Summary
This edition of the Pittsburgh Gay News, published on September 7, 1974, covers a range of topics relevant to the LGBTQ+ community, from local Pittsburgh news to national developments.Key themes include:
- Political and Legal Reforms:
- Pennsylvania Governor’s Race: Republican candidate Drew Lewis expressed support for gay rights in a letter to activist Harry Langhorne, advocating against discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment, and criminal liability based on sexual preference. Governor Shapp, the Democratic candidate, is also expected to release a policy statement on gay rights.
- Federal Legislation: Representative Bella Abzug (D-New York) introduced HR-14752 in Congress, a bill to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include “marital status” and “sexual orientation” as protected categories.
- Pittsburgh City Council: Gay Alternatives Pittsburgh (GAP) has requested that the Pittsburgh Human Relations Ordinance be amended to include “sexual orientation” as a protected status, and that the “Immoral Solicitation” ordinance be repealed. A public hearing is anticipated.
- Community and Social Issues:
- Child Custody Battle: Larraine Townend, an openly lesbian mother in Kent, Ohio, is fighting her husband’s divorce suit, which charges her as an “unfit” mother due to her sexual orientation. A legal defense fund has been established for her.
- Gay Community Center: A Gay Community Center Strategy Committee (GCCSC) is working to establish a community center in Pittsburgh, with financial contributions being sought.
- Telephone Listings: The Pittsburgh Gay News and GAP successfully obtained telephone listings in the 1974-75 white and yellow pages directories without issue, a contrast to difficulties faced by gay organizations in other cities and Persad Center previously.
- Police Harassment: An editorial and a GAP notice address police harassment of “street people” in downtown Pittsburgh, urging individuals to report incidents to GAP.
- VD Epidemic and Inadequate Treatment: An editorial highlights the higher rate of venereal disease among gay men, attributing it to inadequate testing procedures by medical professionals who often assume patients are heterosexual. It calls for comprehensive testing for all patients, including oral and anal cultures.
- Media and Outreach:
- PGN Independence and Expansion: The Pittsburgh Gay News and GAP have separated, with PGN becoming an independent non-profit corporation. PGN is moving to a monthly publishing schedule and plans to expand with a Cleveland-Akron edition.
- Gay Radio Show “Lambda”: The weekly gay radio show on WYEP-FM is facing scheduling difficulties, with station administrators attempting to move it from its prime-time slot. A listener survey is included to gather feedback and support.
- Pittsburgh Press Ad Policy Change: The Pittsburgh Press published a classified ad for a “GAY MALE” roommate, indicating a reversal of its previous policy of refusing such ads.
- Personal Experiences and Opinions:
- Reader Survey Results: A survey of PGN readers reveals demographics, relationship statuses, living arrangements, and political affiliations, challenging some myths while confirming others (e.g., 78% identify as gay, 59% disguise their sexual orientation from some groups, 74% are liberal).
- “Pro & Con” Debate: This issue features a debate on whether gay women and men should work together for equal rights. Toni Ditta argues for unity, while Judyth Anne Taylor advocates for lesbian separatism, citing male chauvinism within the gay liberation movement.
- Counseling Advice: James Huggins of Persad Center Inc. discusses the advantages and disadvantages of gay and straight counselors, emphasizing the importance of a counselor’s comfort with their own and the client’s sexuality, awareness of biases, and a non-judgmental approach.
- Advertisements and Events:
- Advertisements include “Burgundy U. New Gay Resort” in Delmont, PA, David’s Lounge in Steubenville, Ohio, Genesis Organic Haircare Center, Flo’s Records, Orr’s Flowers, Rodi’s Waterbeds, Pittsburgh Fono Service, The Garden of Eden (houseplants), Jay Dantry’s Book Stall, and The Waterfalls Restaurant and Lounge.
- Upcoming events include a “Theatre Carnival” by the Pittsburgh Drama League and a “Happy Hour” and “Membership Party” at the Norreh Social Club.
The issue reflects a community actively organizing, advocating for rights, and navigating social challenges, while also fostering internal discussions and providing resources.