The Q Archives are a project of QBurgh.com

Q Archives:
Pittsburgh’s Out #33 December 1979

Explore more of: Pittsburgh's Out

PrevPreviousPittsburgh’s Out #32 November 1979

NextPittsburgh’s Out #34 January 1980Next

Summary

This Out magazine issue from December 1979 covers various topics relevant to the LGBTQ+ community in Pittsburgh and beyond.Key highlights include:

Telephone Helplines Investigation: An article explores the effectiveness of local telephone helplines in assisting troubled young gay individuals, with a focus on how agencies (including Persad Center, Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute, and Karma House) handle such calls. [1, 3, 19, 20]
“Straights” in Gay Bars Debate: The “Street Talk” section asks the question, “Should ‘straights’ be welcomed in gay bars?” and presents varied opinions from individuals like Paul Ellis, Bob, Ken Stiger, Randy Forrester, Richard Meritzer, Wayne Chambers, and Michelle Weber. [1, 3, 6]
Children of Lesbian Mothers: A feature on page 20 discusses children of lesbian mothers sharing their experiences. [1, 3]
Ron Dante Profile: A profile of Ron Dante, Barry Manilow’s co-producer and a one-man entertainment complex, discusses his career shift and new album “Dante’s Inferno,” which includes a track “Fire Island” aimed at a gay audience. [1, 3, 4]
Political Victories: Randy Forrester of The Political Club discusses the success of their endorsed candidates in the November 6 elections, highlighting the growing strength of the feminist and gay vote in Allegheny County. [8]
Mexican War Streets: The article mentions that the Mexican War Streets area in Pittsburgh is transitioning from a slum to prime properties, with many gay people moving into the area and contributing to its restoration. [8]
2001 Discotheque Raid: News reports a raid at 2001 Discotheque’s “Cherchez La Femme Cabaret” for selling alcohol without a license, an event that led to arrests and a temporary closure. [5, 9]
Military Discharge Upgrades: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is helping veterans discharged before 1965 with less than honorable discharges due to “homosexual tendencies” to get their discharges upgraded. [9, 10]
Gay Academic Union Conference: A report on the sixth annual Gay Academic Union conference in Los Angeles, which included workshops on various topics from sociological studies to political strategies for the 1980s. [10]
Pride ’79 Conference: A summary of the Pennsylvania Lesbian/Gay Support Network’s Pride ’79 Conference, featuring workshops, entertainment, and speeches emphasizing coalition forming as a political strategy. [10, 11]
Shopping Guide: Butch Madison provides a holiday shopping guide for Pittsburgh, featuring various gift ideas from erotic candies and leather items to feminist jewelry and unique home decor. [22, 23, 24]
Entertainment Listings: The issue includes event listings and advertisements for local gay bars, baths, and clubs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, featuring performers like Dawn Montgomery and Loleatta Holloway. [2, 5, 9, 11, 12, 15, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29]
Album and Book Reviews: Reviews of Robin Tyler’s album “Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Groom,” Felice Picano’s novel “The Lure,” and Ron Dante’s album “Dante’s Inferno” are included, along with a review of the film “Luna” and a poetry reading by Judy Grahn. [13, 14, 15, 16]
Editorial on Prison Rapes: An editorial in “Outspoken” addresses the media’s misrepresentation of prison rapes as “homosexual rape,” arguing that it is more about power dynamics than sexual orientation and that gay men are rarely the perpetrators. [17]
Reader Feedback: The “Reader’s Turn” section features letters to the editor, including differing opinions on the inclusion of nude photos in the magazine. [17]

PrevPreviousPittsburgh’s Out #32 November 1979

NextPittsburgh’s Out #34 January 1980Next

Explore more of: Pittsburgh's Out

RETURN TO Q ARCHIVES PORTAL