1969-1979

1969  

In a comprehensive criminal code revision, Kansas becomes the first state in the nation to make its consensual sodomy law applicable only to people of the same sex.  

June 27  The Stonewall Rebellion occurs. Up to this time, police routinely raid gay bars and are met with little resistance; when Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the State Liquor Authority instituted a ban on serving alcoholic drinks to homosexuals. On the night of Friday, June 27, the Stonewall Inn is raided for the second time in a week by the New York City Police Department (Public Morals Section) and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. A crowd of hundreds gather outside the Stonewall. As the police lead away those they had arrested, the crowd throws coins, then stones and bottles, at the agents. Someone tears up a parking meter and uses it to block the Stonewall’s door. The police retreat into the bar and call for reinforcements. Thousands join in the riot that lasts for three days. Many point to this time period as the turning point in the struggle for lgbt equality. A very good read is here: http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/stonewall_riots.html.  

1970  

The 70s mark the beginning of Gay Liberation. Gay Pride Parades become common.  

Summer  The Lawrence Gay Liberation Front (GLF) forms. The inadvertent leader is a gay social worker student.  

Sept  GLF applies for official recognition from KU and financing from Student Senate, but the requests are turned down. Then-Chancellor E. Lawrence Chalmers issues an official statement outlining the University's position: “Since we are not persuaded that student activity funds should be allocated either to support or to oppose the sexual proclivities of students, particularly when they might violate the law, the University of Kansas declines to formally recognize the Lawrence Gay Liberation Front.”

1971  

GLF and the ACLU take KU to court for infringing on students' First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Outspoken liberal lawyer William Kunstler (famous for defending the Chicago Seven after the 1968 Democratic Convention) is brought on to argue for the Front.  

1972  

Jan  When Lawrence Gay Liberation v. The University of Kansas reaches the Topeka District Court in January 1972, Judge George Templar refuses to let Kunstler--who is not licensed to practice law in Kansas--speak in court. Lawrence attorney Jack Klinknett argues for the group instead; GLF loses its case.   

1973  

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upholds Templar's ruling and the U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear an appeal. The Lawrence Gay Liberation Front will spend the next decade as an unofficial, unrecognized group.  

The American Psychiatric Association declares that homosexuality is not a disorder but a normal psychological condition.

KU’s Student Senate issues new guidelines concerning student groups. All can be registered, but they cannot all be recognized. The new policy on recognition states: “To be recognized and eligible for Student Senate funds, an organization cannot be substantially oriented in support or in opposition to: a.) particular religious institutions, activities or beliefs, b.) particular political party activities or programs, or c.) particular and customarily private activities, habits or proclivities.” GLF is the only group to fall under section c.  

1976  

Lawrence Gay Liberation Front changes its name to Gay Services of Kansas.  

1977

Born-again singer Anita Bryant campaigns to overturn an anti-discrimination law protecting gay men and lesbians in Dade County, Fla. Inspired by her victory, Bryant founds the first national anti-gay group, Save Our Children, drawing unprecedented attention to gay issues and motivating gay groups to organize in response.

James Dobson, author of 1969 pro-spanking book "Dare To Discipline," founds Focus on the Family in Arcadia, CA. Focus will move to Colorado Springs in 1991, become America's wealthiest fundamentalist ministry, and spearhead the campaign against gay marriage.

1978

The Rainbow Flag is developed by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker. He explains that his colors each stand for a different aspect of gay and lesbian life: 

Nov 27  Gay activist Harvey Milk, elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, is assassinated (along with Mayor George Moscone) by right-wing religious zealot Dan White, a former city supervisor who had resigned in protest after the board passed a gay-rights ordinance.

1979

The Rev. Jerry Falwell founds the Moral Majority, a national effort to stimulate the fundamentalist vote and elect Christian Right candidates. Early fundraising appeals include a "Declaration of War" on homosexuality.

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