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Pittsburgh’s Out #43 October 1980

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Summary

This issue of Out magazine, from October 1980, features a special focus on gay youth.

Gay Youth in 1980: An article by Jim Austin highlights the increasing resources available for gay youth in Pittsburgh, contrasting it with the limited options of a decade prior. Organizations like the Gay Youth Coalition of Greater Pittsburgh, Gay Supporters at Pitt, Dignity/Pittsburgh, Metropolitan Community Church of Pittsburgh, Persad Center, Coalition for Human Rights, Lesbian and Gay Pride Week Committee, Lesbian/Feminists of Pittsburgh, The Political Club, and Out magazine itself are listed as resources.
Aaron Fricke and Paul Guilbert: Mike Crawmer reports on the “unlikely pair of heroes” who became media celebrities after successfully taking their fight to court to attend their senior prom together. They visited Pittsburgh for an appearance on the Pittsburgh 2-Day show.
First Gay Cuban Refugee in Pittsburgh: Mike Crawmer tells the story of Mario Ochoa, a 28-year-old gay Cuban refugee, and his sponsor Don Greer, in Greensburg, PA. The article details their struggles with bureaucracy, language barriers, and local prejudice.
Carter Campaign Targets Gay Votes: Larry Bush reports on the Carter-Mondale campaign’s new effort to enlist gay support, including the defection of John Anderson’s gay liaison, Robert Wechter, to the Carter team. The goal is to stop Ronald Reagan, who is seen as having ties to the anti-gay New Christian Right.
Matlovich Wins Air Force Battle: Leonard Matlovich, a decorated sergeant discharged for being openly gay in 1975, won his five-year battle for reinstatement in federal court.
INS Policy on Gay Aliens: The Justice Department issued a ruling stating that foreign gays can visit the U.S. if they “stay in the closet” and deny their homosexuality if asked.
“Night at the Baths” Guide: The BC Club Pittsburgh, a gay bathhouse, advertises its membership rates, services (including free confidential VD testing), and operating hours.
“More Notes: this student came out all the way in high school”: Bruce Summers shares his experiences coming out at Cuyahoga Falls High School in Ohio, and the challenges he faced with harassment and closeted gay individuals.
“Passing Notes in Class”: C.R. Dexter, a gay teacher, recounts a confusing experience when a student wrote him a note expressing affection, and his internal struggle to handle the situation ethically and safely.
Other News: Brief articles cover topics such as a gay disco river cruise snafu, the Eromin Center’s gay foster care program, a movie optioned about Harvey Milk, a gay man convicted of murder in a self-defense case in Dallas, an attack by Marines on a DC gay bar, a grant for a gay legal rights booklet in Pennsylvania, and the first gay savings and loan association.

The issue also includes regular sections like “Outspoken” (editorials and reader feedback), “Gallery” (featuring photographer J. Paul Hill), “Lost and Found” (reviewing the Metropolitan Theatre Co.), “Bazaar” (classifieds), and an “Outpoll” asking readers if they would seek a marriage license if same-sex marriage were legal.

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