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Pittsburgh’s Out #46 January 1981

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Summary

This issue of Out magazine published in January 1981 covers:

Fire Destroys Out Offices: The main offices of Out Publishing Co. in East Liberty were destroyed by a five-alarm fire on December 14, with arson suspected. Eight years of publishing history, including back issues of Gay News and Gay Life, were lost. The publication managed to continue on schedule, relocating to Shadyside. (Pages 1, 3, 4, 6)
Rev. Robert Wheatley Profile: A profile of Rev. Robert P. Wheatley, director of the Office of Gay Concerns for the Unitarian-Universalist Association. He publicly acknowledged his homosexuality in 1977 and inspires others by speaking on “On Being Homosexual.” (Page 3)
Grace Jones Cancels Pittsburgh Concerts: Singer Grace Jones canceled three scheduled performances in Pittsburgh at 2001’s Cherchez La Femme Cabaret, leading to a lawsuit from the club. It’s suggested she is trying to broaden her appeal to a “straight” audience. (Pages 1, 7)
Leonard Matlovich Ends Air Force Battle: Former Air Force Sergeant Leonard Matlovich accepted a $160,000 out-of-court settlement from the Air Force, ending his five-year fight against discharge for being homosexual. This decision was seen as a “partial victory” to avoid a potential “total defeat” before a conservative Supreme Court. (Pages 4, 9)
“Lesbian and Gay” vs. “Gay” Debate: An article by Gary Feldman discusses the reasons for including the word “lesbian” when referring to gay community groups and events, highlighting issues of identity and the historical male-centric bias of the term “gay.” (Page 4)
Liberal Backlash to the New Right: An in-depth report discusses the emergence of liberal groups like Interchange, Coalition for Common Sense, and People for the American Way, formed to counter the growing power of the conservative New Right following Ronald Reagan’s election. There’s controversy within the gay community regarding the Coalition for Common Sense’s commitment to gay rights issues. (Pages 1, 5)
Anti-Gay Measure Becomes Law: A “watered-down” version of the McDonald Amendment, which bars Legal Services Corporation funds in cases involving homosexuality, passed Congress. This marks the first time Congress explicitly moved against homosexuals since the McCarthy era. (Page 10)
Lambda Symbol History: An article detailing the history and meaning of the lambda symbol, from its Greek roots (representing balance, unity, freedom, and light) to its adoption as a universal symbol for gay liberation. (Page 11)
Hepatitis: Peril for Gay Men: A health article discusses the higher incidence of hepatitis B among sexually active gay men compared to the general population, explaining the virus types, symptoms, and prevention through good hygiene. (Page 12)
Lesbian Tide Suspends Publication: Lesbian Tide, a prominent lesbian newsmagazine, is folding after nine years due to financial sustainability issues for its staff, though its publisher Jeanne Cordova is considering a new, broader feminist paper for gay men and lesbians. (Page 8)
Housing Rights Upheld for Gay Couple: A Manhattan Housing court ruled that a man could share his apartment with his male partner despite lease stipulations, extending protections against discrimination based on marital status to homosexual couples. (Page 10)
Harvey Milk Film Rights: Lorimar Productions, producers of Cruising, is negotiating for screen rights to a film based on the life of slain San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, with Joel Gray interested in the role. (Page 9)
Gay Charity Drive Success: The annual gay community fundraiser in Pittsburgh, organized by the Norreh Social Club, raised a record $1,182.50 for a home for the poor run by the Little Sisters of the Poor. (Page 9)
Intern Joins Out Staff: T.G. Fiori, a Carnegie-Mellon University student, joins Out as calendar editor and feature writer. (Page 7)

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