"Gay Lib” Scores Civil Rights Victory In L.a. (Press, 12 February 1975)

On 12 February 1975, a notable development occurred in Los Angeles as it appointed its first openly homosexual official responsible for addressing gay community issues. This appointment, made by County Supervisor Edward Edelman, came amid a broader movement for gay civil rights and signifies a shift in the political landscape as candidates began to recognise the potential electoral power of the gay community. This trend has been supported by key electoral successes among candidates who campaigned on issues pertinent to gay rights, such as the Los Angeles City Attorney Burt Pines and Sheriff Richard Hongisto, who advocated for the treatment of homosexuals as equal citizens. Despite this progress, the appointment faced backlash from Los Angeles Police Chief Ed Davis, who has held a long-standing disdain for the homosexual community, describing them as “sick felons.” Nonetheless, the new appointee, Dave Glascock, is set to receive an annual salary of $12,000 as he takes on the responsibilities of liaising with the gay community. The recognition of the healthcare and social services provided by gay groups has also been acknowledged, with federal and state agencies granting over one million dollars to Los Angeles's Gay Community Services Centre. The report discusses the evolving dynamics within the gay liberation movement, which has seen some of its more radical factions express concern that leaders are compromising principles in pursuit of establishment acceptance. The Gay Activists Alliance now boasts 1,400 affiliated groups, representing diverse political opinions, and the movement has gained traction in numerous cities by enacting anti-discrimination laws regarding employment. Prominent figures within the movement, such as author Christopher Isherwood, highlighted the historical plight of homosexuals and the resilience of their existence, indicating that efforts towards equality will only continue to grow. Nevertheless, general public sentiment remains resistant, with significant portions of Middle America sharing Chief Davis's negative views on homosexuality. Current laws protecting gay rights have been implemented in various cities, but they impact only a fraction of the estimated ten to twenty million homosexuals in the United States, indicating that substantial barriers still exist. The National Gay Task Force's Ron Gold suggests that only through sustained advocacy can the perception of homosexuality shift, noting that “gayness will be the last barrier to fall.” Progress has been made, especially after the American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder, resulting in increased visibility and acceptance among professionals in various fields.

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