Gay Life Pittsburgh #9 November 1977

Summary

Joseph Bowden interviews Dave Goodrich, the Pittsburgh music man who wrote the country/western song “(Lord Knows) I Don’t Need Anita.” Goodrich discusses the song’s controversial nature, why a straight group recorded it, and his views on fundamental freedoms and the importance of supporting gay rights against discrimination. (Pages 1, 19, 22, 24)
R.A.G.E. Voter’s Guide: Rapid Action for Gay Equality (RAGE) surveyed Pittsburgh and Allegheny County candidates on gay civil rights issues. The guide highlights responses from mayoral candidates (Richard Caliguiri, Thomas Foerster, Joseph Cosetti, Howard Beck) and City Council candidates, noting their stances on discrimination in housing, employment, sodomy laws, and more. (Page 4, 24)
Fashion: A “Window Dressing” feature by Brian Michaels showcases Fall & Winter Fashions for Men, featuring selections from Critics Choice, Inc. (Page 26)

Local Briefs (Pittsburgh Area):

Autumn Interlude: Christian Lesbians In Action (CLIA) will host a coffeehouse cabaret on November 5. (Page 3)
The Tender Trap: A new gay establishment in Shadyside, opening later in November, promises a unique atmosphere with multiple environments, including a “living room” area and a connection to the downstairs Trap Ease disco. (Pages 3, 6, 17)
‘Starwars’ Disco Concert: 2001’s Cherchez La Femme Cabaret will feature Meco, the disco band, in a “Starwars” themed concert on November 26. (Pages 6, 27)
Thanksgiving Events: The Venture Inn and Norreh Social Club are holding Thanksgiving parties and buffets. The House of Tilden is hosting a “Turkey Give Away” on November 20. (Page 6, 9, 10, 20-21)
MCC Pastor Promoted: Rev. Frank W. Scott, co-Pastor of MCC Pittsburgh, was elected District Coordinator of the new Mid-Atlantic District for Metropolitan Community Churches. (Page 6)
Pitt Backlash: An attempt to establish “National Gay Blue Jeans Day” at the University of Pittsburgh faced opposition from an anti-gay group. (Page 6, 8)
Seeking Bias Cases: The Pennsylvania Council for Sexual Minorities is collecting statements from residents experiencing discrimination based on their sexual minority status to advocate for human rights ordinances. (Page 8-9)
Norreh Social Club: Upcoming events include a carnival to benefit the Little Sisters of the Poor and a Thanksgiving buffet. (Page 3, 10)
Home Circle Club: Celebrating its first anniversary with a bash on November 13. (Page 6, 18)
Club Baths of Pittsburgh: Offering “Cleo’s Continental Breakfast” on weekends and “Dollar Night” on Mondays and Wednesdays. (Pages 2, 6)
Male Stop Adult Bookstore: Running a magazine sale. (Pages 3, 25)

National Briefs:

Shrinks Stand Up: The Association for Humanistic Psychology (AHP) has come out in favor of gay rights, and a survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found many gay member-practitioners. (Page 12)
Biased Yogurt Ad Withdrawn: The Columbo Yogurt Company withdrew an offensive radio ad after protests from the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA) of New York. (Page 12)
‘Torch’: Execute Gays: A white supremacist tabloid, The Torch, published an editorial calling for the execution of homosexuals. (Page 12)
Rev. Troy D. Perry Ends Fast: Perry concluded a 16-day fast for human rights, raising $104,000 to fight an anti-gay initiative in California. (Page 12-13)
Guilt by Association?: The National Committee for Sexual Civil Liberties filed legal action challenging a municipal court regulation that forbids gay defendants from associating with other known homosexuals. (Page 13)

Miscellaneous:

Amateur Gay Athletics: Growing in popularity, with events like a gay softball league vs. cops game in San Francisco and a Western Gay Rodeo in Reno. (Page 14)
“Three’s Company” Actor John Ritter: Discusses his portrayal of a gay character and his desire not to offend the gay community. (Page 14)
Gaymes: A company offering three different board games with gay themes. (Page 14)
Rona Barrett: Denies allegiance to Anita Bryant’s ideology after a gay newspaper report. (Page 14)
The Kentucky Fried Movie: A satirical revue reviewed as intelligent and funny. (Pages 14-15)
Tight Underwear and Cancer: A Danish expert suggests tight underwear might be linked to testicular cancer. (Page 15)
Jim Austin’s Rail Excursions: Gay Life publisher Jim Austin offers free assistance to gay travelers planning rail holidays. (Page 15)
Richard Pryor at “Star Spangled Night for (Gay) Rights”: Pryor criticized the concert for emphasizing gay rights over other human rights. (Page 15)
Warning!: State troopers are reportedly entrapping gay men at a rest stop on I-70 south of Washington, PA. (Page 11)

Listings:

A comprehensive “Nightlife and more…” section lists gay-friendly bars, clubs, baths, and organizations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, along with details on their offerings and operating hours. (Page 39)
A “What’s happening…” section provides a calendar of regular and special events for November. (Page 38)
Advertisements for various businesses and services, including legal services (Berlin, Boas, Isaacson, Logan, Rosenfield, and Sharon), cleaning services, and mail-order products. (Pages 11, 31, 37)

The issue also includes an editorial endorsing Richard Caliguiri for Pittsburgh mayor. (Page 9, 11)