Summary
This issue of the Pittsburgh Gay News, dated Saturday, October 13, 1973, covers various topics relevant to the LGBTQ+ community in Pittsburgh, including:
- Persad Center: A prominent article details the Persad Center, Inc., a mental health agency serving sexual minorities. It highlights their unique approach, being the first community-funded agency of its kind in the US, and their non-judgmental counseling. The center faces a financial crisis and may close by November 30, 1973, if additional funding is not secured. They are holding fundraising efforts like a supper-cabaret and a raffle for a tandem bicycle. Persad also sponsors men’s and is planning a women’s consciousness-raising (C-R) group.
- Gay Rights and Politics: Paul Le Blanc, a Socialist Workers Party candidate for mayor of Pittsburgh, publicly supports full civil rights for gay people, a first for the city. He advocates for an end to discrimination in city policy and police harassment.
- Community Activities and Organizations:
- Gay Alternatives Pittsburgh (GAP): This organization is very active, sponsoring a pre-Halloween dance, a supper-cabaret benefit for Persad, and a regular Gay Coffeehouse. They are also compiling results from a survey about establishing a gay community center and are involved in planning a self-defense course for gay individuals.
- Gay Students at Pitt (GSP): An officially recognized on-campus organization, GSP participates in the Open Mind Coffeehouse and recently hosted gay activist Barbara Gittings, who spoke on “Gay Liberation: What Every Heterosexual Should Know.”
- Universal Church of Celebration (UCC): Pittsburgh’s non-denominational gay church has adopted a new flag and is seeking warmer indoor quarters for services as summer ends.
- Media and Resources:
- The Pittsburgh Gay News itself has a new telephone number (731-3412) and is soliciting advertisements.
- A Pittsburgh citizen, Mr. Bernard Boyle, appeared on WIIC-TV with a free speech message about gays taking their rightful place in society.
- Carnegie Library has de-classified gay reading material, making it openly accessible.
- GAP has reprinted “20 Questions About Homosexuality,” a booklet providing answers to common myths.
- Plans are underway for a gay-oriented VD pamphlet, a collaborative effort between GAP, Persad Center, and the Allegheny County Health Dept.
- The Homosexual Counseling Journal is inviting manuscripts.
- Cultural and Social Commentary:
- An article titled “How To Grow A Gay Garden In The City” offers humorous and metaphorical gardening advice for gay men.
- Reviews of the film “The Hireling” and commentary on “Real Gay Music” are included.
- Advertisements for local gay-friendly establishments like Norreh Social Club, David’s Lounge, Penthouse II Theatre, the 1209 Bar, Madeline’s Hideaway Bar, and The House of Tilden are featured.
- Upcoming Events: A “Gay Calendar” lists various meetings, events, and concerts, including a Bette Midler concert and a “Conference On Humansexuality” at the University of Pittsburgh.
The issue emphasizes the growing visibility and organization of the gay community in Pittsburgh, while also highlighting ongoing challenges such as financial stability for support organizations and the need for continued advocacy against prejudice and discrimination.