Dial-a-gay Book (Press, 20 October 1982)

On 20 October 1982, the Gay Areas Telephone Directory, a unique publication in the United States, was highlighted in San Francisco. The directory features a teddy bear on its cover with a button saying, "I like boys," and encompasses a four-page colour section focusing on the Russian River area, referred to as "America's newest gay playground." Its publisher, Robert Adams, noted the directory's expansion over the past four years to include several major cities such as Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Portland, and Seattle, indicating a growing acceptance and visibility of the gay community across the nation. When it was first launched in 1979, San Francisco was the sole city with such a directory, which filled a unique niche within the community. Unlike smaller publications, such as the "Gayellowpages" in New York, which primarily listed bars and restaurants, the Gay Areas Telephone Directory serves as a comprehensive telephone book for the gay community, providing a broader range of listings. Adams stated that while the directory might be perceived as a curiosity for heterosexuals, it serves as a vital resource for the gay community where individuals often seek out others with similar interests and values. San Francisco has long been recognised as a leader in gay acceptance and culture, and Adams indicated that other cities, like New York and Los Angeles, look to San Francisco as a central hub for gay life. The demand for a directory like this has led to expectations of it becoming a national resource, with plans for further regional expansion. In its current form, the directory had expanded significantly, growing from its original 18 white pages and 72 pages of classified ads to a robust 216 pages with 500 advertising contracts across the western United States, showcasing a significant increase in revenue by 300 percent. The directory offers free listings to both gay organisations and individuals, supported by its advertisers, and is accessible upon request at the Gay Directory Office located above the Elephant Walk Bar on Castro Street, the epicentre of San Francisco's gay district. Interest in the directory has also extended beyond the United States, with Adams reporting inquiries from around the world, highlighting its global appeal and the ongoing significance of such resources for the gay community.

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