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Pittsburgh’s Out #55 October 1981

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Summary

Note

This issue of Pittsburgh’s Out from October 1981 is the first time that the coming HIV/AIDS crisis would make the cover of the publication.

This issue of Pittsburgh’s Out, published in October 1981, covers:

Key highlights include:

Kinsey Institute Research Cuts: Federal funding for the Kinsey Institute’s homosexuality research has been almost entirely eliminated due to budget cuts, which Congressman Henry Waxman and researchers believe are politically motivated. This ends 30 years of research that underpinned arguments for gay civil and social equality. The latest Kinsey study, which posits homosexuality as an innate predisposition rather than a choice, is expected to be the last by the Institute’s staff under federal funding.
“Gay Cancer” Epidemic: A U.S. task force is monitoring an “epidemic” of deaths among gay men from Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Pneumocystis Pneumonia. Approximately 100 cases have been reported, primarily in previously healthy gay men aged 25-50, with a 30% mortality rate. The cause is unknown, and the task force is prioritizing research into risk factors.
Mr. Pittsburgh Pageant II: The second annual Mr. Pittsburgh Pageant crowned Gene as Mr. Pittsburgh 1981-82, with his lover John as first runner-up. The event, held at Pegasus, also featured performances by Miss Danni (reigning Miss Pittsburgh) and outgoing Mr. Pittsburgh Chris Bazzoli.
Inner Circle Restaurant Opening: Pittsburgh’s first gay-owned and operated full-service restaurant, the Inner Circle, opened on September 11, 1981, offering a buffet, dinner service, and a piano bar.
Legal & Political News:
- Falwell’s Anti-Gay Campaign: National Moral Majority leader Jerry Falwell launched a campaign to repeal Washington D.C.’s recently overturned sodomy law, aiming to re-establish archaic sodomy laws nationwide.
- “Twinkie Defense” Abolished: California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill abolishing the “diminished capacity” legal defense, made infamous in the Dan White trial for the murders of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.
- Lesbian Judge Appointment: California Governor Jerry Brown appointed Mary Morgan as the nation’s first openly lesbian judge to the Municipal Court of San Francisco.
- Mattachine Society Lawsuit: The Mattachine Society of the Niagara Frontier filed a federal lawsuit to prevent the enforcement of New York State loitering laws against homosexuals, arguing it infringes on free speech and assembly rights, especially since consensual sodomy is no longer illegal in the state.
- Gay Rights Advocates (GRA) Director Resigns: Don Knutson, legal director and founder of GRA, resigned from his full-time position but will continue in an “of counsel” role. He expressed disappointment in the lack of support from the gay community for organized liberation movements.
Local Pittsburgh Issues: Gays are joining protests against Port Authority Transit (PAT) cuts to late-night bus service in Allegheny County, which disproportionately affect gays who rely on public transportation to access community bars and clubs.
Opinion & Commentary:
- An editorial, “A coming of age in the Steel City,” reflects on a renewed spirit of unity in Pittsburgh’s gay community following a successful “gay pride week” in September 1981, which included events like the Mr. Pittsburgh Pageant and the Inner Circle opening.
- Albert Alessi’s “Discovering the roots of anti-gay violence” analyzes the societal factors contributing to “queerbashing,” including the complicity of courts, police, media, and psychiatric establishments.
- Brian McNaught’s “An answer to separatism’s backwardness” argues for true liberation beyond separatist divisions, advocating for feminists to also be “masculinists” and for men to be “feminists,” promoting understanding and shared struggle between gay men and women.

The issue also features regular sections such as “Meet Market” for personal ads, “Outguide” for an advertisers’ directory, and “What’s Happening” for a monthly calendar of events.

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