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Gay Life Pittsburgh #2 March 1977

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Summary

The March 1977 issue of Gay Life Pittsburgh includes:

Local News & Events:
- “Lavender Ltd.” Fraud Warning: An advertisement for a “resort” in Delmont, PA, called “Lavender Ltd.” is identified as a potential scam targeting gays, charging an exorbitant $40 membership fee for a facility that previously defrauded gay members as “Burgundy U.”
- “Bosom Buddies, Book Two”: After a successful run in February, the musical comedy will return to the Home Circle Club on March 25-27.
- Persad Center’s “Bizarre Bazaar”: A benefit rummage sale for Persad Center, Inc., is planned for May in Shadyside, seeking volunteers and donations.
- Venture Inn Anniversary: The Venture Inn will celebrate its second anniversary on April 5 with festivities.
- Schume’s Liberty Baths Correction: An error in the previous issue regarding their hours is corrected; they are open 22 hours a day, except Mondays.
- “Miss Pittsburgh Beauty and Talent Pageant”: The first annual pageant for female impersonators will be held on March 19 at the Allegheny Social Club, with audience voting determining the winner.
- Metropolitan Community Church Chartered: The Metropolitan Community Church of Pittsburgh was officially chartered on February 20, with Clifford Turpin and Frank W. Scott installed as spiritual leaders.
- Norreh Social Club Academy Awards Party: A party and contest for the Academy Awards will be held on March 28, with a portable TV awarded to the winner.
- Local TV Appearance: Frank W. Scott and Clifford Turpin of the Metropolitan Community Church will discuss the local gay church on Channel 4 on March 6.
- “C.B. Savage” Record: A country/western song with homophobic content is criticized for its mockery of gay men.
- Upcoming Charity Drive: Plans are in the early stages for a major Pittsburgh gay charity drive in the Fall.
- Christopher Isherwood Review: A review of Christopher Isherwood’s autobiographical book Christopher and His Kind: 1929-1939.
- Milton Susman on KDKA-TV: Pittsburgh lawyer Milton Susman offered a strongly pro-gay view as a guest editorialist on KDKA-TV, discussing the challenges faced by gay individuals.
National Briefs:
- Miami Gay Rights Ordinance: Miami’s Metro Commission passed a gay rights ordinance banning discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations, despite protests from Anita Bryant. A recall referendum is anticipated.
- National Gay Civil Rights Bill: Rep. Ed Koch (D-N.Y.) introduced H.R. 451 in Congress, which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include “affectional or sexual preference” as a protected class.
- Yale Gay Student Group Fire: Offices of Yale University’s gay student group were destroyed by a fire of “suspicious origin.”
- Episcopal Bishop Honors Gay Group: The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan celebrated liturgy with Integrity/Detroit, an Episcopal gay caucus.
- Penicillin-Resistant Gonorrhea: The Center for Disease Control reported that a new strain of penicillin-resistant gonorrhea is threatening VD control efforts, with many victims reportedly gay.
- Gays in the White House: For the first time, a top-level White House official, Margaret Costanza, met with representatives of the National Gay Task Force to discuss discrimination against lesbians and gay men.
Entertainment:
- Manhattan Transfer Feature: The musical group The Manhattan Transfer is highlighted, noting their definite gay following and upcoming performances at Monroeville’s Holiday House from March 11-19.
- “Christopher Street Blues” Film: A “skinflick” called “Christopher Street Blues” is coming to Pittsburgh’s Big Apple Top Theatre.
- “Rocky” Film: The movie “Rocky” is playing at the Chatham and Showcase, noted for “good beefcake shots” and a moving message.
Advertisements & Listings:
- Listings for lounges, discos, bathhouses, and gay-friendly establishments in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, including the Allegheny Social Club, House of Tilden, Norreh Social Club, Venture Inn, and Schume’s Liberty Baths.
- “Male Matematcher” classifieds for individuals seeking companionship and relationships.
- Advertisements for services like Le Grand Escort Service, Boulevard Book Store (all-male movies and books), Printing Plus, Leather Forever (T-shirts), Dignity/Pittsburgh (gay Catholics), and various “Especially for YOU!” offerings from Acculturation International (nude photos, pen pals).

The issue emphasizes the growing gay community and activism in Pittsburgh and nationally in March 1977, alongside social and entertainment events.

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