Tyler and Brad's Index to Early Gay Publications & Periodicals

Regional Index Page 4: Northern California

Adz Gayzette

Three issues of "Adz Gayzette" (1971-1972 - Volume 1 #19, Volume 1 #28, and Vol. 2 #7) edited by Keith Wayde and published out of San Francisco. A large newspaper, when unfolded, containing 8 pages, 12 pages, and 12 pages respectivelyAn early free gay newspaper distributed on the streets and in gay bars, Adz Gayzette's "Statement of Policy" reads "Gayzette is a non-political publication designed to entertain, to inform, and to serve the gay individual and the homophile community."

With gay social, bar, gossip, and entertainment news, beefcake photographs, classified ads and splendid vintage advertisements, highlights include:

- news article on the Coronation Ball for Grande Czarina Gabriel II of the Peninsula;

- half-page ad from San Francisco's Nob Hill Theatre (then showing "A Short Game!" with photo);

- theatre review of "The Boys in the Band" (then showing at The Village, with photo);

- male beefcake photographs of select contestants for the upcoming "Hunky Guy Mr. Gayzette" contest - "Hunky Guy" #6 - Val - and "Hunky Guy #7" - Karl (both from Dial-A-Model Agency); "Hunky Guy #15 - Bob (sponsored by the Twilight Bar); "Hunky Guy #33" - Rob; "Hunky Guy" #34 - Don (selected as Mr. Gayzette I);

- photos from the Hunky Guy Mr. Gayzette Contest;

- advertisements from The Lion Pub, Leonarda's (then presenting "Disco"), Jackson's, the Jaguar, The Roundup, Page One ("Featuring David Kelsey at the Organ" with photo); the 527 Club (with photo: "Come in and meet Don, our bartender, Winner of the Mr. Gayzette I Title"); the Gaslight; the Naked Grape; many others;

- full-page ad from Frederick's Models (with six photos);

- advice column "Dear John" ("My lover came home last week with a fresh - bloody - tattoo on his thigh. It is a fancy sign that says 'chow down' and has an arrow pointing to his crotch. I blew up and told him to get rid of it");

- centerspread article on the "Second Annual Golden Awards" held at the Village (with 12 FABulous photos);

- much more! Fabbbbulousss!

Lavender U

#8 of "Lavender U" (March-April 1975), a catalogue of classes offered during the heyday of the gay liberation movement by the "Lavender U. Collective" then located at 121 Leavenworth Street in San Francisco, California. Issued in tabloid (fold-over) form, when opened contains eight large newsprint pages.

Each course contains a description, brief background of the instructor, fees, and dates. Examples of the classes then being offered: Body Work and Gestalt; Intimacy & Sexuality; Married Men's Support Group; G40 Plus Club; Self Defense Thru Martial Arts; Gay Men's Massage Day; Beginning Gay Dance; Enjoying Collective Living; The Gay Gnosis: Aleister Crowley, Magick's Liberator; many others.

In addition, there is an entry from the Gay Students' Coalition ("a gathering of gay men and women from the local campuses and gay organizations") containing their schedule of events during March and April, 1975. The two centerfold pages contain information on San Francisco's Gay Rap Collective, poetry by Jon Bracker, a short article on "sun signs" by Michael Sullivan, and a short article "My Cosmetic Confidence" on gender roles by David Cawley ("The Marilyn Monroe Look-Alike Contest epitomizes a fairly new and important development in my life...I have been exploring new forms of self-expression through makeup and clothing...").

Issue #16 of "Lavender U" (July-August 1976), a catalogue of classes offered during the heyday of the gay liberation movement by the "Lavender U. Collective" then located at 121 Leavenworth Street in San Francisco, California. Issued in tabloid (fold-over) form, when opened contains eight large newsprint pages.

Each course contains a description, brief background of the instructor, fees, and dates. Examples of the classes then being offered: Dykes on Bikes; Beginning Ballet; Medieval Cookery; Gay Bar Alternatives; Support in Coping With the Gay Mecca; Karate; Oral Relaxation and Awareness Group; Anal Relaxation Group; many others.

In addition, there is a delightful illustration entitled "Finger Faeries Enjoying Flower Fireworks" by artist Allan, with a short auto-bio and his address and telephone number ("I am an artist who spends more time than I like staring at blank paper. A weekly faggot play group, eight meditations for July and August, would encourage me to commit sorrows to kites, joys to masks, fears to stories"); advertisement for the upcoming 1976 Gay Freedom Day Parade and Gay Freedom Day Fair in Marx Meadows at Golden Gate Park; announcement for "Men's Weekend in the Country"; much more.

Rip Off Rag

June 1978 issue of the long-defunct "Rip Off Rag" published out of San Francisco. A large newspaper containing 24 pages including front and rear covers. At a time when drag queens and cowboys could share the same pages, the issue is devoted to delicious gay social gossip in San Francisco, and packed with news of upcoming Imperial Court and Cowboy contests, pageants, and balls. Highlights include:

*cover photo of Bob Page (contestant for COWBOY '78-79);

*column by Mr. Gay San Francisco Tony Disette (with photo);

*full-page "Leona for Cowgirl" ad;

*fabulous and lengthy drag-queen gossip column "darhhhh-lings" by La Kish (with photo);

*ad for the "Cowboy-Cowgirl Jamboree" (held June 17, 1978 to benefit the Council of Emperors, Pride Foundation, and People's Fund);

*full page ad for the "Hookers Ball" to be held July 15, 1978 at California Hall;

*fabulous centerspread ad "VOTE FOR SANDY - HE'S OUR BRAND OF KOWBOY" (sponsored by the Hob Nob);

*gossip column "Prince LaDish: The Purple Connection" by the Lavender Prince ("Q. Is it true that Mai Tai - Empress of Santa Monica - and Ex-Grand Duchess Charlie are not getting along? A. Yes, it's true. Even to the point that Mai Tai decked the duchess for bad-mouthing MaMa Peck");

*full-page photo ad "WANTED FOR COWBOY: BOBBY CALHOUN";

*fabulous full-page ad for the "Queen Mother, King Father Pageant and Dance" (to be held on August 26, 1978 at California Hall); *much, much more.

"San Francisco Gay Crusader: Crusading for justice and equality!

Vol. 2 #2 of the long-defunct "San Francisco Gay Crusader: Crusading for justice and equality!" - also subtitled "A Militant Voice for the Gay Communities" (October-November 1973), edited by the fiery and controversial gay activist, the Reverend Raymond - Ray - Broshears, and published by the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA) out of San Francisco, California. Ray Broshears, who later published the newspaper when the Gay Activists Alliance folded, died on January 10, 1982 at which time the publication ceased operations. A folded tabloid newspaper, when unfolded contains 12 pages.

Containing predominately local news of interest to the San Francisco gay community, articles, commentary, columns, reviews, photographs, and vintage ads. Highlights include:

-one-third page "VOTE for [Harvey] MILK" (who was running for San Francisco County Supervisor, with photo and quote);

-cover photo of Biff (by Eddie Van);

-news items including: "S.I.R. [Society for Individual Rights] Changes - [Jim] Foster Ousted"; "SEX LAWS TO BE FOUGHT!"; "Panther Bust! Rev. Ray jailed, freed...Police and Gay foes rejoice!"; many others;

-delightful "CAMP PROCLAMATION" (with list of Imperial Court members and their nicknames);

-endorsements by the Gay Activists Alliance for San Francisco County Supervisor (including Harvey Milk and Dianne Feinstein);

-short segment "You!" (on gays in prison);

-list of gay organizations recognized by the Gay Activists Alliance of San Francisco;

-commentary "Cops or Priests??? Who Controls the Vice Squad?";

-vintage advertisements for The House of Harmony (Polk Street); Dorothy's Havoc House (on Polk Street: "Join Us For 'Witches Xmas'"); the City Dump (on Castro); many others;

-much, much more.

Vol. 2 #3 of the long-defunct "San Francisco Gay Crusader: Crusading for justice and equality!" (December 1973-January 1974), A folded tabloid newspaper, when unfolded contains 16 pages.

Containing predominately local news of interest to the San Francisco gay community, articles, commentary, columns, reviews, photographs, and vintage ads. Highlights include:

-cover photo of Dean (by Eddie Van);

-news items including: "The People's Party Gay Caucus"; "Police Entrapment Case Defeated - People Win"; "Decline & Fall: San Franciscans Vote Yes on Fascism!"; "Big Brother: Police Helicopters Spying with Video Cameras - Into Your Bedrooms, Too!"; "Cops Sweep Through Tenderloin - Ten Busted"; "Cops Beating Gays and Busting Gays Like Persons Possessed"; many others;

-article "Law and the Child Molester" by B.J. Beckwith;

-news update "GAA Lavender Panthers Now an Official Part of GAA/SF";

-article "To Spend or Not to Spend - That is the Way to Win Elections" by Harvey Milk;

-news article "Discord: Ex-Cop Director of Emmaus Golden Gate Liberation House Denounces Lavender Panthers to Cops";

-interview "Maria, A Prostitute's Story" (interviewed by Sasha Gregory);

-commentary "Why [Harvey] Milk Lost: Our 'Milk' Wasn't Delivered on Election Day...Some Gay Blades Cut the Cartons Open!" by Ray Broshears;

-column "Fooks Love Is Real! Trippin' With Terry Taylor - The Fooks Monster's Girl!" by Terry Taylor;

-vintage advertisements for the Polk Gulch Saloon (announcing upcoming "Chubby Chaser Party"); Dave's Luncheonette (on Broadway: "Inside Dave's Baths"); Peace and Freedom Party; Folsom Prison; others;

Issue #23 (now by whole number) of the long-defunct "San Francisco Gay Crusader" (December 1975) e A large newspaper containing 16 pages.

Containing predominately local news of interest to the San Francisco gay community, articles, commentary, columns, reviews, photographs, and vintage ads. Highlights include:

-cover beefcake photo of "Tom Tom";

-cover story "Violence on Increase in Gay Scene" ("Violence is definitely on the increase in the bars, baths, and gay ghetto area streets...");

-one third page ad "Elect [George] MOSCONE MAYOR December 11" (paid for by the Harry S. Truman Democratic Club, with photo of George Moscone);

-news items including: "VIOLENT COP SHOOTS BOY - 100 LOOK ON AS OFFICER PATRICK HENRY SHOOTS DOWN 20 YEAR OLD"; "GAYS DEAL WITH MUNI VIOLENCE"; others;

-short news article "HEP Plague Sweeps City" ("CAUTION URGED!");

-commentary "Titles and Gay Charities" by Ray Broshears ("Titles are nice, but are nothing if you don't prove them worth something!");

-two photos of Tiffany Dixon Harry, both in and out of drag ("Polk Street Sally");

-delightful news article "Halloween: SF 'Bitches' Christmas'" (reprinted from The Daily Californian, on the annual gay Halloween celebration on Polk Street, with three photos);

-delightful column "West Coast Trash" by Thelma Dirt;

-critique of San Francisco's City Magazine and Harvey Milk ("Francis Cappola and Warren Hinkle add up to Yellow Journalism - City Magazine smears the Gay Community and Harvey Milk helps them!");

Issue #25 (now by whole number) of the long-defunct "San Francisco Gay Crusader" (January 1976) A large newspaper containing 12 pages.

Containing predominately local news of interest to the San Francisco gay community, articles, commentary, columns, reviews, photographs, and vintage ads. Highlights include:

-cover and two inside photos of Larry Casas ("the hunky man behind the bar at the P.S...on Polk Street");

-cover group photo of the Los Angeles Stonewall Democrats, who traveled to San Francisco by bus to campaign for George Moscone (those in the photograph include Pat Rocco and Morris Kight, as well as Ray Broshears who greeted them upon arrival);

-news article "[George] Moscone Backs Down on Police Commission Appointment to Gays!" (with photo of George Moscone);

-delightful column "West Coast Trash" by Thelma Dirt;

-article "National 'Cops'" ("Plans for National Police Force being brought into being...Regional government is the unconstitutional means by which the 'National Cops' are becoming a reality!");

-lengthy, delicious, gay social and gossip column "The Mockingbird Sings";

-news article "Gays Give Christmas Party for Old Folks" (with photo);

-gossip column "Motor Mouth" by "Mr. Circus Circus II Randy Johnson";

-article "THANKS, FAGS!" ("Acme Beer Man '75 was the first and last" with beefcake photo of Bill Jolly, "one of the many handsome young men who Leo Grenier [of Acme Beer] used in his drive to make money off the fags!");

-full page advertisement for J. Brian's gay film "Raw-Country" (to rear cover);

Issue #30 (now by whole number) of the long-defunct "San Francisco Gay Crusader" (June 1976) A large newspaper containing 16 pages.

Containing predominately local news of interest to the San Francisco gay community, articles, commentary, columns, reviews, photographs, and vintage ads. Highlights include:

-cover photo of Duncan;

-cover announcement on the upcoming 1976 Gay Pride Week and Stonewall Day Rally in San Francisco;

-news article "S.I.R. [Society for Individual Rights] in TURMOIL! Resignation of Larry Eppinette?";

-article "Sex Shop" by J. Michael ("I run a San Francisco sex shop!...San Francisco, herself, is a sex shop!");

-article on the gay male leather subculture ("A Threat to the Power Structure?");

-half page advertisement for the "Le Salon T-Shirt" (with photo of hunky guy);

-fabulous double-page photospread of the 3rd Anniversary Party of the Polk Gulch Saloon (with 25 photos);

-short news article on the recently-held "Mint's Memorial Day Tricycle Race" (with four photos);

-short news article on the recently-held Sacramento Drag Coronation Ball (with 16 photos);

-full page advertisement for Michael Zen's gay film "Falconhead" (to rear cover);

Town Talk

"Town Talk" (Vol. 1 #7 December 1964, and Vol. 2 #3 October/November 1965), edited by Guy Strait and published by Pan-Graphic Press (although neither editor or publisher are acknowledged in the pages) and containing 4-pages and 8-pages, respectively.A pre-Stonewall throw-away newsletter handed out on street corners and available in gay bars, containing local San Francisco gay news and events. Headlines and teasers include:

- "REPORT ALL obscene mail to the Post Office Department is the caption on a gay greeting card we received"

- "BARTENDERS FOR PRIVATE PARTIES during the holiday season can be easily arranged through auspices of the Tavern Guild"

- "SIR'S RECENT FROLIC at California Hall on November 27th refuted rumors that rifts prevail among adherents to the various 'gay community' groups in San Francisco"

- "Soiree on New Year's Day Will Benefit Church Council"

- "Three Sex Topics Will Be Sermons By Rev. [John V.] Moore [pastor of the Glide Memorial Methodist Church]"

- "COPS LOATHE BRUTALITY; HATE QUEERS EQUALLY"

- "Be Sure to Vote on Nov. 2" ("Town Talk Endorses the Candidacy of Robert Gonzales for Supervisor of the City & County of San Francisco," with photo);

- "ON HALLOWE'EN IT'S TAVERN GUILD'S BEAUX ARTS COSTUME BALL"

- "FANTASY CLUB AUDIENCES KEEP THE HOUSE PACKED FOR 'THE CASHEWS' SHOW"

- "Citizens Alert Is Underway; Volunteers Needed for Office"

- "CBS REPORTS [HOMOSEXUAL] DOCUMENTARY NOW EXPECTED EARLY 1966"

- "Kenneth Rexroth Suggests Police and Minorities Must Live Together - Still"

With advertisements for the New Year's Mardi Gras Ball sponsored by the Council on Religion and the Homosexual; the Mattachine Society; the Beaux Arts Costume Ball; Dorian Book Service; others.

October/November 1965 issue of "Town Talk" - "Right Now We're....town talk....But We're Going to Be 'The Talk of the Town!'" edited by Guy Strait and published by Pan-Graphic Press out of San Francisco (although neither editor nor publisher are acknowledged in the pages) containing 8 pages including front and rear covers.A pre-Stonewall throw-away newsletter handed out on street corners and available in gay bars, containing local San Francisco gay news and events. Headlines and teasers include:

- "COPS LOATHE BRUTALITY; HATE QUEERS EQUALLY"

- "Be Sure to Vote on Nov. 2" ("Town Talk Endorses the Candidacy of Robert Gonzales for Supervisor of the City & County of San Francisco," with photo);

- "ON HALLOWE'EN IT'S TAVERN GUILD'S BEAUX ARTS COSTUME BALL"

- "FANTASY CLUB AUDIENCES KEEP THE HOUSE PACKED FOR 'THE CASHEWS' SHOW"

- "Citizens Alert Is Underway; Volunteers Needed for Office"

- "CBS REPORTS [HOMOSEXUAL] DOCUMENTARY NOW EXPECTED EARLY 1966"

- "Kenneth Rexroth Suggests Police and Minorities Must Live Together - Still"

With advertisements for the Beaux Arts Costume Ball (with drag illustration), Dorian Book Service, Fox and Hounds Motel ("For the TRAVELING Man"), Dario's gay bar ("Little But Lively"), Mr. B's ("Featuring 'Leatherburgers'"), The Casual Man ("Clothing for the INTREPID Male"), others.

The Voice of the Gay Students Coalition

Of special note is an article, written for this publication, by Harvey Milk.

Second issue of "The Voice of the Gay Students Coalition" (May 16, 1974, Volume 1 #2) published by the Gay Students Coalition out of San Francisco who organized "in an attempt to meet the needs of gay students in San Francisco." A large newspaper containing twelve pages including front and rear covers.

The issue contains articles, news updates, photographs and splendid illustrations. Of special note is article "One Hour A Week, For One Year, To Win Our Rights" by Harvey Milk (with brief bio: "Harvey Milk was a contender in the recent San Francisco Board of Supervisor's Race. He is currently organizing gay merchants throughout the City into an independent Chamber of Commerce"). Other highlights include:

*article "Memories of the Loved and Lost" by James T. Harris (on San Francisco's Palace Theatre, with four photos);

*article "Lavender U. [University]: Collective Consciousness-Raising - and Bicycle Repair Too!" (with two splendid illustrations);

*article "Coming Out in the Dorms" by David Cawley;

*short article on Steven - Steve - Grossman entitled "Gay Songwriter Debuts with Visions to Touch Us All" by David Cawley (with small reproduction of the album's front cover);*much more.