Gays Behind New Mayor (Press, 14 December 1979)

In a historic election, San Francisco has appointed its first female Mayor, Dianne Feinstein, marking a significant moment in the city's political landscape. Feinstein, a Democratic Party candidate aged 46, garnered support from the city's prominent homosexual community, which comprises approximately 175,000 individuals, or 25% of the city’s population. This demographic has emerged as a crucial voting bloc in California, with major politicians increasingly acknowledging their influence; notably, Governor Jerry Brown recently endorsed a gay rights platform. However, the political climate has been tense, particularly since the tragic assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, a leading gay rights advocate, in November 1978. Both were killed by Dan White, a disgruntled colleague whose defense was based on an alleged diminished mental capacity attributed to junk food consumption. The court's lenient verdict, returning a manslaughter conclusion, sparked outrage among the LGBTQ community, culminating in a violent protest where 50,000 demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in numerous injuries and widespread property damage. The aftermath of the killings has seen a surge in violence against homosexuals in San Francisco, with reports of increased “queer-bashing” and aggressive police tactics against the gay community. Many in the city have expressed anger towards the visibility of gay life, with accusations of disruption from middle-class residents and claims from minority groups that wealthy gay individuals are gentrifying their neighbourhoods. This backlash, compounded by negative media portrayals, has created a divisive atmosphere in the city. In light of these tensions, Acting Mayor Feinstein has attempted to navigate the crisis by addressing concerns from both the gay community and police forces. She controversially dismissed Police Chief Charles Gain, who faced backlash himself, while also assuring gay leaders of her commitment to inclusion within the police department, pledging to appoint an openly gay police commissioner. The election campaign leading to her victory has become a pivotal battleground for gay rights, especially as her closest competitor, Quentin Kopp, positioned himself against her. With pressing issues such as school strikes, a projected $100 million budget deficit, and rising crime rates in the city, gay rights have emerged as a central theme of political discourse. This situation reflects broader national debates on LGBTQ rights, with conservative commentators warning of potential societal decline and liberal leaders rallying in support of the movement. Governor Brown, who is preparing for a presidential run, is aligning himself with the LGBTQ community, recognising their substantial fundraising capabilities. As the gay community seeks to assert its political influence, activists plan to elect gay delegates to both the Democratic and Republican national conventions. Their agenda includes advocating for anti-discrimination policies within government and military employment. This new assertiveness follows the mobilising effect of Anita Bryant's anti-gay rights campaign, which galvanized previously divided gay groups into action and highlighted the urgency of their cause. The current year appears to be a critical point in the struggle for LGBTQ acceptance and political representation in the United States.

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