Vol. 2 A Publication of the GEAR Foundation Issue 11

HIGH GEAR

1976 GEAR

NATIONAL GAY PRIDE MARCH IN N.Y.

by Matt Phillips

There was a strange force propelling me to New York. Although I had only lived in Manhattan for seven weeks one summer, it felt like a homecoming, because New York was where I had come out. And now, I was driving to New York to participate in my first gay pride Parade Christopher Street Liberation Day 1976.

It did not take long to reacclimate myself, even after six years. Soon, the subways were familiar passageways to the different parts of the city; Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Times Square, Columbus Circle. Before long it was 10 o'clock Sunday morning, and I was on an E train headed for the Village and soon to Sheridan Square, the site of the Stonewall Rebellion on June 27 through 30, 1969.

People were just beginning to arrive. (The actual formation time was noon, but I didn't want to miss anything.) Groups were beginning to form. The lesbian groups were in the front, readying their banners. One block was designated for religious groups: MCC, Dignity, Church of the Beloved Disciple, Integrity. After them came the political action and social groups: GAA-NJ, Parents of Gay, Gay Teachers Association, and Gay New York Youth, and on and on...

While roaming through this growing crowd of gay people, all talking with friends, making new friends, holding hands, kissing, it was hard to believe what had happened in this spot seven years ago. The occasion we were commemorating made a stark contrast with this happy

scene.

The Stonewall Rebellion was a violent confrontation between oppressive police units and gays who decided they were not going to be pushed around any more. There is "safety" in the numbers that gather for this annual commemoration, but I wondered how many of us would have the courage that those first people of the "Stonewall Nation" did. When, and if our time comes, can we follow their example?

The parade has started! There is

no more time for contemplation. It's time to participate!

"Two Four Six Eight Gay is just as good as straight."

We pass Stonewall, pass the corner of Christopher and Gay Streets and turn onto the Avenue of the Americas. Along the sidewalks are others with gay lib buttons. Gradually, they leave the curb and join us.

"Join us. Join us. Join us!" Our ranks are growing. With every new street there are new

people falling into step. Two young men carry a sign, "We Are Everywhere". On this day as we near Central Park, you can feel that the whole world must be gay. For blocks and blocks there are thousands of happy gay men and women.

Once the marchers have arrived at the bandshell' in Central Park the rally begins. Livening everyone's spirits after the 62 block parade a feminist recording group, Deadly Nightshade, starts the rally.

The keynote speaker is Rita Mae Brown. She starts by noting the large buildings near Central Park which are symbols, she says, of corporations that say they are equal opportunity employers, take our money, and then discriminate against us. Moving on to politics, "The Democrats have sold you and me down the river," she protests, "and the Republicans own the God damn river!" Stressing that we must fight for gay liberation because nobody else will, Ms. Brown continued, we can only become politically dangerous when we "move out of the slot Big Daddy has set for us." As long as we focus only. for gay rights it's easy for us to be written off We must overcome sexism, racism, and classism and you know something? We are!... We are learning to understand people

...

who are different and value that difference rather than be frightened." The answer is to find how to restructure society and the economy so people come first, not profits.

"Look around you. We are everyone. We will meet hate with love and more love. We are the citizens of the 21st century!"

As the rally proceeded, there was more music; "Come Out, Come Out" by New Freedom, "Stonewall Nation" by Madeline Davis, and Baby Jane Dexter brought to a standing ovation.

Interspersed were letters and telegrams of support and encouragement from Lily Tomlin, Lotte Lenya, and Bella Abzug read by Loretta Lotman and Vito Russo.

Along with the joyful sounds and encouraging words, other speakers brought everyone back to reality.

Dave. Dillinger (one of the Chicago 7) reminded that it is "not only necessary to come out of the closet personally, but we must come out politically... A lot of people don't have much to celebrate: blacks, Indians, Puerto Ricans, working people.

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Freddie Greenfield reminded everyone of another segment of the gay community that is often forgotten; the gay prisoner. In a letter from a prisoner in the Atlanta Penitentiary, he told how three gays were specially locked

up "for their own protection" where they couldn't even see sunlight; buried alive. One of the three prisoners is now dead. The other two have been moved. One was transferred to a "treatment center" in Illinois.

John Paul Hudson invited everyone to a party, the Democratic convention, July 11 in New York City. We should make ourselves "seen and heard for our cause." ... "Give me a G Give me an A... Give me a Y ... Give me a P-O-W-E-R ... What does it spell? ... When do we want it?" (15,000 answer: "NOW!!!")

Linda Lucas of Salsoul Sisters (a Third World Women's Group) told that the needs of third world gays are not being met. There is a type of racism running through the gay community. There needs to be more support from other gay groups. "As long as we can stay tight, we'll not stay invisible!"

When Rev. Troy Perry spoke he related a story about a woman talking to a minister who was participating in a gay pride march.

Woman: "I'm ashamed of you."

Minister. "I am too. Next year we'll have an even bigger parade." It will be an experience you won't soon forget! See you next year in New York.