Pictured Prominent gay activists and leaders were among those honored in Philadelphia this past weekend in events marking the 40th anniversary of the nation's first organized public demonstrations—in Philadelphia July 4, 1965. Openly gay former U.S. Ambassador James Hormel ( second from left ) and long-time gay pioneer Frank Kameny, to his left, were among the 40 leaders honored. The gays here are pictured trying to block out the anti-gay protesters. Cyndi Lauper also sang, and tens of thousands helped mark the occasion in workshops, concerts, film screenings, and more. Many out-of-towners used the opportunity to visit key sites in the historic town, including the Liberty Bell and the National Constitution Center.
#2 Lavender Light Gospel Choir of NYC; #3 Col Cammermeyer. #4 Bishop Robinson, and #5 MCC counters the protesters. # 6 A few of the original marchers from 1965, and the Liberty Bell. #7 Barbara Gittings addresses a workshop on the movement, and, left, pictured with fellow original marcher Chicagoan William Kelley. Photos by Tracy Baim
Several hundred people turned out to watch the honoring of 40 GLBT pioneers and allies during the National Celebration on Independence Mall Sunday in Philadelphia. Thousands more turned out for concerts, a street fair, workshops, film screenings, and interfaith service, and other events.
The Gay Pioneers & 40 Heroes Tribute was the centerpiece of the 16-hour National Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Philly demonstrations. There has been controversy about the date for months. Even many of those original 40 who marched in 1965 want to make sure that prior activism is not forgotten. And still others are planning a big Philadelphia Freedom concert in the town on the actual July 4 date—including the unveiling of a plaque to honor the original protests, and a concert by Elton John, Patti LaBelle and others.
Regardless of the controversy, many of those selected came to be honored, including pioneers Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings ( who spoke at a panel earlier that day but had to leave for another event ) . Chicagoan William Kelley travelled to Philadelphia to remember his own participation four decades ago.
'Through the efforts of 40 heroes, many organizations, and individuals coming out, we are at a tipping point. Forty years ago, we were in a debilitating closet. In 2005, we have a lot to celebrate, and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equality,' said Malcolm Lazin, executive director of Equality Forum.
Kameny and Gittings were among those who staged the first annual and organized gay and lesbian civil-rights demonstration at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell July 4, 1965.
Joining those two among the 40 honored were people from the a wide range of backgrounds, from activists to lawyers, politicians to business people. The 40 heroes honored included Rep. Barney Frank, Rep. Tammy Baldwin, Jim Hormel, Judy Shepard, Larry Kramer, Bishop Gene Robinson, Phill Wilson, Germany's Volker Beck, Tony Kushner, Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer, Kate Kendell, Evan Wolfson, Olga Orraca Paredes, Kevin Jennings, Matt Foreman, Ambassador Jim Hormel, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, Martina Navratilova, Melissa Etheridge, Ellen DeGeneres, Faisal Alam, Olga Orraca-Paredes, Jarrett Barrios, Kevin Bourassa & Joe Varnel, David Mixner, Kevin Jennings, Matt Foreman, Tim Gill, Rev. Troy Perry, Andrew Sullivan, Riki Wilchins, Evan Wolfson, and Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy.
Many of the 40 have died—including Bayard Rustin, Harvey Milk, Randy Shilts, Audre Lorde, Essex Hemphill, Tom Stoddard, Vito Russo, Leonard Matlovich, Storme DeLarveri, Evelyn Hooker, and Marlon Riggs.
About a dozen anti-gays protested—as promised by Fred Phelps' Westboro Baptist Church of Kansas. But dozens of pro-gay marchers, spearheaded by the Metropolitan Community Church, surrounded the anti-gays wherever they marched and stood.
See www.equalityforum.com .
— Text and photos by Tracy Baim
