Out of the Closets: 1969 | Stories from the Founders of the Gay Liberation Front
Seven of the original members of the Gay Liberation Front recount their transformative experiences with one of the first major LGBTQ activist organizations, active from 1969 to 1972.
Featured Speakers:
Flavia Rando: Delve into the vibrant visual history of GLF with Flavia Rando as she presents a captivating collection of photographs from the early public demonstrations, vividly capturing the spirit of activism from 1969 to 1970.
Mark Segal: Hear a powerful personal account from Mark Segal, who was present at the Stonewall Inn during the historic raid. His testimony provides a unique, personal perspective on the event that galvanized the LGBTQ+ movement.
Martha Shelly: Discover the remarkable story of Martha Shelly, the lesbian activist who not only organized the first protest march in Greenwich Village one month after Stonewall but also played a crucial role in naming the Gay Liberation Front.
Ellen Broidy: Listen to Ellen Broidy’s recounting of her pivotal role in proposing and initiating the very first Gay Pride March, a groundbreaking event that became a symbol of LGBTQ pride and solidarity.
Perry Brass: Explore the revolutionary media landscape with Perry Brass, the editor of GLF’s pioneering newspaper, Come Out!—a publication that gave voice to the movement and spread its radical messages.
John Knoebel: Gain insight into GLF’s commitment to inclusivity and intersectionality through John Knoebel’s stories of meeting with influential figures such as Huey P. Newton and attending the Black Panther Party’s “Revolutionary People’s Constitutional Convention.”
Mark Horn: Learn about the foundational work of Mark Horn in establishing “Gay Youth.” Horn will also discuss significant GLF offshoots, including “Street Transvestites Action Revolutionaries (STAR),” which extended the movement’s reach and impact.
Moderator:
Shawn(ta) Smith-Cruz has been a volunteer coordinator at the Lesbian Herstory Archives for two decades. She is an Associate Dean for Teaching, Learning, and Engagement at NYU Libraries.