Gay life in Chicago this week, back in ...
1978
"Commentary" in this week's Gay Life begins:
"Gay and Lesbian Week 1978 is only 3 weeks away and it is time once again to discuss the merits of the various activities, particularly the parade. Every year there are complaints about the parade not being representative of Chicago's gay and lesbian community. That may be true, but if it is it is the fault of those who do not participate.
"After all if there are 12 floats and 10 of them are entered by bars and feature drag queens or men dressed completely in leather that is not the fault of those connected with those floats. They have at least made the effort to have a float and participate in the parade. They are not afraid to take part in a gay event.
"However, if there are 30 floats and 10 of them are entered by bars and 20 by organizations, then the parade would reflect a totally different picture of Chicago's gay men and lesbians. I hope that there are enough people who are out of the closet and who will take part in the parade so that both the spectators and the media get a good idea of who we are."
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