Tyler and Brad's Index to Early Gay Publications Regional Publications Page 2 | ||
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CHICAGO GAY CRUSADER
14 issues (out of a total publication life run of 26 issues) of the short-lived " Chicago Gay Crusader " published during the years 1973-74 by the "Advocates of Gay Action" Co-op.
A newspaper primarily focused on the gay community in Chicago, Illinois, with articles, news items, columns, reviews, poetry, events, resources, classifieds, photographs, and fabulous vintage advertisements.
With fantastic photo coverage of Chicago's 1973 Gay Pride Week (issue #3 devotes 5-1/2 pages to photographs from Pride Week). Other photospreads include: Mr. Gold Coast Contest; Mr. Man's Country Contest; Charles Pierce (then appearing in Chicago); Felicia's 7th Annual [Drag] Contest; the ONE Banquet held in Chicago (in attendance were gay pioneers Dr. Franklin Kameny from Washington, D.C. and Morris Kight from Los Angeles); Ms. Butch and Ms. Fem Contest (held at the Baton); Miss Gay Illinois [drag] Beauty Contest; a splendid front cover photograph of Sally Rand, then appearing in the Music Hall room of Man's Country (a Chicago gay bathhouse); much more.
Other highlights include: significant coverage on the horrific and tragic French Quarter Bar fire in New Orleans which killed 32 gay bar-goers; issue #2 contains a historical cover photograph from 1969 of demonstrators in front of the Stonewall Inn in New York City; article (with photo) on Dr. Frank Kameny and Morris Kight who, upon their visit to Chicago, streaked through Beckman House, Chicago's new gay information and service center; much more.
Itemization of Issues:
1973 - #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
1974 - #10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18 Premiere issue of the short-lived and historically important
"Chicago Gay Crusader" (Issue #1, May 1973) published by the Advocates of Gay Action Publishing Co-op out of Chicago, Illinois. Only 26 issues were published of this newspaper during the years 1973-75, and I am individually listing those issues I have. A folded newspaper, as issued, when unfolded contains eight pages including front and rear covers.
A newspaper primarily focused on the gay community of Chicago, Illinois, with articles, announcements, columns, resources, art and photography, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
-headline news article "CHICAGO PRESBYTERIANS DENY GAY MINISTER" (The five-paragraph motion from this denomination began: "'The Committee on Ministerial Relations [of the Presbytery of Chicago] does not recommend that final clearance be given to the Rev. David Sindt so that he may accept a call to the Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church for a specialized ministry to the Gay Community...It is important that the minister not be himself an advocate of homosexuality, as then homosexuality would simply be another form of idolatry. Our conversation with Mr. Sindt indicated that he was a committed advocate of homosexuality'"); -front page news article "Six Confrontations: When will [Governor Daniel] Walker get the message?" (with photo: "Illinois Governor Daniel Walker, elected on a progressive platform of concern 'for people,' has refused repeated requests from Illinois gay people to ban discrimination against them in State jobs"); -news article "Youth Abducted" ("Several weeks ago at the Gay Community Services Center located at 171 West Elm Street, a sixteen-year-old gay youth was surprised by his father and two Chicago police officers"); -short article "Law and the Homosexual" by Paul R. Goldman; -announcement "Gay Pride Planning Committee"; -splendid 1/4-page artwork for the upcoming 1973 Gay Pride Celebration Parade (to be held on June 24); -short news article "Gay Medical Students" ("Gay medical students in Chicago met for the first time in April"); -splendid ad "Best of Luck - Roski Fernandez - In the Miss Gay America Pageant, from a friend" (with photo); -Gay Pride Week Schedule of events; -vintage Chicago advertisements for "Up North Restaurant & Bar" (located at 6244 N. Western: "for us, by us"); Dial-A-Gay Message! ("phone us today!"); others; -much, much more.
"Chicago Gay Crusader" (Issue #2, June 1973) published by the Advocates of Gay Action Publishing Co-op out of Chicago, Illinois. Only 26 issues were published of this newspaper during the years 1973-75, and I am individually listing those issues I have. A folded newspaper, as issued, when unfolded contains 16 pages including front and rear covers. Highlights include:
-headline article "ANNOUNCING GAY PRIDE WEEK 1973" and cover article "BIG PLANS FOR CHICAGO"; -cover photograph from 1969 of gay men at the Stonewall Inn, New York City; -short article "History of Gay Pride Week"; -full page advertisement for the 1973 Chicago Gay Pride Week ("One Thousand Gay Pride Balloons will kick off [the event]"); -news article "Gays March on Ann Landers"; -splendid half-page "Chicago walks away with Miss Gay America Pageant" (with artwork and four drag photos); -news article "Gay Rights Bills Planned" (with photo); -news article "Gays Shut Out, Picket [44th] Ward [Assembly's Annual Fund-Raising] Fair" (with three protest march photos); -news article "House Committee kills anti-gay Measure" by William B. Kelley (with delightful cartoon: "Egads!! funds for - gulmp - wa - dulmp! - homosexuals?"); -local and national news column "Eye on the News"; -delightful spoof "Ask Ann Slanders"; -Chicago social column "This Month Around Town - Out Of Town"; -news article "Repeal of Anti-Transvestite Ordinance Proposed"; -short news article "Charles Pierce wows Chicago" (with three fabulous photos); -splendid vintage advertisements from the Wooden Barrell Pub ("levis 'n leather friday nite, all the beer you can drink, a buck 'n a half"); Larry's Adult Books (with beefcake photo: "Find a Friend!"); The Baton (at 436 N. Clark Street: "Felicia presents 'The Baton Revue'"; with four drag queen photos); the Ramrod of Chicago (with male leather photo: "stop by when you're in town!"); others; -much, much more.
"Chicago Gay Crusader" (Issue #3, July 1973) published by the Advocates of Gay Action Publishing Co-op out of Chicago, Illinois. Only 26 issues were published of this newspaper during the years 1973-75, and I am individually listing those issues I have. A folded newspaper, as issued, when unfolded contains 16 pages including front and rear covers.. Highlights include:
-headline article "GAY GLORY 1973: GAY PRIDE WEEK HUGE SUCCESS - 2,500 March"; -outstanding five-page photospread with 65 photographs of the 1973 Chicago Gay Pride Week Parade and Celebration (each page individually headlined "GAY LOVE," "GAY UNITY," "GAY POWER," "GAY PRIDE," and "GAY GLORY"); -news article "Gay Rights Bills Filed in City Council"; -news article "Gays March on Cook County Jail: Protest of Prison Conditions" (with three photos); -quarter-page ad for female impersonator Craig Russell, then appearing at the Baton (with three small photos); -news article "Chicago Mourns New Orleans Fire Victims" (on the horrendous fire at a New Orleans gay bar that occurred on Gay Pride Sunday, June 24); -vintage advertisements for the Glory Hole ("Go-Go Boys Weekends"); Larry's Adult Books ("Find a Friend!"); Up North ("Dear World, Thanks for a great two years"); Britt Top's Wooden Barrell Pub (then featuring John Britt, with photo); others;
"Chicago Gay Crusader" (Issue #4, August 1973) published by the Advocates of Gay Action Publishing Co-op out of Chicago, Illinois. Only 26 issues were published of this newspaper during the years 1973-75, and I am individually listing those issues I have. A folded newspaper, as issued, when unfolded contains 16 pages including front and rear covers.
A newspaper primarily focused on the gay community of Chicago, Illinois, with articles, announcements, columns, resources, art and photography, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
-headline "CHICAGO GAYS MOBILIZE TO AID FIRE VICTIMS" (re the horrendous fire at a French Quarter gay bar that killed 32 people during Gay Pride Sunday on June 24) with five associated front cover articles: 1) "Morty Manford Helps To Organize" ("New York gay activist Morty Manford visited Chicago July 18 to aid in mobilizing Chicagoans for the National New Orleans Memorial Fund"); 2) "Benefit at Up North" (the gay bar and restaurant Up North); 3) "Trip Benefit Raffle" (a benefit raffle to be held at The Trip, 27 E. Ohio Street); 4) "Benefit Dance Scheduled" (at the Chicago Chapter of the Fire Victims' Fund); 5) "Blood Still Needed" ("Over 1,800 pints of blood are needed for the survivors of the New Orleans fire"); -centerfold appeal from the National New Orleans Memorial Fund headlined "YOU HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN THEM - HAVE YOU?" (with facsimile of upper front cover of the Chicago Sun-Times issue of Monday, June 25, 1973 headlined "FRENCH QUARTER BAR FIRE KILLS 32" that reprints two horrific photos - one entitled "Helmeted New Orleans fireman passes window where one fire victim tried to escape - and died" and "'My friends are up there!' shouts Laurell Quinton, who escaped the New Orleans barroom flash fire"); -news article "'Gay' Angle in Houston Murder Story Exploited" (on Houston serial killer Dean Corll); -news article "State Wavers on Gay Foster Parents" by William B. Kelley; -fabulous quarter-page advertisement for the Twenty-One Club (with two photos: "Tillie and Woody charm their guests"); -short article on the Wooden Barrell Pub at 2326 N. Clark Street (with two photos); -full page "Entertainer of the Month: [drag queen] Lotta Love" (with photo: "'Next,' announces Felicia, 'straight from Bughouse Square, the tall, tan and terrific LOTTA LOVE!");
Chicago Gay Crusader" (Issue #6, October 1973) published by the Advocates of Gay Action Publishing Co-op out of Chicago, Illinois. Only 26 issues were published of this newspaper during the years 1973-75, and I am individually listing those issues I have. A folded newspaper, as issued, when unfolded contains 12 pages including front and rear covers.
A newspaper primarily focused on the gay community of Chicago, Illinois, with articles, announcements, columns, resources, classified ads, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
-headline "GAY SWITCHBOARD CENTRALIZES OPERATIONS" (on Chicago's new Gay Switchboard and Information Exchange); -news articles including "Rights Bills To Get Hearing!"; "Cops Guilty In Bar Payoff"; "Judge Overturns Anti-Drag Law"; others; -vintage advertisements for Ms. ("Your Hostesses Marge & Chee Chee" at 661 North Clark); the Gold Coast (with artwork by Etienne: "if you're looking for ACTION"); others; -news article "Illinois Total Tops $4,500" (funds raised for the New Orleans fire victims); -news article "Officer Manley strikes again" ("Blond former patrolman John Manley...could carve another notch in his gun, stick, or whatever after Sept. 28. On that date, the onetime queerbaiter added a new feather to his second cap: that of gunslinger"); -news article: "Poet [W. H.] Auden Dies"; -delightful half-page cartoon strip "The Adventures of Granny Goosemgood" ("WILL SUPER GOOSER FIND KING KRAB? WHAT ARE HER POWERS? WHAT IS MAYOR DOILY UP TO? WILL HE PAY THE RANSOM? OR WILL LANCE AND MICKY GET THE CRABS?? HAVE A BOTTLE OF A-200 READY FOR THE NEXT EPISODE!");
-full page advertisement for the Glory Hole in Old Town Chicago ("DON'T JUST SIT THERE! C[ome] celebrate! OUR 1st Anniversary, TUES. NOV. 6, 9PM to MIDNITE - Free Beer");
"Chicago Gay Crusader" (Issue #7, November 1973) published by the Advocates of Gay Action Publishing Co-op out of Chicago, Illinois. Only 26 issues were published of this newspaper during the years 1973-75, and I am individually listing those issues I have. A folded newspaper, as issued, when unfolded contains 20 pages including front and rear covers.Highlights include:
-headline "GAYS ZAP NBC AND GILLETTE" with accompanying article "DEMONSTRATION AT MERCHANDISE MART" (with two photos: "Chicago gay activist groups joined a nationwide chorus of protest against anti-homosexual themes and derogatory jokes in NBC-TV network shows"); -news article "High Court Lets Old Sodomy Conviction Stand"; -news article "Hazards, Bias in [Gay] Bars To Be Investigated"; -news article "Identify Dead Woman Accused of Bar Shooting" ("The bartender who was shot at the Baton, 436 N. Clark St., Oct. 23, has now been released from the hospital and is recovering without complications. In the meantime, the woman accused of the shooting and subsequently killed by police has been identified"); -delightful illustrated half-page advertisement for the Chicago Transvestite Association; -lengthy news article "MCC [Metropolitan Community Church, Chicago] Begins $100,000 Fund Drive"; -chilling photograph reprinted from The Chicago Daily News on November 3, 1973 entitled "Suspect in 33-death fire arrives" ("Raymond Wallender - center - who told authorities in Sacramento, Calif., that he set a French Quarter bar fire that killed 33 persons, is escorted by policemen after his arrival at New Orleans Airport Friday night"); -delightful news article "[Dr. Franklin] Kameny [of Washington D.C.'s Mattachine Society] 'Solicits' Police Chief for Sodomy" ("In a challenge to the District of Columbia sodomy law, veteran gay rights activist Dr. Franklin E. Kameny has sent letters soliciting three top law officials for gay sex acts"); -Gay Crossword Puzzle; -column "Bobby Barfly" by Bobby Barker; -splendid centerfold photospread of Chicago drag ball entitled "FELICIA'S 7TH ANNUAL COSTUMES ON REVIEW" (with 16 photos); -delightful comic strip "The Adventures of Granny Goosemgood" by Al Revchenbach ("CAN SUPER GOOSER SAVE THE DAY?? OR WILL SHE BE THE BLUE PLATE SPECIAL?? WILL MAYOR DOILY PAY THE RANSOM?? OR WILL LANCE AND MICKY GO FOR A SWIM?? WILL CHICAGO BECOME THE CRAB CAPITOL OF THE USA?"); -splendid examples of calls received "Friday Night on the Gay Switchboard"; -classified ads "Pat's Personals" ("CHICAGO BUTCH LEATHER LOVERS - Dig 3-way or groups with same");
"Chicago Gay Crusader" (Issue #10, February 1974) published by the Advocates of Gay Action Publishing Co-op out of Chicago, Illinois. Only 26 issues were published of this newspaper during the years 1973-75, and I am individually listing those issues I have. A folded newspaper, as issued, when unfolded contains 12 pages including front and rear covers. Highlights include:
-cover stories include "[Rev.] TROY PERRY TO SPEAK HERE" (Metropolitan Community Church); "PARADE DATE PICKED" (Gay Pride Week 1974); the delightful, upcoming "ANN LANDERS LOOK-ALIKE CONTEST?" (with photo: "Gay Horizons, a new group in the city, claims to have asked Ann Landers to 'serve on our distinguished panel of judges'"); -lengthy Chicago gay news column "Eye on the News" by William B. Kelley; -half-page announcement "ATTENTION ALL GAY MEN AND WOMEN: WHAT DO YOU WANT?" (from David Ojeda: "A new Chicago firm is opening a private and commercial club featuring live entertainment, food, and drinks, and a billiard lounge"); -delightful article "Gay Graffiti in Chicago" (with three graffiti photos); -quarter-page announcement "UP NORTH PRESENTS MARDI GRAS COSTUME PARTY" ("King and Queen, Drag and Costume"); -classified ads "Pat's Personals"; -article "More Views on Ann Landers" ("Ever since Ann Landers unequivocally stated in 1973 that she considered homosexuality a 'sickness' and 'dysfunction,' she has been inundated with letters on the subject" - accompanying the article are two letters, including one to Ann Landers from Don Slater of the Homosexual Information Center in Los Angeles); -two lengthy letters from gay prisoners;
Chicago Gay Crusader" (Issue #12, May 1974) published by the Advocates of Gay Action Publishing Co-op out of Chicago, Illinois. Only 26 issues were published of this newspaper during the years 1973-75, and I am individually listing those issues I have. A folded newspaper, as issued, when unfolded contains 16 pages including front and rear covers.
A newspaper primarily focused on the gay community of Chicago, Illinois, with articles, announcements, columns, resources, classified ads, art and photography, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
-cover article "CRUSADER WINS OSCAR" (with photo of Chicago Gay Crusader Editor Michael Bergeron accepting the Oscar from drag queen Felicia: "It was Chicago's Academy Awards night at the Baton, 436 N. Clark, on Apr. 2, right after the Los Angeles production was streaked by the Advocate's Robert Opel...The 'Chicago Gay Crusader' was voted winner [for the title "Group Pushed for Better Rights and Life in the Gay Community"]"); -delightful cover article "STREAKERS!" (with photo showing printer-draped streakers Franklin E. Kameny [President of the Washington, D.C. Mattachine Society] and Los Angeles gay activist Morris Kight streaking through Beckman House, Chicago's newest gay information and services center); -news article "Gay VD Clinic To Open"; -news article "Happy Birthday To Us!" ("This is the 12th issue of 'The Chicago Gay Crusader' which marks our first year of publication"); -news article "Catty Winners Picked" (with photo of drag queen "Tilly: [winner of] Queer of the Year") with delightful categories including "Tearoom Queen of the Year," "Miss Vapors Award," "Good Witchie-poo Award," "Fancy Fake Dancer Award," "Bad Bar Boy of the Year Award"; -news article "Anti-drag law still in use, may be fought" by William B. Kelley; -delightful photo of Los Angeles' most famous pair, Matthew and Buddy of Glendale, "enjoy[ing] the [Chicago] Gay Crusader"; -beefcake photo of Glen Mansfield accepting first prize in the 1974 Mr. Trip Contest; -events article "CHICAGO IS THE PLACE TO BE DURING GAY PRIDE WEEK 1974!"; -delightful cartoon of a man showing up at the front door of the Sexual Freedom League with his cow (the man inside tells him, "Now, just a minute!"); -splendid quarter-page artwork for the upcoming Gay Pride Celebration and Parade; -half-page photospread entitled "The Many Faces at the ONE Banquet" held in Chicago (with seven photos, including Jim Gates, Chairman, ONE of Chicago; Dr. Franklin E. Kameny, Washington D.C. Mattachine Society; Morris Kight, Los Angeles Gay Community Services Center; lesbian author Valerie Taylor; Jim Bradford of Mattachine Midwest; Michael Bergeron, Editor of the Chicago Gay Crusader); -large photograph of drag queen Peaches (named "Entertainer of the Year"); -vintage advertisements for The Grubsteak at 508 N. Clark (with Etienne illustration: "It's chow time, pardner!"); Wacker Health Club ("Forty Years at the Same Location"); Jamie's (with beefcake artwork by Etienne: "Chicago's friendliest bar!"); The Gold Coast and the Leather Cell (with artwork by Etienne); Man's Country (with beefcake illustration: "eat, drink, dance, enjoy some steam"); others;
"Chicago Gay Crusader" (Issue #13, June 1974) published by the Advocates of Gay Action Publishing Co-op out of Chicago, Illinois. Only 26 issues were published of this newspaper during the years 1973-75, and I am individually listing those issues I have. A folded newspaper, as issued, when unfolded contains 16 pages including front and rear covers. Highlights include:
-cover stories include "City interferes with gay rally"; "Court rules on sex in bushes"; "Gay ads on CTA" ("The Chicago Gay Pride Planning Committee has been successful in placing advertising on Chicago Transit Authority trains and buses"); "Baths called 'bordello'" ("Allegations that a gay Near North Side health club operates an 'Orgy Room' as a 'male bordello' and made a $20,000 payoff for immunity from police raids were printed under a banner headline by the 'Chicago Daily News'");
-news article "Marshall Field [publisher of the Chicago Daily News] disclaims responsibility for [Mike] Royko" ("As an aftermath of anti-gay comments published by Chicago Daily News columnist Mike Royko which generated wide-spread protests by gay and non-gay readers, newspaper publisher Marshall Field has told gay activists that 'I do not want you to think that his feelings are necessarily ours'"); -article "History of Gay Pride Week"; -male beefcake group photo of Mr. Broadway Sam's Contest (group shot of Philip, last year's winner; Michael, Mr. Broadway Sam's 1974; Hiram, first runnerup; and Bob Levy); -Gay Pride Week Schedule of Events; -news article "Aunt Lena & the 21 Club adorables raise over $500.00 for Beckman House" (with four splendid drag queen photos); -1/6 page ad from Buddy and Matthew of Glendale (with photo of this famous Los Angeles leather couple: "Wishing you much Love during this week of pride!"); -news article "Social workers discuss gay parents"; -short news article entitled "Bistro anniversary" with three photos ("The Bistro, Chicago's biggest dance bar, celebrated its first anniversary June 5. Owner Eddie Dugan invited 600 guests, who enjoyed a dance band, free drinks, and birthday cake"); -news article "Gays vs. gays at APA [American Psychiatric Association] meeting" (with four photos); -news article "Gays go to fair this year" (with three photos: "Gay people got their chance to make a presence at the 44th Ward Fair this year after being denied last year"); -lengthy letter from reader Deane Sorensen with response from Chicago Gay Crusader staff member Bill Kelley (William B. Kelley) headlined "Reader writes of frustrations, goals of gay movement"; -announcement "Chicago walks away with Miss Gay America Pageant" (with photo of drag queen Shawn Luis, 1974 Miss Gay America from Chicago's The Baton); -vintage advertisements for "The New" Knight Out (at 2936 N. Clark Street); Saugatuck Lodges (with beefcake illustration); others;
"Chicago Gay Crusader" (Issue #18, February-March 1975) published by the Advocates of Gay Action Publishing Co-op out of Chicago, Illinois. Only 26 issues were published of this newspaper during the years 1973-75, and I am individually listing those issues I have. A folded tabloid newspaper, as issued, when unfolded contains 20 pages including front and rear covers. This issue is packed with splendid photographs. Highlights include:
-cover photograph and article on fan dancer Sally Rand (with interior photo: then "at least 70 years old," she was appearing in the Music Hall of Man's Country, a private membership-only gay bathhouse at 5015 N. Clark Street); -beefcake photograph of John Vogel, 1975 Mr. Man's Country/Chicago; -beefcake photograph of Milton White, Jr., 1975 Mr. Club Baths Chicago; -three-page photospread from the 1975 Mr. Man's Country Contest (with 26 mostly beefcake photos); -news article "Mayor [Richard J.] Daley tries to close Bistro" ("The liquor license of Chicago's largest and most popular gay dance bar - the Bistro at 420 N. Dearborn St. - was revoked Feb. 10"); -photo from "Gary's Surprise Birthday Party" ("Employees of Man's Country/Chicago surprised manager Gary Chichester with a birthday cake during the club's Christmas party"); -ten male beefcake photos of contestants at the 1974 Mr. Club Baths Contest; -full-page photospread containing 26 photos taken at the 1974 Ms. Butch and Ms. Fem Contest (held at the Baton); -four photos taken at the Christmas pageant held at the Snake Pit; -photo of drag queen Dina Jacobs ("Dina Jacobs will represent the Gay Crusader in the Miss Gay Chicago Contest on March 27 & 28 at the Baton, 436 North Clark Street); -article "Leather and things: one man's viewpoint" by Fred Alexson (with three photos courtesy of Colt Studio); -photo of disco queen Gloria Gaynor (who had appeared at Our Den on February 4, and at the Bistro on February 5); -three drag photos taken at the Bistro Benefit for Gay Horizons; -five drag photos taken at the Christmas Pageant at Man's Country; -lengthy article, with portrait photos, entitled "CRUSADER'S TOP TEN THANK YOUs" (with bios and portrait photos of Jack David, Woody Moser, Chuck Renslow, Jim "Felicia" Flint, Gary Chichester, Mary "Smokey" Schneider [no photo], Paul R. Goldman, Alan Putz, Bob Vandiver, and Matthew & Buddy of Glendale, California); -vintage advertisements from Jamie's (at 1110 North Clark Street); Lady Chatterly's Adult Bookstore (at 3910 N. Sheridan Road: "Finally 'Comes Out' with an Expanded Gay Section"); Carol's Pub (at 2519 N. Halsted Street, with photo); Man's Country (at 5015 N. Clark Street: "why settle for anything less?"); others; -much, much more.
Lavender U
#8 of "Lavender U" (March-April 1975), a catalogue of classes offered during the heyday of the gay liberation movement by the "Lavender U. Collective" then located at 121 Leavenworth Street in San Francisco, California. Issued in tabloid (fold-over) form, when opened contains eight large newsprint pages.
Each course contains a description, brief background of the instructor, fees, and dates. Examples of the classes then being offered: Body Work and Gestalt; Intimacy & Sexuality; Married Men's Support Group; G40 Plus Club; Self Defense Thru Martial Arts; Gay Men's Massage Day; Beginning Gay Dance; Enjoying Collective Living; The Gay Gnosis: Aleister Crowley, Magick's Liberator; many others. In addition, there is an entry from the Gay Students' Coalition ("a gathering of gay men and women from the local campuses and gay organizations") containing their schedule of events during March and April, 1975. The two centerfold pages contain information on San Francisco's Gay Rap Collective, poetry by Jon Bracker, a short article on "sun signs" by Michael Sullivan, and a short article "My Cosmetic Confidence" on gender roles by David Cawley ("The Marilyn Monroe Look-Alike Contest epitomizes a fairly new and important development in my life...I have been exploring new forms of self-expression through makeup and clothing...").
Issue #16 of "Lavender U" (July-August 1976), a catalogue of classes offered during the heyday of the gay liberation movement by the "Lavender U. Collective" then located at 121 Leavenworth Street in San Francisco, California. Issued in tabloid (fold-over) form, when opened contains eight large newsprint pages.
Each course contains a description, brief background of the instructor, fees, and dates. Examples of the classes then being offered: Dykes on Bikes; Beginning Ballet; Medieval Cookery; Gay Bar Alternatives; Support in Coping With the Gay Mecca; Karate; Oral Relaxation and Awareness Group; Anal Relaxation Group; many others. In addition, there is a delightful illustration entitled "Finger Faeries Enjoying Flower Fireworks" by artist Allan, with a short auto-bio and his address and telephone number ("I am an artist who spends more time than I like staring at blank paper. A weekly faggot play group, eight meditations for July and August, would encourage me to commit sorrows to kites, joys to masks, fears to stories"); advertisement for the upcoming 1976 Gay Freedom Day Parade and Gay Freedom Day Fair in Marx Meadows at Golden Gate Park; announcement for "Men's Weekend in the Country"; much more.
Rip Off Rag
June 1978 issue of the long-defunct "Rip Off Rag" published out of San Francisco. A large newspaper containing 24 pages including front and rear covers. At a time when drag queens and cowboys could share the same pages, the issue is devoted to delicious gay social gossip in San Francisco, and packed with news of upcoming Imperial Court and Cowboy contests, pageants, and balls. Highlights include:
*cover photo of Bob Page (contestant for COWBOY '78-79); *column by Mr. Gay San Francisco Tony Disette (with photo); *full-page "Leona for Cowgirl" ad; *fabulous and lengthy drag-queen gossip column "darhhhh-lings" by La Kish (with photo); *ad for the "Cowboy-Cowgirl Jamboree" (held June 17, 1978 to benefit the Council of Emperors, Pride Foundation, and People's Fund); *full page ad for the "Hookers Ball" to be held July 15, 1978 at California Hall; *fabulous centerspread ad "VOTE FOR SANDY - HE'S OUR BRAND OF KOWBOY" (sponsored by the Hob Nob); *gossip column "Prince LaDish: The Purple Connection" by the Lavender Prince ("Q. Is it true that Mai Tai - Empress of Santa Monica - and Ex-Grand Duchess Charlie are not getting along? A. Yes, it's true. Even to the point that Mai Tai decked the duchess for bad-mouthing MaMa Peck"); *full-page photo ad "WANTED FOR COWBOY: BOBBY CALHOUN"; *fabulous full-page ad for the "Queen Mother, King Father Pageant and Dance" (to be held on August 26, 1978 at California Hall); *much, much more.
"The Scene: An Independent Newsmagazine Serving the Gay Community of Colorado and Surrounding States"
With splendid front cover beefcake photograph of "Paul B.", winner of the 1975 Mr. Jockey Shorts Contest.
Volume 3 #12 (whole number not provided) of the vintage and long-forgotten Colorado publication "The Scene: An Independent Newsmagazine Serving the Gay Community of Colorado and Surrounding States" (1975) published by RJ Productions out of Denver, Colorado. A newsprint magazine containing 48 pages including front and rear covers.
Containing news, articles, gossip and bar columns, personal ads, beefcake photography and fantastic vintage gay advertisements. Highlights include:
*article on the Second Annual Mr. Jockey Shorts Contest for Colorado (with 16 photos, including front cover); *full-page ad for Colorado Gay Freedom Day ("CANCELLED"); *full-page ad for the American Civil Liberties Union; *column "Bucky Babbles" by Bucky, Empress II ("Watch out for the fairies, they're coming to get you Wednesday, September 10th at your favorite bar"); *news article on the gay Rocky Mountaineers Motorcycle Club and their first official Peak to Peak Tour; *gossip column "From the Grapevine" ("What Knights of Malta member has fallen for a 'Big Stud'? Could this be love or infatuation?"..."If anyone runs into Ms. Fartworthy, ask her about her one night stand with Big J"); *article "San Francisco or Bust!" by Ron W. (with six photos); *full-page ad from the Back Door III on 1512 Broadway (with photo: "'The Door' congratulates all Tobie nominiees! [sic] Boogie at 'The Door' - Home of Scotie Carlyle"); *double-age ad for the "1975 Tobie Awards Nominations" from the Hide & Seek Room in Colorado Springs (with photos of Rick N. "Butchest Bar Person"; Doug C. "Best Bar Tender"; Ray Brovur "Bitch of the Year"; Tom G. "Best Bar Employee"; Jack Bidwell "Whore of the Year"); *article "Gays in Prison Get Church Help" by Dave S.; *vintage advertisements for the Hide & Seek, The Box Car, The Hayloft ("Denver's FIRST All Male Theatre"), Dutcher & Wicks Tire Co. ("Our tires have balls"), Club Baths of Denver, The Apartment ("The 'Boogiest' Music"), others; *fabulous full-page photo ad for the Empire Baths on 6923 E. Colfax;*much more.
5th Freedom
A rare regionalized Mattachine Society publication. Offered is the February 17, 1974 issue of "Fifth Freedom" (Volume 4 #1) published by The Mattachine Society of the Niagara Frontier out of Buffalo, New York. A stapled digest-size publication measuring 7" by 8-1/2" and containing 20 pages including front and rear covers.With a stated circulation of 1,200 copies, the issue contains articles, editorials, local Mattachine Society news, columns, announcements, poetry, calendar of events, and vintage ads. Contents include:
-article "Mattachine Society Stinks?" by Jim DeVinney ("...or does it? whenever one mentions the mattachine society in a group of gay people, the reaction is rarely neutral..."); -local Mattachine news entitled "Mini-Minutes" by Niagara Frontier Mattachine Society Secretary P. Ames; -local Niagara Frontier Mattachine Society election results held February 10, 1974; -article "Is It Better, In This Society, to Be Heterosexual?" ("Is it better to be white? Or gentile? Or descended from the settlers on the Mayflower?"); -article "Cruisin Rochester" ("You're in for a surprise, if you think that the only thing that gets made in Rochester is a camera"); -ad for the Gay Community Services Center, 45 Allen at Franklin announcing a free blood test ("drag it out in the open! fight V.D."); -double-page February Calendar of Events; -delicious news article "Measure Up or Shut Up" ("A 17-year-old Pacifica, Calif. female high school student was suspended for 5 days for suggesting to the mayor that he prove his worth by revealing the length of his penis"); -poetry "Diamond Jim" by Arthur Axlerod; -announcement ("The Gay Liberation Front of Buffalo in conjunction with the New York State Coalition of Gay Organizations is sponsoring a state-wide petition-political action campaign to repeal the Sodomy Law...") -vintage ads for Maxl's ("Music and Disc-Jockey Nightly"); The Town Squire (43 Allen Street, Buffalo); "The Fabulous New" Red Carpet Lounge (430 Main Street, Rochester, across from Eastman Theatre, featuring "Patti and The Boyfriend"); The Shadows ("how we've changed, and we're here at Virginia and Delaware").
August 1977 issue of "5th Freedom (previously titled "Fifth Freedom")" published by The Mattachine Society of the Niagara Frontier out of Buffalo, New York. Now published as a newsprint (folded) tabloid with photo cover, when unfolded contains eight large pages including front and rear covers.The issue contains local and national news, editorials, letters to the editor, announcements, articles, photos, classifieds, and vintage advertisements. Contents include:
-news article "Mattachine Attends NYSCGO Conference" (New York State Coalition of Gay Organizations); -news article "Gallup Poll Shows Gay Rights Support" (with accompanying and very interesting table of Gallup Poll Results); -news article "Bryant's Contract Renewed" (with photo: "Anti-gay crusader Anita Bryant will be retained as the advertising symbol for Florida orange juice"); -announcement that the Mattachine Society of the Niagara Frontier will be holding their first annual garage sale ("Clean out your closets so that others may come out of theirs"); -Christopher Isherwood interviewed (excerpted by Tim Denesha from W. I. Scobie's interview with Christopher Isherwood published in the December 17, 1975 issue of the Los Angeles Advocate); -article "Gay Pride...Here....& There" by Joe Dietrich (with photos); -column "Selections" by "Sam" ("There must be almost as many ways of coming out as a gay person as there are gays").
"The Forum of Southern California"
The premiere issue of "The Forum of Southern California" (Issue #1, February 23, 1974) subtitled "Where It All Comes Together" published by Forum Publications out of Los Angeles, California. A large folded newspaper, as issued, when unfolded contains 20 pages including front and rear covers.
Well-illustrated with historical photographs, this early homophile and gay liberation newspaper contains news relevant to the gay and lesbian communities of Los Angeles, columns, reviews, classified ads, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
*article on, and interview of, Los Angeles City Attorney Burt Pines (with two photos); *news article "Hollywood - the Great Gay Boycott Debate" ("A 48-hour consumer boycott of Hollywood businesses March 8 and 9 [1974] has been announced by Los Angeles gay leaders"; with two photographs of gay leaders, including Pat Rocco and Dave Glascock, meeting with Councilman Robert Stevenson to discuss a "Last Ditch Attempt" to resolve the issues behind the boycott); *news article "MCC [Troy Perry's Metropolitan Community Church] reaches $100,000 building goal"; *news article "Lulu Award aspirants pack nomination fete" ("It happens periodically that the 'camp' part of the gay community - the group that the 'lib' set calls bad PR - gets together for a social evening"); *news article "Hollywood Arthur J's harassed as 'Speak' crowd finds new bar"; *photospread featuring four shots by photographer George M. Hester; *news article "Vice informant [Tom Pepin] surfaces at porno trial; second conspiracy case dismissed" ("Rumors had Pepin leaving town after his testimony in a lengthy affidavit led to the dramatic January arrests of Pat Rocco, Dave Glascock, and six others accused of helping to produce and distribute allegedly obscene films for Jaguar Productions"); *vintage gay advertisements from the 1200 Club, Glen's Turkish Baths, others; *much, much more.
Second and final issue of "The Forum of Southern California" (Issue #2, March 9, 1974) subtitled "Where It All Comes Together" published by Forum Publications out of Los Angeles, California. A large folded newspaper, as issued, when unfolded contains 20 pages including front and rear covers.
Well-illustrated with historical photographs, this early homophile and gay liberation newspaper contains news relevant to the gay and lesbian communities of Los Angeles, columns, reviews, classified ads, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
*news article in three parts entitled "Sex-film superstars are nailed by charges": 1) "Cassidy under U.S. indictment" (with photo: "Muscle star Jim Cassidy and 10 other persons were indicted Feb. 22 by a Los Angeles federal grand jury for conspiring in the production and interstate transportation of an allegedly obscene movie made in Arizona"); 2) "'Groovy Guy' Jimmy Hughes accused of 18 kidnap-rapes" (with photo); 3) "Hughes lover writes desperate plea" (Mr. Kim Christy, 1973 Miss National Cotillion);
*news article "Rev. [Troy] Perry under investigation, man grilled by vice cops claims"; *headline article "BOYCOTT KILLED" ("The most ambitious mobilizing effort in Los Angeles gay community history - a consumer boycott of Hollywood - was put off for six weeks and may be cancelled altogether, pending a 'major policy statement from City Hall." Accompanied by a photograph of gay leaders who gathered in the library of City Attorney Burt Pines, including Morris Kight, Jim Kepner, and Dave Glascock); *news article "300 gays take 'stroll' on [Hollywood] Boulevard" (with photo); *news article "800 make 'Hearts' pageant glittering success" (on the third annual Queen of Hearts Pageant, with photo); *news article "Helper of Atascadero's homosexual inmates dies" (with photo of Dr. Michael Serber); *photospread featuring three shots by photographer George M. Hester; *vintage advertisements from the Athletic Model Guild, Mr. Ballmor, Continental Baths, Midtowne Spa, others; *much, much more.
"Contact: The Gay Newspaper of the South"
Issue #5 of the short-lived and long-defunct "Contact: The Gay Newspaper of the South" (July 31, 1974) then published every three weeks by Contact Publications out of Houston, Texas. A fold-over tabloid newspaper with photo cover, when unfolded contains 28 pages including front and rear covers.
Containing news, editorials, letters to the editor, columns, reviews, gay guide, classified ads, vintage advertisements, art and photography, including male beefcake photos. Contents include:
-news article "Tony Kent Murdered in New Orleans" (the former owner of Dixie's at 701 Bourbon Street, one of New Orleans' first gay bars; with photo of Tony Kent taken in 1965); -full-page ad for the Mr. Gay Texas 1974 Contest (with photo of C.J. Harrington, Mr. Gay Texas 1973); -news article "FBI Wanted Off Gays' List" (in 1962, Dr. Franklin Kameny, President of the Washington, D.C. Mattachine Society, added several public officials, including the President of the United States, the nine Justices of the Supreme Court, the U.S. Attorney General, and the Director of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover, to the mailing list for a Mattachine publication entitled the "Gazette"; an FBI agent was dispatched on behalf of J. Edgar Hoover demanding that Hoover be removed from the mailing list); -news article "[Dr. Franklin] Kameny Fights D.C. Sex Law"; -timeline article "History Of The Gay Lib Movement"; -news article "La Bastille Sues Sal Mineo" (on Mineo's change of mind to direct and act in the play "Fortune in Men's Eyes" at La Bastille"); -three-page beefcake photospread, including centerfold, of Mr. Gay Texas 1973 C. J. Harrington; -advice column "Hey Joe" by Joe Forester ("Q. I am 17. My parents found a batch of male photograph books I had hidden in the bottom of my closet");
-full-page photospread of the opening of Houston's Farmhouse Nightclub (with five photos); -vintage advertisements for the Club Baths of Dallas ("Opening Soon - Real Soon!"); Mr. Frizby Private Bath Club (with beefcake photo); Farmhouse Club (with photo); Canal Baths of New Orleans (with splendid artwork); The Locker ("Houston's Full Leather Bar," with beefcake artwork); half-page fashion ad for Ah Men of Houston ("Ready For Action" with three beefcake photos); Club Baths of Houston (with beefcake photo); others.
Issue #6 of the short-lived and long-defunct "Contact" now subtitled "GAY Newspaper & Guide" (August 28, 1974) then published every three weeks by Contact Publications out of Houston, Texas. A fold-over tabloid newspaper with photo cover, when unfolded contains 28 pages including front and rear covers.
Containing news, editorials, letters to the editor, columns, reviews, gay guide, classified ads, vintage advertisements, art and photography, including male beefcake photos. Contents include:
-article "Homosexual Acts: A Serious Crime?" by Walter Thomas (with a lengthy and highly interesting chart entitled "Public's Ranking of 'Crime'" from a study conducted by Dr. Peter H. Rossi from John Hopkins University); -news article "Gays Not Suing Fort Worth Police" ("No suit will be filed, apparently, against the Fort Worth Police Department for its recording of license plate numbers June 22 at the Texas Gay Conference"); -two page beefcake photospread of shirtless, hunky contestants in the Mr. Gay Texas Contest (with six photos; the contest was held at Houston's Bayou Landing); -full-page advertisement for the Club Baths of Houston (feauring a large beefcake photo of a handsome blonde man); -four page beefcake photospread, including centerfold, of model Bruce Eden, 1974 Mr. Club Baths International (six photos by Primus Photography); -astrology column "Your Future Is Gay"; -vintage advertisements from Ah Men of Houston (with two beefcake photos); Primus Photography (with beefcake photo of Zack); The Wonder's (with beefcake art; located at 3207 Montrose); others; -advice column "Problems? Hey Joe" by Joe Forester ("Q. Everyone says I am better-than-average looking and must have great success in meeting people in the bars. But the fact is, I don't have good luck in picking up tricks. Besides looks, can you give me any tips on picking up tricks?"); -gay social column "Where'iz-at: New Orleans" (with four photos);-much, much more.
Issue #7 "Contact" now subtitled "GAY Newspaper & Guide" (October 23, 1974) then published every three weeks by Contact Publications out of Houston, Texas. A fold-over tabloid newspaper with photo cover, when unfolded contains 48 pages (as stated "A 48 PAGE MONSTER!") including front and rear covers.
Containing news, editorials, letters to the editor, columns, reviews, gay guide, classified ads, vintage advertisements, art and photography, including male beefcake photos. Contents include:
-cover article "Texas DPS [Department of Public Safety] Terms Gay Libbers 'Subversive'"; -cover article "In Congress: A Long Road To Travel, But the Trip Has Begun" ("Washington, D.C. - A proposed amendment to the Equal Rights Bill to protect gays by adding to the original bill the term 'sexual orientation' was introduced in the House of Representatives recently"); -lengthy article "Texas Gay Task Force Formed by 24 Groups" (with TGTF's Official Statement); -news article "AT & T Changes Discrimination Policy"; -news article "New Minister for MCC [Metropolitan Community Church] New Orleans"; -news article "San Francisco Cops Make Sweep" ("In this city noted for its fair attitude toward and treatment of gays, it came as something of a shock and a definite setback in police-gay community relations when the San Francisco police made a sudden sweep of the gay area of Castro Street recently, arresting 14 persons"); -article "Gay Marriage: The Successful Definition" by David Christian; -five page male beefcake photospread, including centerfold, of Dale Layne, winner of the 1974 Mr. David Contest held in Miami on August 5 (with seven photos); -short article on Elton John (with photo); -vintage advertisements for Ah Men of Houston (with beefcake artwork); Club Baths of Dallas (with beefcake photo); The Marlboro (at 4100 Maple in Dallas, with cowboy art: "Come to where the flavors at..."); Club Baths of Houston (with beefcake photo of C. J. Harrington); Terry's Ranch (with artwork: "Where the Cowboys go"); The Club Bath Chain (with beefcake photo); male fashion store Adon's Swinger Shop (with four photos); others.
The Weekly Gayzette
August 13-20, 1976 issue of "The Weekly Gayzette" (Vol. 3 #33) edited by Joseph R. DeMarco and published out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A left-folded Newsweek-size newsletter containing eight pages including front and rear covers. Containing news, articles, letters to the editor, announcements, calender of events, classifieds, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
-cover headline and lengthy interior article "[Jimmy] Carter's Position on Gay Rights: An Analysis" by William Phillips (with front cover illustration, and two interior photos, one of Chip Carter in the Gay Tricycle Race held by the San Francisco Gay Community to benefit the handicapped); -interior news headline "Gays Demonstrate at Eucharistic Congress" with two articles: "Dignity Celebrates Unity With [Catholic] Church" and "DYKETACTICS Confronts Church With Gay and Women's Issues"; -announcement news for the upcoming National 'Tea Dance' sponsored by the National Gay Task Force ("a nationwide network of simultaneous gay disco dances which will benefit NGTF"); -news article "Center For Non-Sexist Education Formed" ("The children's play area contains toys and non-sexist children's books...the boys are encouraged to explore their nurturant feelings and the girls their aggressive feelings");-much more.
October 22-29, 1976 issue of "The Weekly Gayzette" (Vol. 3 #43) edited by Joseph R. DeMarco and published out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A left-folded Newsweek-size newsletter containing eight pages including front and rear covers.
Containing news, articles, letters to the editor, announcements, reviews, calender of events, classifieds, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include: -cover headline "who's behind hasty tasty?" and accompanying interior interview of Jack Friel entitled "Gay-Owned Businesses" (Jack Friel was a Philadelphia gay activist and owner of the "Hasty Tasty Deli" on 12th Street between Spruce and Locust; with cover photo of Jack Friel and three interior photos, including one of John Winfield, Jack Friel's lover and partner); -article "Gay Political Power" by Jeff Britton (of the Gay Democratic Caucus); -news article "Susan Saxe Support Demonstration"; -announcement "Media Alert" ("The episode of 'Kojak' to be aired this Sunday, October 24 at 9 PM will depict a child molester whose victims both happen to be boys"); -review of gay-themed films "Norman...Is That You?" and "The Ritz"; -much more.
November 12-19, 1976 issue of "The Weekly Gayzette" (Vol. 3 #46) edited by Joseph R. DeMarco and published out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A left-folded Newsweek-size newsletter containing eight pages including front and rear covers. Containing news, articles, studies, reviews, announcements, calender of events, classifieds, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
-cover headline and and highly interesting 2-1/2 page interior article "What Americans Think of Gays: National Survey Results" (comparing American attitudes with people in Amsterdam and Copenhagen: for example, the "Extent to which [the] General Population agrees that 'Homosexuality is obscene and vulgar,' those who answered 'Very Much' comprised 48.5% of U.S respondents, 5.4% from Amsterdam, and 11.8% from Copenhagen); -"WOMENPOLL Survey Results" ("The Philadelphia Inquirer reported recent survey results from WOMENPOLL concerning homosexuality. WOMENPOLL, a Philadelphia-based national survey and research organization, conducts national studies on the attitudes and opinions of American women"); -news article "[Penn State grad student Tony] Silvestre Speaks at [Philadelphia's Gay Community] Center" ("How's a gay activist to react when the movement, once confined to church-basement locales, is openly invited right into the state Capitol?"); -events article "Steps Benefit For Eromin" by Tom Wilson ("The Steps, one of the city's largest and most successful gay bars, held a benefit for the Eromin Center on Election night"); -article "Beth Simchat Torah: Gay Synagogue" by Janis Rosenberg; -much more.
November 19-26, 1976 issue of "The Weekly Gayzette" (Vol. 3 #47) edited by Joseph R. DeMarco and published out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A left-folded Newsweek-size newsletter containing eight pages including front and rear covers. Containing news, articles, reviews, announcements, calender of events, classifieds, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
-cover headline "GAY LIFE - GREEK STYLE" and accompanying three-page interior article entitled "Homosexual Life in Ancient Greece" by Joseph R. DeMarco (on man-boy love, male prostitution, and homosexual marriages in ancient Greece); -news article "U.S. Circuit Court Approves Gay Group" (the Gay Alliance of Students at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia); -short article "GAY TV" ("The sudden abundance of gay characters on TV has sparked controversy in the Philadelphia Inquirer's TV Magazine"); -news article "Gays Urge Reassignment of Defeated Judge" ("Recently defeated Los Angeles Municipal Court Judge Wilbur G. Dettmar's apparently prejudicial remarks have prompted the Gay Rights Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union - ACLU - to urge that he be removed from hearing all sex-related cases"); -news article "National Tea Dance Catching On" (sponsored by the National Gay Task Force); -much more.
November 26-December 3, 1976 issue of "The Weekly Gayzette" (Vol. 3 #48) edited by Joseph R. DeMarco and published out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A left-folded Newsweek-size newsletter containing eight pages including front and rear covers. Containing news, articles, letters to the editor, announcements, reviews, calender of events, classifieds, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
-cover headline "the violence of masculinity" and accompanying lengthy interior article entitled "Masculinity & Violence" by Bruce Kokopeli and George Lakey (with three drawings, including front cover: "Masculine sexuality involves the oppression of women, competition among men, and homophobia"); -article "High School Gays" by high school students Dave May and Sandy Russell ("Homophobia is alive and kicking not only in Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School, but all high schools. We high school students see this every day"); -news article "Arizona to Submit Anti-Sex Legislation" ("Arizona lawmakers propose to add a homosexual conduct amendment to that state's soon-to-be enacted criminal code revisions"); -conference announcement "Gay Alcoholic Conference" (to be held on December 4, sponsored by the Division of Social Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Pennsylvania in conjunction with the Eromin Center); -news article "Karla Jay at Community Center" (co-editor of the gay classic "After You're Out"); -review of stage production of "Equus" then showing at the Forrest playhouse ("Some will find it perverted and horrifying; it explores without flinching the dark labyrinth that connects religious and sexual passion"); -much more.
December 3-10, 1976 issue of "The Weekly Gayzette" (Vol. 3 #49) edited by Joseph R. DeMarco and published out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A left-folded Newsweek-size newsletter containing ten pages including front and rear covers. Containing news, articles, announcements, reviews, calender of events, classifieds, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
-cover headline "growing up gay in south philly" and accompanying interior article entitled "Growing Up Gay In South Philadelphia" by Tommi Avicolli ("I was always an effeminate boy. I played with dolls when I was a child; I hung around with girls. I did the things society said girls do. Yet to me they weren't the things boys or girls did; they were things I wanted to do. Like jumping rope, or playing house"); -lengthy news article "Susan Saxe Jury Hung" ("Cast by the establishment news media as a 'terrorist,' listed by the FBI since 1970 as one of its 'Ten Most Wanted' fugitives, Susan Saxe was not convicted of the crimes the American government accused her of: armed robbery and first degree murder of a police officer"); -news article "Gay Brethren / Mennonites Meet" (in Lancaster, Pennsylvania); -news article "Racism and Sexism in School Textbooks"; -news article "Hoover's Homophobic Files" ("The alleged homosexuality of various politicians, government officials, and well-known persons was part of the secret files...[J.] Edgar Hoover kept and which were just released by the Justice Department"); -short article "The Terror of Keeping It Quiet" by Gary Michael Roseman ("The closet. Hard, cold, the biggest lie I've ever lived"); -article on the Fourth Annual Conference of the Gay Academic Union held in New York City; -much more.
December 17-24, 1976 issue of "The Weekly Gayzette" (Vol. 3 #51) edited by Joseph R. DeMarco and published out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A left-folded Newsweek-size newsletter containing eight pages including front and rear covers. Containing news, articles, reviews, announcements, calender of events, classifieds, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
-cover headline "prison homosexuality: is it gay?" and accompanying two-page interior article entitled "A Reply To A Homophobic Prison Official" by Jon L. Clayborne (in two sections: an excerpt from an article entitled 'How to End Sex Problems in Our Prisons' by Winston E. Moore, which appeared in the November, 1976 issue of 'Ebony Magazine'; and, a reply to Mr. Moore's article written by Jon L. Clayborne, a noted gay activist who has done much research and writing on black people and gay liberation); -news article and biography "Benjamin Britten" ("Lord Benjamin Britten, one of the 20th Century's leading composers, died at his English Country House on December 4th"); -editorial "The Second Story: A Sad Story" (on a new Philadelphia gay bar: "The 'Gayzette' strongly disagrees about the ambitions of the Second Story. Any club that has such exclusionary membership policies cannot possibly hope to be anything more than just another addition to the tired old sexist bar scene"); -news article "A New Gay Rights Bill" (introduced in the Philadelphia City Council); -news article "NGTF [National Gay Task Force] Meets CBS" ("At a meeting held in New York, executives of CBS Television indicated that they will consult on a more regular basis with representatives of the gay community on programs involving lesbian and gay male characters"); -much more.
December 24-31, 1976 issue of "The Weekly Gayzette" (Vol. 3 #52) edited by Joseph R. DeMarco and published out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A left-folded Newsweek-size newsletter containing eight pages including front and rear covers. Containing news, articles, announcements, letters to the editor, reviews, calender of events, classifieds, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
-cover greetings "GAY to the WORLD!"; -news article "Jonathan Katz at GCCP" (author of the massive and early volume "Gay American History" who spoke at the Gay Community Center of Philadelphia); -news article "NGTF and the National Bureau of Prisons" ("The National Gay Task Force learned of a decision by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons not to permit gay publications...in Federal correctional facilities"); -article "Moving Along: Another View of the Alix Dobkin Concert" by Rachel Rubin (on a recent music concert given by lesbian singer Alix Dobkin); -news article "National Gay Health Coalition Established"; -delightful lengthy Christmas poem entitled "W. G.'s Christmas Flight" ("So it was a gay christmas / With lots of gay cheer / The world was all mellow / A spinning gay sphere"); -rerview of the camp cult film "The Rocky Horror [Picture] Show"; -news article "Presbyterian Task Force to Study Homosexuality"; -much more.
January 14-21, 1977 issue of "The Weekly Gayzette" (Vol. 4 #2) edited by Joseph R. DeMarco and published out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A left-folded Newsweek-size newsletter containing eight pages including front and rear covers. Containing news, articles, announcements, reviews, calender of events, classifieds, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
-cover headline "GROWING UP GAY & FEMALE" with interior article of the same name by Marjorie Morgan ("Being in high school during the McCarthy era, and being an upper-middle-class Jewish girl, I was expected to conform by dating upper-middle-class Jewish boys and eventually marrying one");
-cover headline "gay murders: is our silence killing us?" with accompanying interior article entitled "Gay Murders: Silence Kills" by Charles Lee ("Why have San Francisco police experienced such difficulty in solving the thirty-five gay murders which have struck the city's gay community in as many months?");
-news article "Lesbian Ordained in Episcopal Church"; -news article "Public Meeting To Discuss Gay Rights Bill" ("About 50 people crowded Dignity Headquarters at 250 South 12th Street on Monday night for a special community meeting to raise the question of whether or not a compromise should be made in the matter of the new gay rights bill [before the Philadelphia City Council]"); -short news article "Gay Athletes in College"; -news article "Homosexual Denied Ordination as Jesuit"; -news article "GAA-NY Near Extinction" (on the history-making gay activist group "Gay Activist Alliance"); -Tennessee Williams' autobiography "Memoirs" reviewed; -much more.
Of special note is two flyers found laid in and offered with this issue (please see images below):
1) "Giovanni's Room - Gay and Feminist Books and Crafts" located at 1426 Spruce Street in Philadelphia; and 2) "WHAT IS TO BE DONE - GAY COMMUNITY MEETING TO DISCUSS, DECIDE AND ACT UPON THE NEW GAY RIGHTS BILL FOR [the Philadelphia] CITY COUNCIL."
January 28-February 4, 1977 issue of "The Weekly Gayzette" (Vol. 4 #4) edited by Joseph R. DeMarco and published out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A left-folded Newsweek-size newsletter containing eight pages including front and rear covers. Containing news, articles, announcements, reviews, calender of events, classifieds, and vintage advertisements. Highlights include:
-cover headline "metamorphosis" with accompanying interior announcement by Editor Joseph R. DeMarco ("The GAYZETTE is changing to a MONTHLY MAGAZINE format...Along with the change in the publishing schedule, there will be a new name - 'NEW GAY LIFE: A MONTHLY JOURNAL'"); -cover headline "inside rita mae brown" and lengthy interior "An Interview With Rita Mae Brown" exlusively for this issue (with photo); -news article "NOW [National Organization for Women] Presents Rita Mae Brown" ("In the late 1960s, some significant members of the NOW national leadership instituted a purge of many lesbians, suspected lesbians, and lesbian sympathizers. The purge took many forms. All of them cruel"); -news article "Community Center Begins Capital Fund Drive" ("Plans by the Gay Community Center of Philadelphia to purchase its rented quarters at 326 Kater St. go into high gear later this month with a $25,000 capital fund drive"); -news article "Inquirer Article Detrimental to Gays" ("An article in the Sunday, January 30, 1977 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer has explored with some vivid case histories the problems [involving] the sexual molestation of children...Will the gay community be obliquely confused with the sick people who violate kids?"); -short review of two gay male films "Boys Will Be Boys" and "The Secret Tablets of Rama"; -much more.
"More Light: For All Presbyterians Concerned for Lesbians and Gay Men"
Issue #36 of "More Light: For All Presbyterians Concerned for Lesbians and Gay Men" (May-June 1979), a bimonthly newsletter of the organization Presbyterians for Gay Concerns (Presbyterian Gay Caucus) published out of Los Angeles, California. Measuring 8-1/2" by 11" and containing 16 pages including front and rear covers.
Well-illustrated with photographs, the newsletter contains news, announcements, and articles of interest to the gay and lesbian Presbyterian Christian community and their supporters. Contents include:
-half page photo from the 191st United Presbyterian and the 119th Presbyterian in the United States General Assemblies held concurrently in Kansas City, Missouri from May 22-30, 1979 ("Presbyterians for Gay Concerns was there..."); -article reprinted from the "General Assembly Daily News" entitled "GA [General Assembly] Receives Report of Gays"; -half page photo of "Chris Glaser and Bill Silver, walking arm in arm to the press conference scheduled after the reception of PGC's [Presbyterians for Gay Concerns] Chapter XXVIII report"; -news article entitled "Highlights from Presbyterians for Gay Concerns' National Steering Committee Meetings Held May 26-28, 1979, Kansas City, Missouri" (with half page photo group shot of Jonathan Justice, Bill Hirsch, Sandy Brawders, and Rodger Wilson); -news article "Suite News, A report from PGC's Hospitality Suite" (with half page photo: "Rodger Wilson from Dallas, Texas, the mainstay of PGC's Hospitality Suite each year, chats with GA visitors"); -half page photo of a "Navy chaplain who spoke in favor of the reception of the PGC Annual Report" at the Assembly; -half page photo of "PGC Moderator Bill Silver [speaking] before the Committee on Bills and Overtures"; -splendid photospread "Presbyterians for Gay Concerns Breakfast" (with five photos, including Maggie Kuhn of the Gray Panthers, and singer and songwriter Carole Etzler); -half page photo "PGC folk in the 'peanut gallery' at General Assembly"; -reprint of an article from the New York Times entitled "Episcopal Panel Advises Church Not to Bar Homosexual Priests"; -article "She's Still Our Daughter: An Oregon couple comes to grips with their daughter's homosexuality" by James E. Solheim (re Susan Shepherd and her parents, with two photos); -article "Loving Sexuality in a New World" by Bill Silver.
Action Magazine
Near-complete run of 45 issues of the long-defunct and long-forgotten "Action Magazine" (1972-1974) published out of Hollywood, California. Well-illustrated with vintage advertisements and male beefcake photographs, Action Magazine (popularly known as a "bar rag") provided bar, social, drag, and entertainment news to gay men living in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. All with magnificent vintage covers, the issues feature editorials, articles, social, gossip, and bar columns, humor, Hollywood and male film reviews, maps, directories, and drag and beefcake contest and coronation news. Beginning in 1974, the issues are packed with male beefcake photographs from the lens of Eddie Van, whose male models were always available for private show, pioneer gay male filmmaker Pat Rocco, and Bob Mizer's Athletic Model Guild.
With vintage gay bar, nightclub, lounge, bathhouse, adult male theatre, fashion, and restaurant ads from virtually every gay business in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, many of them now closed, including: The House of Ivy, The Glass Onion (offering a "Young Swinging Crowd, Pool Tables, Groovy Atmosphere"), The Purple Lion, The Fallen Angel, The Florentine Room, Bernie's Holiday Room. Bla Bla Cafe, The Stampede, Rendezvous, The Outcast ("America's Largest Leather & Western Bar"), The Lagoon, The Alley, The Big John, Shanty, Inquire Room, Handle Bar, Coronet Theatre, Falcon's Lair, Stardust, Blue Angel West, Tiffany Theatre, The Acropolis, The Hayloft, Candlelite Room, The Bitter End West, Cypress Baths, Atwater Baths, Goliath's Theatre, Las Palmas Theatre, Ah Men, Man-Maker Fashions, The City Dump, The Boot Camp, hundreds of others.
Issue #8 of "Action Magazine" (July 1972) published out of Hollywood, California. Well-illustrated with vintage advertisements, Action Magazine (popularly known as a "bar rag") provided bar, social, drag, and entertainment news to gay men living in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. A stapled Newsweek-size magazine printed on newsprint paper and containing 64 pages including front and rear covers.
With a splendid vintage illustrated cover, the issue features editorials, articles, social, gossip, and bar columns, humor, Hollywood and male film reviews, maps, directories, and drag and beefcake contest and coronation news. With vintage gay bar, nightclub, lounge, bathhouse, adult male theatre, fashion, and restaurant ads from gay businesses in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, many of them now closed. Highlights include:
-column "Action Ear" by Danny Johnson ("I finally had a chance to do some bar-hopping the last couple of weeks, so I think I'll start this time by telling you about what's going on"); -column "Your day in L.A." by Gerald Strickland ("It's five o'clock Sunday morning in L.A. Senorita Neutsa de Los Angeles, to be more exact...Our Lady the Queen of the Angels, the saddest, loneliest, happiest, gaiest city in the world"); -full page announcement for the upcoming "Mr. Mechanic" Contest ("Our Butch Contest" presented by Madam Leslie and Ace); -full page announcement for the upcoming "National Cotillion: Second Annual Female Impersonators' Contest" presented by L-West Productions ("25 Contestants Compete in 3 Categories: Beauty of Face & Figure, Bathing Suit; Charm & Grace, Evening Gown; Talent, 4-minute routine"); -full page announcement from "Dizzy, Love is the Answer" (with two photos of Dizzy, one male beefcake, the other drag: "Thank you, Saul & David, for my Saully Nomination. And, thanks to everyone who voted for me. For best in field of nosy people"); -film review of "Portnoy's Complaint" (with two photos); -full page ad from the Hollywood Music Center (with illustration: "every night: Films, Nudes, Dancing"); -full page ad from Forsooth The Dragon (with list of the "Knights of the Round Table Contestants"); -gay film review of "Devil In The Flesh" (with three photos); -column "Girls' Scene" by The Irish Butch; -full page ad "Miss Alba Proudly Presents: The All Male Play Room Cocktail Lounge" (with "groovy waiter Ron"); -column "Metropolitan Tavern and Guild Association News Release"; -column "Action Line: Long Beach" by Tackee David ("BOY, have I got a column for you this week!!!); -full page announcement for the upcoming "Mr. Nude Cosmopolitan Contest" at the Follies Theatre; -vintage advertisements for the Glass Onion (then featuring "The Onionettes"); The Stampede Western Saloon; Garden of Eden ("We never close"); Nero's; Tradesman ("under new management"); The Gas Station (with illustrations: "The Now Sounds, Where The Happenings Are! Gay"); Dove's Cove ("Join Del, Micki & the gang"); Blue Angel West; The French Bull; The Bla Bla Cafe; Atwater Baths; the Playhouse (then featuring Charles Pierce, with photo); the Fallen Angel (with beefcake illustration); many others; -much, much more.
First Anniversary Issue. Issue #26 (probable) of "Action Magazine" (April 1973) published out of Hollywood, California. A stapled Newsweek-size magazine printed on newsprint paper and containing 80 pages including front and rear covers. Highlights include:
-article "THINK Before You Call For HELP" (a lengthy criticism of the Homophile Effort for Legal Protection founded by Larry Townsend and others to provide education and legal assistance to gay men arrested or entrapped by vice officers); -column "Nostagia" by Gerald Strickland; -full page ad for Carl Newman, then running for the Los Angeles City Council (with photo: "L.A. Candidate Backs Full Rights for Gays"); -bar column "In Search of Action"; -fabulous full page advertisement for the Redwood Room (with large male beefcake and drag queen photo ("When in San Francisco, it's Finnochios - in Paris, La Petit Moulin Rouge - in New York, 82 Club - in Los Angeles, Redwood Room"); -half page announcement for the upcoming 1st Annual Black Beauty Contest (at C'est La Vie); -gay male film review of "Back Row" starring Casey Donovan (with photo); -social and bar column "Steppin' Out" by Bill Dover; -full page ad for the Valli Haus ("Playroom Bar" with two photos, including one of hunky Billy Carroll: "Would you believe This Number? REAL TRASH"); -article on drag queen Butch Ellis (with photo); -interview of drag queen Empress 1 La Rey ("a female impersonator and a producer of the Universe Ball and the Battle of the VIPS"); -centerfold facsimile from the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper featuring a review of the gay restaurant Country Club ("A Gay Place of Fine Wines and $1.50 Dinners"); -bar and social column "City of San Francisco"; -bar and social column "San Diego Scene"; -vintage advertisements from Cable Car Flowers (with male beefcake illustration); Middle Earth ("'Big Mama' Kelly at 6am Sat. & Sun."); After Hours ("Levi Night Every Wednesday"); GSF (dating service: "Looking for a Lover? You'll Find 'Em by the 100s at GSF"); the Outer Limits; Harold's ("Los Angeles' Oldest, Our 29th Year - 'There Must Be A Reason'"); Victor Hugo (featuring "Gogi Grant's Playgirls"); The Queen Mary; Neworld ("Dancing Go-Go Boys, Your Host Pepper"); the Brass Spurr; A Taste of Leather ("Serving the Needs of the Community Since 1966"); Camp (San Francisco); the Islander (presenting the "Ding-a-ling Bros., Barnstable & Gayley" in a benefit concert for the Gay Activists Alliance); Barbary Coast; Bee Jays; Mary's Hang Up (San Diego); Dave's Bathhouse (San Diego); Atlas Baths (San Diego); The Haven (with beefcake photo: "All the Young Dudes"); many others; -much, much more.
Issue #28 "Action Magazine" (May 1973) published out of Hollywood, California. A stapled Newsweek-size magazine printed on newsprint paper and containing 64 pages including front and rear covers. Highlights include:
-cover photograph of David, a bartender at Duron's (then at 7621 Sunset Boulevard); -full page advertisement for the gay bar "Skip's Shingle Shack" then located at 1941 Hyperion ("IF YOU ARE A: gay, fag, queer, pansie, sissy, dyke, lesbian, closet queen, male, female, homosexual, heterosexual, bisexual, asexual, black, brown, red, white, yellow, off-duty cop, on-duty cop, soldier, sailor, marine, flyguy, wac, wave, single, married, unmarried, never-married, mother, father, son, daughter, or any combination thereof, you are welcome"); -social column "Action Ear" by Danny Johnson; -two page article "Dear John [Embry]" by Phil Cooper (a lengthy criticism of John Embry from HELP, Inc., the Homophile Effort for Legal Protection founded by Larry Townsend and others to provide education and legal assistance to gay men arrested or entrapped by vice officers); -news article "SPREE Awards 1973" (the Society of Pat Rocco Enlightened Enthusiasts, with photo); -column "Shining On" by David, featuring article "The Story of Bill and Frank" by Steve of Long Beach (on lovers Bill and Frank: "They met in the summertime...All they had was a couple of dollars between them, an old Ford wagon that hardly ran, and they had each other"); -full page announcement for the upcoming Emperor & Empress Ball (to be held at Ellie's Royal Lion in Inglewood on May 6, 1973); -bar column "Steppin' Out" by Bill Dover; -full page ad for The Neworld, at 12319 Ventura Boulevard (with four beefcake photos of go-go boy Gypsy 'Johnny' Lee); -full page announcement for the upcoming 2nd Annual Night of Stars sponsored by the Kingmasters (at the Playhouse in North Hollywood to benefit HELP, Inc.); -social column "City of San Francisco" by Mike B.; -full page advertisement for San Francisco's Naked Grape bar (with beefcake illustration: "One of San Francisco's friendliest, crusing [sic] and dance bars"); -guest social column "Our Town: San Francisco" by Sarah Jane Johnson III; -full page advertisement for Brawn Products (with male beefcake photo); -column "San Diego Scene" by Bob Lawrence; -half page "Mama Bear for Empress of South Bay" (with photo) and "Tommy for Emperor of South Bay" (with photo); -vintage advertisements for The Old West (with illustration, "Western & Leather Bar, Guys with leather, cap, motorcycle, jackets"); The Outer Limits ("Dance Contest Sundays"); Forsooth The Drago (with photo of bartender Don Witherow); Chief Crazy Horse Saloon (with male beefcake photo); A Taste of Leather (with photo and illustration); Barbary Coast, Bee Jays, Gents Turkish Bath ("male attendants only"); many others; -much, much more.
Now with expanded male artwork and photography. Issue #31 of "Action Magazine" (June 1973) published out of Hollywood, California. A stapled Newsweek-size magazine printed on newsprint paper and containing 72 pages including front and rear covers. Highlights include:
-cover advertisement for Chief Crazy Horse, then at 6274 Hollywood Boulevard (with drawing by Etienne); -full page announcement for the upcoming "Mister Cowboy and Miss Cowgirl 1973-74 Contest" (with male beefcake art of hunky, hairy shirtless cowboy, to be held at Big Town in San Francisco, located at 6th & Folsom Streets); -full page advertisement for drag entertainer Sahdgi, then appearing at the Queen Mary at 12449 Ventura Boulevard in Studio City ("Sahdgi is Back! Direct From His Exclusive Engagement At The Circus Circus In Las Vegas"); -column "Action Ear" by Danny Johnson (which includes a lengthy list of his choices for the upcoming Maggie Awards); -full page advertisement for Jim's Corral in Long Beach (with male beefcake artwork); -full page advertisement for Butch Gardens on Sunset Boulevard, with splendid artwork (where "The Hunkiest Butch Dudes in the West Get It All Together...Are You Butch Enough For Butch Gardens?"); -gay film review of "Ramrod" (with beefcake photo of Bruce Morgan); -full page announcement for the upcoming "Mom & Pop's Straight-Shooter Awards Finalists" at Mom & Pop Hennessey (categories include "Queens Row"; "A.A. Reject"; "Born Loser"; "Louella Parsnip"; "Bar Fly"; "Odd Balls"; others); -full page advertisement for Broom Hildas, then at 16865 Pacific Coast Highway ("Draft Beer 25-cents, Bottle 40-cents: Must Wear Levis And No Shirt To Take Advantage Of These Prices"); -full page advertisement for the DOK West in Garden Grove ("Orange County's All New Night Club, Genuine Old-European Atmosphere"); -full page photograph of drag queen Charmaine Lee Anderson (running for "Queen of Queens" title at the upcoming Maggie Awards); -lengthy four-page interview of Carol, a transsexual; -half page advertisement for The Swing in San Diego (with beefcake drawing: "its where the boys go go go go go go!"); -full page advertisement for The Florentine Room on Melrose Avenue (with beefcake photo of Gary Brandenburg and drag queen Miss Jamie Lynn); -full page advertisement for The City Dump, then at 506 Castro at 18th Street in San Francisco (with large male beefcake drawing); -half page advertisement for the Water Hole #3 in San Francisco (with photo: "Meet Ray, Mr. Gay San Francisco"); -half page advertisement for Ah Men fashions (with two beefcake photos, one of Colt model Stoner); -full page advertisement for "Man-Maker Fashions" then at 958 Western Avenue in Hollywood (with two photos); -full page ad from drag queen Billy Carroll, with large photo ("Dolly, Lorelie And I Thank You, Cal & Billy, For Our Maggie Nomination"); -much, much, much more.
Issue #36 of "Action Magazine" (August 1973) published out of Hollywood, California. Well-illustrated with vintage advertisements, art and photography, Action Magazine (popularly known as a "bar rag") provided bar, social, drag, and entertainment news to gay men living in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties (now with coverage of San Francisco and San Diego). A stapled Newsweek-size magazine printed on newsprint paper and containing 72 pages including front and rear covers. Highlights include:
-social, event, and bar columns throughout; -full page photograph of Lynn Mettscher (Candidate for Napoleon); -full page photograph of drag queen Julius ("Good Luck, Julius - Candidate for Josephine & International Show Queen"); -full page photograph of Dee ("Good Luck, Dee, Candidate for Napoleon"); -full page photograph of Ron Stone and Kimo ("For Emperor & Empress De San Diego"); -full page list of Sandie Awards Nominees (including categories Mr. Hunky Guy, Drag Queen of the Year, Bitch of the Year, Butch of the Year, Camp of the Year, Bar and Bartender of the Year); -full page announcement of the upcoming Sandie Awards and the First Annual Coronation Ball of the Emperor & Empress De San Diego; -full page photography of Geno & drag queen Tony Raye ("El Diablo's Presents Geno & Tony Raye For Emperor & Empress De San Diego"); -full page photograph of drag queen Tony Janne ("The International Brass Rail Is Proud to Introduce Tony Janne For Empress De San Diego"); -full page photograph of Eddie Storcz ("The International Brass Rail Is Proud to Introduce Eddie Storcz For Emperor De San Diego"); -full page advertisement for the Water Hole #3 in San Francisco (with seven male rear photos); -full page advertisement for the American Continental Baths (with beefcake drawing, then at 5729 Cahuenga Boulevard in North Hollywood); -delightful full page advertisement for "A Drapery Store Unlimited" (with male beefcake photo: "Undraped?"); -review of gay film "Erotikus: History of the Gay Movie" (with beefcake photo of Fred Halsted); -review of gay film "ONE Adventure" filmed by Pat Rocco (with male beefcake group shot); -full page announcement for the upcoming "1st Annual M.A.L.E. Carnival" sponsored by the Metropolitan Association for Legal Equity; -full page advertisement for Goliath's, then at 7011 Melrose Avenue (with male beefcake illustration: "REX IS BACK MANAGING [the] BEST MALE DANCERS IN TOWN...THE GIANT IN MALE ENTERTAINMENT!"); -one third page ad for Ah Men fashion outlet (with three small photos, two of Colt model Dakota); -much, much, much more.
Issue #42 of "Action Magazine" (November 1973) published out of Hollywood, California. Well-illustrated with vintage advertisements, art and photography, Action Magazine (popularly known as a "bar rag") provided bar, social, drag, and entertainment news to gay men living in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties (now with coverage of San Francisco and San Diego). A stapled Newsweek-size magazine printed on newsprint paper and containing 56 pages including front and rear covers.
The issue features editorials, articles, social, gossip, and bar columns, humor, Hollywood and male film reviews, male beefcake art and photography, and drag and beefcake contest and coronation news. With vintage gay bar, nightclub, lounge, bathhouse, adult male theatre, fashion, and restaurant ads from gay businesses in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, many of them now closed. Highlights include:
-social, event, and bar columns throughout; -cover photograph of hypnotist Steve Hyslop, then appearing at the Queen of Clubs; -two page advertisement from the Hollywood Century Theatre, then showing the gay film "Nights in Black Leather" starring Peter Burian (with four male beefcake photos, two of Peter Burian); -full page announcement from the American Continental Baths announcing the upcoming "National Chicken Day" ("Flee Your Coop and Join The Brood For Chicken Feed"); -splendid full page advertisement for the Hayloft at 11818 Ventura Boulevard in Studio City announcing their annual Toys For Tots event (with male beefcake artwork: "All [donations] For U.S. Marines TOYS FOR TOTS, Bring a Buck and a Toy"); -fabulous full page advertisement for the 49' R Showbar, then featuring male hunk - and male drag queen - Carol Williams (with eight photos of Carol Williams, in and out of drag); -half page advertisement for the Vine Lodge (with male beefcake photo: "All Male Staff"); -full page announcement for the "Grand Opening of The Attick" (with photo: "Featuring Mary Etta & Gary Doing Their Pantomime of ELVIS"); -full page advertisement from the House Of Seven on Cahuenga (with artwork by Harold featuring two hunky cowboys); -review of the Jaguar film "Nights in Black Leather" (with two photos, one of Peter Burian and one of Rick Jedin); -article on female impersonator Bobbi Glen (with photo); -full page announcement from C. C. Jones Enterprises presenting the Royale Crown Production of "The Moods of Bobbi Glen" (then appearing at the Cafe Del Rey Moro Supper Club in Balboa Park, San Diego); -centerfold ad for the Las Palmas Adult Male Cinema (with splendid male beefcake drawing by artist Harold); -full page advertisement for "Andy & Roger's 'Mineshaft'" located at 1720 E. Broadway in Long Beach (with male beefcake drawing); -column "San Francisco Scene" by "The Good Fairy" (with four photos from J.B.'s House); -full page advertisement for the Bunkhouse in Hollywood (with male beefcake art: "YA-HOO!!! YA-HOO!!! YA-HOO!!! YA-HOO!!! YA-HOO!!!"); -full page advertisement from the Hyperion Health Club (gay bathhouse, with Tom of Finland drawing); -rear cover announcement for the upcoming "Superstar Olympics Nomination Night" at the Queen of Clubs (with male beefcake art; the bar was then featuring hypnotist Steve Hyslop); -much, much, much more.
Now greatly expanded with drag and male beefcake photographs (the latter by San Francisco photographer and male escort service owner Eddie Van). Volume 2 #1 of "Action Magazine" (January 1974) A stapled Newsweek-size magazine printed on newsprint paper and containing 64 pages including front and rear covers. Highlights include:
-social, event, and bar columns throughout; -splendid vintage advertisements (often with male beefcake illustrations or photos); -cover photograph of male hunk from Eddie Van's male escort stable; -six full page beefcake photographs, each featuring a hunk from Eddie Van's male escort stable; -full page advertisement from The Boxcar (with male artwork by Harold); -splendid fourteen-page section on the recently-held Empress IX De San Francisco Contest (with congratulatory ads and 26 photographs taken at the Contest; with large photograph of Her Imperial Majesty Frieda being crowned as Empress IX De San Francisco, all photos by Eddie Van); -lengthy article on the Portland, Oregon Emperor and Empress Coronation [Royal Court] held on November 16, 1973 by Russ II, Emperor of San Francisco ("Portland is, indeed, the city that knows how"); -full page advertisement for the Aquarius (gay bathhouse, with male artwork: "The Private Now Generation Club"); -centerfold male beefcake photograph from Folsom Prison, San Francisco, presenting "Dean, our Bartender, Candidate for Mr. Kalendar"; -full page ad from the Naked Grape in San Francisco (with full page male beefcake photo of bartender Gary); -one page photospread entitled "From the Files of the Good Fairy" (with ten drag, bar, and beefcake photos); -full page ad from the Boot Camp ("Leather Bar of the West"; with full page male beefcake photo by Eddie Van); -two photographs of the Polk Gulch Saloon (one taken of the front of the bar, one of the staff, both photos by Eddie Van); -much, much, much more.
Volume 2 #3 of "Action Magazine" (March 1974) published out of Hollywood, California. A stapled Newsweek-size magazine printed on newsprint paper and containing 64 pages including front and rear covers. Highlights include:
-social, event, and bar columns throughout; -splendid vintage advertisements (often with male beefcake illustrations or photos); -front cover of two hunky male actors by filmmaker Pat Rocco; -six full page male beefcake photographs of actors from the films of Pat Rocco; -full page photograph of Joe Adair, Inga-Maria Pinson, and Dean Shah-Kee in Pat Rocco's newsest gay film, "Two Way Drift"; -full page announcement for the upcoming 1974 Inaugural Ball ("Under the direction of His Sovereign Majesty, the Imperial Prince Douglas I"); -half page announcement "Bobbie Lee - Miss Hawthorne 1973-74 - Announces Her Candidacy For Empress II of South Bay" (with photo); -quarter page ad for "Pat Rocco's Male Film Review Magazine" (with beefcake photo); -full page ad from Cypress Baths (with male beefcake drawing); -full page ad from the gay bathhouse "Cock of the Walk" in West Hollywood (with two male beefcake photos: "Come and GET US"); -full page ad for four adult bookstores with beefcake photo of Brian Idol (the Swingers Bookstore in Sherman Oaks; Western News in Hollywood; Paris Bookstore in West Hollywood; and the Book Bin in Silver Lake); -rear cover advertisement from the Silver Saddle Spa (with male beefcake drawing: "Special Features: Rodeo Room, Bunk House, Waterin' Hole, Hiching Post, Open Range"); -much, much, much more.
Volume 2 #4 "Action Magazine" (April 1974) published out of Hollywood, California. Highlights include:
-social, event, and bar columns throughout; -splendid vintage advertisements (often with male beefcake illustrations or photos); -front cover photograph by Bob Mizer of the Athletic Model Guild; -full page advertisement from Mike's Corral in Long Beach (with male leather artwork); -full page announcement for the Kingmasters 3rd Annual Night of Stars (with photo of David Miller by Hy Chase of In Touch Magazine); -full page photograph of Veronica Va Voom from Pharoahs, then on Santa Monica Boulevard ("Thanks to Everyone Who Voted Me GODDESS OF POPULARITY 1974"); -three full page male beefcake photographs by the Athletic Model Guild; -full page advertisement from the Gallery Inn Restaurant & Bar (with photo of two beefcake hunks, one of them Jim Cassidy); -full page sponsorship from the Serpent Eight Club for Robert A. Cerra and Daisy Doan as Candidates for Emperor II and Empress II De San Fernando Valley (with photo); -centerfold advertisement from Falcon's Lair on their 8th Anniversary (with artwork by Tom of Finland; "Starring The Mad Insane Dum Danny Clark"); -full page ad from the Stud, then at 4216 Melrose (with male beefcake photo); -two photographs from San Diego's "Great Motorcycle Race"; -two photographs from the Long Beach bar "L'il Lucy's" (including one of owner Irv and his mother); -rear cover ad from the Hyperion Health Club (with artwork by Tom of Finland); -much, much, much more.
Volume 2 #5 of "Action Magazine" (May 1974) published out of Hollywood, California. A stapled Newsweek-size magazine printed on newsprint paper and containing 56 pages including front and rear covers.
Highlights include:
-social, event, and bar columns throughout; -splendid vintage advertisements (often with male beefcake illustrations or photos); -front cover photograph of male hunk (possibly by Bob Mizer of the Athletic Model Guild); -full page advertisement from The Saddle Club in Orange County ("Saddle Up Now"); -full page advertisement from the Athletic Model Guild (with numerous front covers of "Physique Pictorial" reproduced); -three full page male beefcake photographs by the Athletic Model Guild (one of Ed Fury); -full page "Recommendation List" of gay bars, restaurants, bathhouses, theatres, periodicals, services, and bookshops in Los Angeles and vicinity; -centerfold advertisement from An Old Friend, then on Racquet Club Road in Palm Springs (with two male beefcake photos: "Lodging for Men"); -full page advertisement from Atlas Baths in San Diego (with small beefcake photo); -short film review of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (with photo); -full page promotional ad for Bruce Macy, Candidate for Emperor II De San Fernando Valley (with photo); -half page advertisement from Lil' Lucy's (with beefcake photo of Jim Stryker: "Where the Beach Boys gather"); -half page advertisement from the Mayan Health Club in Berkeley ("A TEMPLE of DELIGHT Dedicated to the Worship of the Masculine Body"); -much, much, much more.
Itemization of Issues
#1 (April 1972, 40 pages) n #2 (May 1972, 48 pages) #3 (June 1972, 48 pages) #4 (June 1972, 48 pages) #5 (June 1972, 56 pages) #7 (July 1972, 64 pages) #8 (July 1972, 64 pages) #9 (August 1972, 48 pages) #10 (August 1972, 64 pages) #11 (September 1972, 48 pages) #12 (September 1972, 56 pages) #13 (October 1972, 56 pages) #14 (October 1972, 56 pages) #15 (October 1972, 56 pages) #16 (November 1972, 64 pages) #17 (November 1972, 56 pages) #18 (December 1972, 48 pages) #19 (December 1972, 64 pages) #20 (January 1973, 56 pages)#21 (January 1973, 56 pages #23 (February 1973, 56 pages) #24 (March 1973, 80 pages) #25 (March 1973, 72 pages) #26 (April 1973, 80 pages) #27 (April 1973, 72 pages)# 28 (May 1973, 64 pages) #29 (May 1973, 64 pages) #30 (May 1973, 48 pages) #31 (June 1973, 72 pages) #32 (July 1973, 64 pages) #33 (July 1973, 56 pages) #35 (July 1973, 64 pages) #36 (August 1973, 72 pages) #37 (August 1973, 56 pages) #38 (September 1973, 64 pages) #39 (September 1973, 56 pages) #40 (October 1973, 64 pages) #41 (November 1973, 64 pages) #42 (November 1973, 56 pages) Vol. 2 #1 (January 1974, 64 pages) Vol. 2 #2 (February 1974, 64 pages) Vol. 2 #3 (March 1974, 64 pages) Vol. 2 #4 (April 1974, 48 pages) Vol. 2 #5 (May 1974, 56 pages) Now fold-over, tabloid large newspaper. Vol. 2 #6 (June 1974, 36 pages) | ||
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The Voice of the Gay Students Coalition
Of special note is an article, written for this publication, by Harvey Milk. Second issue of "The Voice of the Gay Students Coalition" (May 16, 1974, Volume 1 #2) published by the Gay Students Coalition out of San Francisco who organized "in an attempt to meet the needs of gay students in San Francisco." A large newspaper containing twelve pages including front and rear covers.
The issue contains articles, news updates, photographs and splendid illustrations. Of special note is article "One Hour A Week, For One Year, To Win Our Rights" by Harvey Milk (with brief bio: "Harvey Milk was a contender in the recent San Francisco Board of Supervisor's Race. He is currently organizing gay merchants throughout the City into an independent Chamber of Commerce"). Other highlights include: *article "Memories of the Loved and Lost" by James T. Harris (on San Francisco's Palace Theatre, with four photos); *article "Lavender U. [University]: Collective Consciousness-Raising - and Bicycle Repair Too!" (with two splendid illustrations); *article "Coming Out in the Dorms" by David Cawley; *short article on Steven - Steve - Grossman entitled "Gay Songwriter Debuts with Visions to Touch Us All" by David Cawley (with small reproduction of the album's front cover);*much more.
RASH
Second issue of "RASH: Revolutionary Associates for the Salvation of Humanity, The Gay-Lib Organ of Orange County" (#2, June 1971), issued by the Gay Liberation Front of Orange County, California. A stapled digest-sized magazine containing 28 pages including front and rear covers.Accompanied by photographs and illustrations, highlights include:
*the GLF/OC Statement issued on March 1971 ("The Gay Liberation Front of Orange County is an ideology of pride and freedom for oppressed homosexuals - and all homosexuals are oppressed"); *short article "The Part Of Me I Used To Hide" by editor Robert McIvery; *short segment "i am a homosexual" ("I lived many thousands of years ago and I still live today"); *lengthy short story "O Holy Night" (author not credited) concerning closeted character Howard Pruitt who makes the decision to pick up a young male street hustler; *review of the film "The Secret of Dorian Gray" from the novel by Oscar Wilde (with photo); *article "Looking Through Their Window" by Jay Murley, from the ACLU Police Malpractice Commission (on closet walls that gay pe |