Today in Gay History - 11/21/11: Gay Cops, Gay Bars, RIP Quentin Crisp

[WillParkinson]

November 21

November 21, 1977 - In Toronto, The Body Politic containing article "Men loving boys loving men" goes on sale. The article by Gerald Hannon sparked a controversy that eventually led to the folding of the paper.

November 21, 1981 - Sergeant Charles Cochrane, a 14 year veteran of the NYPD, created shock waves by testifying before a New York City Council hearing in favor of a gay rights bill. Following on the testimony of a Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Vice President who denounced the bill, and declared he didn't know of any homosexual police officers, Cochrane stunned those present by announcing, “I am very proud of being a New York City Police Officer, and I am equally proud of being gay.” Cochrane's public testimony lent significantly toward the official formation of the Gay Officers Action League, Inc., aka G.O.A.L.- NY, which became the first official police fraternal society in the world to represent LGBT professionals within the criminal justice system. Since that time, similar organizations for LGBT Law Enforcement Officers, Criminal Justice professionals as well as Firefighters and EMS personnel have been established around the world.

November 21, 1987 - In a series of raids on gay bars, the Los Angeles Police Department closed down the One Way for fire ordinance violations. The LAPD came to the conclusion that the manpower necessary to close the One Way would be ten police cars and several fire trucks and various other city vehicles.

November 21, 1997 - The University of California Board of Regents voted to extend domestic partner benefits to partners of lesbian and gay employees.

November 21, 1999 - British writer Quentin Crisp dies at age 90.

[xchrom]

1. I loved Quentin.

We wont ever see that kind of Fabulous again.

[queerart]

2. k&r

[joeybee12]

3. I lived in LA in 1987 and I cannot recall the One Way Bar...knr

[closeupready]

4. Do you remember Rage?

My boyfriend from back then told me he was a regular there during that time.

[joeybee12]

5. Rage is still there...I think...nt

[Rowdyboy]

6. Quentin Crisp was quite a treat!