Gay Life Pittsburgh #10 December 1977

Summary

Local News & Features (Pittsburgh and Surrounding Areas):

Jason McBride Feature: An interview with ex-Pittsburgher Jason McBride, an all-male adult film superstar, who was in town for a promotional tour of his film “Harley’s Angels.” He commented on the “new” gay Pittsburgh, noting it was more socially open but sexually uptight compared to New York.
“Meco” Concert Cancellation: The disco band “Meco” canceled a performance at 2001’s Cherchez La Femme Cabaret, leading 2001’s management to prepare a “five figures” lawsuit for damages due to a more lucrative offer the band received.
Richard Caliguiri Election: The article speculates that gay voters may have swung the mayoral election for Richard Caliguiri due to the small margin of victory and strong gay support for him.
Tender Trap Opening: The “all-new” Tender Trap at 229 S. Highland Ave. in Shadyside opened on November 18, described as a sophisticated new nightspot.
Bar-a-thon for St. Jude’s: Outpost II (Youngstown, Ohio) was holding its second annual Bar-a-thon for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital on December 3, featuring tri-state gay entertainers.
Christmas Eve Caroling: The Norreh Social Club’s annual visit to St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged was scheduled for Christmas Eve.
“Mr. Pittsburgh 1978”: Marv Brezinka of Washington, PA, was chosen as “Mr. Pittsburgh, 1978” at the Cinema Follies Club on October 31.
James Huggins Appointment: James Huggins, a co-founder of Persad Center, Inc., was appointed to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Council for Sexual Minorities.
New Businesses/Renovations: The “Question Mark Lounge” (formerly Club Madrid) in Wheeling, WV, was having its grand opening on December 10. The Greek Downstairs Club in Charleston, WV, was undergoing renovations for a grand unveiling of its new disco on New Year’s Eve.
Holiday Bar Birthday Club: The Holiday Bar was starting a “Birthday Club” in January 1978.

National Briefs:

Gay Teachers’ Rights: The American Psychiatric Association president, Dr. Jack Weinberg, strongly supported the right of homosexuals to teach in public schools, stating that homosexuality does not impair vocational capabilities.
Washington Cinema Follies Fire: A fire at the Cinema Follies, a male adult movie theater in Washington, killed eight and injured six, leading to demands for more fire safety inspections in gay establishments.
Dade County Coalition for Human Rights Report: The coalition spent over $371,000 fighting the anti-gay rights referendum on June 7, with advertising being the largest expense.
“Operation Penis Envy”: A former CIA agent revealed a plan to drop oversized condoms labeled “Made in USA-medium size” over the Soviet Union as psychological warfare.
“Motel on the Mountain” Controversy: A new gay motel in Suffern, NY, faced anti-gay pickets at its opening, with local opponents fearing decreased property values and public displays of affection.
Baptists Nix Sex Changes: Southern Baptist officials voted to ban sex-change operations at their Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
Kids’ Rights: A King County Superior Court judge placed a 15-year-old male runaway in the foster care of a gay man of his own choice, against his parents’ wishes.
“Gay Hijacking”: Thomas Michael Hannan hijacked a Frontier Airlines jet, demanding money and the release of his lover from jail, eventually taking his own life.

Entertainment & Events:

Grace Jones Performance: Grace Jones, voted “Most Promising New Female Vocalist” at the Disco Forum, was scheduled to perform live at 2001’s Cherchez La Femme Cabaret Christmas Party on December 17.
“Gay USA” Film Screening: The “gay film of celebration,” Gay USA, was premiering in Pittsburgh at 2001’s Cherchez La Femme Cabaret on December 10, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Gay Life magazine.
Theatre Express Schedule: The Theatre Express had a busy December with productions of Son of Arlecchino, The Marquis de Sade’s Justine, and The Unlit Corridor-A Horror Story at Calvary United Methodist Church and Chatham College Theatre.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve Parties: Numerous local establishments, including Club Pittsburgh, Venture Inn, Holiday Bar, Paradise Cove, Home Circle Club, David’s (Steubenville), Outpost II (Youngstown), and the Greek Downstairs Club (Charleston, WV), were advertising special events for the holidays.

Regular Features:

“Brian Michaels, Brian Michaels…” Column: A humorous column by Brian Michaels discussing what people want for Christmas.
“What’s happening…” Calendar: A comprehensive listing of regular and special events for December 1977 across various gay and mixed establishments.
Nightlife Directory: A guide to bars, clubs, and baths in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and West Virginia, including Pittsburgh, Erie, State College, Warren, Youngstown, Steubenville, Mansfield, Huntingdon, Charleston, and Parkersburg.
Bazaar: Classified ads section.

The issue also features various advertisements for local businesses, baths, and services, as well as a call for readers to mention Gay Life when patronizing advertisers to support the publication.