Gay Equality Ordinance in Pittsburgh: An article discusses the premature introduction and subsequent withdrawal of co-sponsors for a “gay equality ordinance” in the Pittsburgh City Council on January 18, 1982. Despite this setback, supporters remain optimistic about its eventual passage, especially if the City Law Department approves it. They are urging the gay community to rally behind the efforts, pressure the Mayor’s office and City Council members, and for victims of discrimination to come forward with testimony.
Poppers and Cancer: Reports on rare illnesses, specifically Kaposi’s sarcoma (a cancer) and Pneumocystis carinii (pneumonia), afflicting gay men have led to speculation about a link to the use of nitrites, or “poppers,” as inhalants. These diseases have affected over 180 men, predominantly gay or bisexual, in their late 20s to early 40s, with a high fatality rate for pneumonia victims.
National Gay Group In-fighting: The Second National March on Washington (MOW-II), scheduled for May 2, 1982, has been canceled due to internal disputes within the National Organization of Lesbians and Gays (NOLAG) over power and alleged mishandling of funds from the first March on Washington in 1979. Accusations of irresponsible spending and missing financial records have been made against a group of activists.
Family Protection Act: Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. has disputed the Congressional Research Service’s analysis of Section 108 of the revised Family Protection Act (FPA), which would prohibit federal funds for advocating or promoting homosexuality. Lambda argues that this would create a “severe chilling effect” on organizations providing services or education to the gay community and raises concerns about First Amendment and equal protection issues.
Anti-Gay Referendum Rejected in Austin, TX: Austin, Texas, rejected a referendum that would have allowed landlords to refuse housing based on “sexual orientation” by a 2 to 1 margin. This was seen as a victory against legalized discrimination.
Congressman Doug Walgren Shuns Gay Constituents: U.S. Representative Doug Walgren of Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District expressed little support for gay equality issues, stating that he sees himself as a “politically astute Democrat, and conservative” and believes supporting pro-gay legislation would cost him an election.
First Gay Olympic Games: San Francisco is organizing the first Gay Olympic Games, slated for August 28, with over 4,000 athletes from more than 27 countries expected to participate in 18 different sports, alongside a “International Festival of Gay Artists.”
Interview with Disabled Lesbians: An interview with Betty Labas and Maureen Wilkins, two disabled lesbians in Pittsburgh, discusses their experiences with discrimination, their relationship, and their perspectives on the “Year of the Handicapped.”
MCC/Baltimore Church Fire: St. John’s United Methodist Church in Baltimore, which housed the local Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) chapter, burned down on December 16, with the cause believed to be the age of the church and electrical wiring.
Lesbian Mothers Win/Lose Custody Battles: The Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a parent cannot be stripped of legal parenthood solely based on homosexuality, reversing a lower court decision. However, an appellate court in Nashville upheld a decision denying custody rights to a lesbian mother.

The issue also includes columns, a Valentine’s gift guide, information about the Steel City Softball League, and various news briefs.

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