
- Golden Triangle Picnics: Two picnics are planned for the year, with the first on Memorial Day, May 29.
- Just Jobs Employment Service and Morgan/Keith Associates: New companies in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, offering job placement and vocational counseling, specializing in services to minority and protected groups, including gay men and women.
“National Briefs”:
- Amnesty International: Considering a resolution to define persecution of homosexuals as human rights violations.
- “The Erotic Baker”: A new bakery in New York City specializing in “whimsical fantasy food bordering on the kinky.”
- Navy Gay “War”: A U.S. District Court Judge granted an injunction to stop the Navy from discharging a sailor accused of being gay.
- Worldwide Church of God: Exposed by former adherents for their leaders’ luxurious lifestyle and anti-gay rhetoric.
- Lesbian Custody Win: Lynn Ransom of Oakland, California, won custody of her two children.
- Jury of Peers: Elwood L. Albright in Tampa, FL, charged with robbery, requested a jury of homosexuals.
- Wichita Gay Rights Ordinance: Anti-gay forces are trying to repeal Wichita’s newly enacted gay rights ordinance.
- Ann Landers: Stated she would rather leave her grandchildren with a homosexual than with Anita Bryant.
- Time Survey: A survey on sexual morality revealed that 56% of Americans would vote for legislation guaranteeing civil rights for homosexuals, but only 44% favored them as teachers or ministers.
“Miscellany”:
- Lesbian Seagulls: A university research team found evidence of widespread homosexuality among female seagulls.
- Pitt News Supplement: The University of Pittsburgh student newspaper published a bar guide that factually omitted gay bars but included “in-depth” articles on gay and lesbian bar experiences, which Gay Life criticizes as largely inaccurate and stereotypical for the gay male bar.
- D & J Records: Jim Cancilla, proprietor, is noted as an “oldies” authority.
- Motown Records: Released a 12-inch disco version of “I Was Born This Way” by Carl Bean.
- Aunt Jemima Commercial: A commercial featuring two men at breakfast was not intended to depict a gay couple, but Gay Life notes the lack of outcry from homophobes.
- Foto Fair Ad Campaign: Criticized for featuring Dom DeLuise as the “Foto Fairy,” perceived as a stereotypically effeminate gay male.
- Body Politic Raid: A Canadian gay liberation journal was raided by Ontario’s Morality Squad.
- American Heritage Dictionary: Two-thirds of panelists rejected “Gay” for homosexual as appropriate to formal speech and writing.
“Brian Michaels, Brian Michaels…”: A gossip column covering personal news and events within the local gay community, including mentions of various bars and individuals.
“Faces and Places”: Photos from local gay establishments and events.
“Bazaar”: Classified ads for mail order items, jobs (including models/escorts), roommate searches, gay rights donations, and “Male Matematcher” and “Female Matematcher” personal ads.
“What’s Happening…”: A calendar of regular and special events for February, categorized by day of the week, listing activities at various clubs, baths, and organizations.
“Nightlife and More…”: A directory of bars, clubs, and baths in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, including descriptions and contact information.

The issue also congratulates Jim Austin and Brian Michaels, the publishers, on their five-year publishing anniversary, though it notes that Gay Life itself is celebrating its first anniversary and will soon be looking for a new publisher as they plan to move to Seattle.

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