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Pittsburgh’s Out #56 November 1981

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Summary

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

Key highlights include:

An in-depth report on the possibilities for gay programming on Pittsburgh’s new Warner cable system, including examples from other cities like New York and San Diego.
A profile of John Hose, known as “Papa John,” a United Church of Christ minister who came out in 1947 and now travels the country conducting “spiritual renewals” and advocating for gay unity and self-acceptance.
An editorial responding to syndicated columnist Pete Hamill’s criticisms of gays, particularly regarding promiscuity and an “obsession with surfaces”.
News from the Gay Community Center, announcing an open house on November 18 and appealing for volunteers for various roles such as operations staff, library committee, mailing list maintenance, supplies, publicity, newsletter, and fundraising.
An article about the newly formed “Pittsburgh Academy of Female Impersonators and Friends,” detailing their goals including providing entertainment and training new performers.
A report on the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote to overturn Washington, D.C.’s sex law reform, seen as a significant blow to the city’s home rule and a setback for the gay community, with details on how Western and Central Pennsylvania congressmen voted.
An interview with Edwin Meese III, Counselor to President Reagan, discussing federal employment rights for gays. Meese indicated the administration would not support new federal legislation on the matter, but left the door open for reconsideration if “some new situation” arises.
Information on a gay rights bill introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Paul E. Tsongas, seeking to amend the 1964 Federal Civil Rights Act to prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.
A report on the National Gay Task Force’s campaign against the “Family Protection Act” and the radical Right, with statements from congressional members and researchers on homosexuality.
Coverage of gays joining the AFL-CIO sponsored Solidarity Day rally in Washington, D.C., to protest Reagan administration policies, including an amicable encounter between ironworkers and gay rights pickets.
An article on the one-year aftermath of the Navy’s “witchhunt” against eight sailors on the USS Norton Sound accused of lesbianism, and their struggles to rebuild their lives.
A write-in campaign by Joshua Moore, Cincinnati’s first openly gay candidate for city council.
The ONE Institute Graduate School of Homophile Studies in Los Angeles securing authorization to offer master’s and Ph.D. degrees in gay studies.
A summary of disagreements between the Toronto police department and the city’s gay community, despite recommendations for reform from a city council-commissioned report.
A photo spread titled “Other Times, Other Styles” featuring fashion from the 1920s and 1940s, inspired by Pittsburgh events.
A piece on “Softball fever” hitting gay Pittsburgh, with Canadian teams playing exhibition games and plans for a Pittsburgh league.
An article about Glenn Morris (writing as Mike Crawmer) stepping down as managing editor of Out after two years, reflecting on his experiences, including a fire that destroyed the Out offices.
A personal commentary by Brian McNaught on the importance of gay history and heritage, highlighting figures like Barbara Gittings, Kay Tobin, and Frank Kameny.

The issue also includes regular departments like “Bazaar” (classifieds), “Doing America” (travel), “Faces and Places” (social photos), “Gallery” (photography and art), “Lost and Found” (reviews), “The Meet Market” (personal contact ads), “Out and About” (upcoming social events), “Outbursts” (gossip), “Outguide” (advertisers directory), “Outrageous” (soft news), “Readers’ Turn” (letters), “Resources” (gay guide and map), and “What’s Happening” (monthly calendar).

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