Jennie Mejaes

Instrumental advocates:  Craig Rodwell – dissatisfied with the silent protests.  Fred Seargent  Ellen Broidy – lesbian activist who represented the resolution of the parade at the conference.  Linda Rhodes – partner.

 Marked the beginning of the gay movement, after stonewall, as it was the first gay pride parade ever.  Started on Sixth avenue from Greenwich Village to Central Park.

 In light of the Milk& Moscone assassinations.  Milk- first openly gay politician to be elected to office.  Moscone – an early proponent of gay rights.  Anita Bryant

 One of the largest political gatherings in support of LGBT rights to date.  Inclusive of gay people of color: Billy Jones, Gil Gerald.

 More federal funding for research and treatment of AIDS.  Elected officials, members of Congress, and other prominent civic, labor and religious leaders signed letters endorsing the march.

 Addressed it at the end of his presidency.  Put under strain by his support group, who consisted of the newly identified religious right and the Moral Majority, a political-action group founded by the Rev. Jerry Falwell.  20,849 people had died but the time he spoke.  Caused a lot of anger and resentment towards the government, and Reagan in the gay community.

 Same-sex marriage law passed.  Andrew Cuomo.  New momentum to the National Gay rights movement, puts pressure on other states to legalize same-sex marriage.

 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”  Troops march in uniform.  Defense department made an allowance for this march.  More than 300 active duty members participated.