Early efforts of the Homophile movement were aimed at repealing state laws prohibiting sodomy. Some of the early supporters outside the movement were liberal Christian ministers. The slide behind Barbara is of a 1967 publication "Social Progress" from the United Presbyterian Church of the USA. This publication was one of the first non-homosexual publications seeking to change society's views of homosexuality. Other religious denominations followed with groundbreaking discussions during the following years.

Another focus of the early movement was to remove homosexuality from the list of psycological disorders. In 1970, a group of activists disrupted a session on aversion therapy at the American Psychiatric Association. The activists chanted "Stop speaking about us and start talking with us." To the credit of the APA in 1971 they hosted a panel entitled "Lifestyles of Non-patient Homosexuals" or jokingly referred to as "Lifestyles of Impatient Homosexuals." Panelists included Barbara, Frank Kameny and two psychiatrists. Barbara's partner Kay Tobin Lahusen noted the panel was composed of two homosexuals who weren't psychiatrists and two psychiatrists who weren't homosexual. What the panel needed was someone who was both a psychiatrist and a homosexual. Barbara noted by 1971 some things had changed, but it was very difficult to find a homosexual psychiatrist willing to be part of the panel. Frank and Barbara found one willing to participate on the provision he could wear a mask, a wig and use a voice distorting microphone. Hence "Dr. H. Anonymous" was born. He rocked the establishment as he told his story and his inability to be honest with his fellow psychiatrists and patients. Following much behind the scenes effort, in 1973 the APA removed homosexuality from it's list of medical disorders and as one Philadelphia newspaper noted "Homosexuals Gain Instant Cure" in the story's headline. The slide behind Barbara shows Frank Kameny and "Dr. H. Anonymous". Barbara is part of the picture to Frank's right, but the real Barbara is blocking view. The psychiatrist who was disguised as "Dr. H. Anonymous" was really Dr. John Fryer and he died in 2003.


The picture behind Barbara is a campaign poster from Jack Baker's 1971 run for student body president at the University of Minnesota. The poster includes mom, apple pie, the Bible, a baby and the national flag; all standard props for any serious campaign. Jack lost the race, but garnered 46% of the vote.

Another poster from Jack's campaign. One more note about Jack is his 1970 effort on behalf of gay marriage. He and his lover Michael McConnell sought a marriage liscence in Minneapolis and when they were refused created such a stir the state ledgeslature attempted to change the law to recognize marriage as being between a man and woman only.

Click here to see clearer photos of the two Jack Baker election posters


Picture of Barbara and slide of those who provided assistance in creating her presentation.

Post lecture picture of Barbara with fellow activist William B. Kelley.


Barbara with Jim Kelly, one of her admirers in attendence.


Ken Bronson and Pete Burke pictured with Barbara.


Barbara Gittings with Marie Kuda a long-time Chicago-area activist and columnist, whose association with the GLBT has spanned fifteen years.


Max Smith posing with Barbara Gittings.


Chen Ooi, Barbara and Bill after the event.


Barbara Gittings pictured with Cindy Hasemeier.


Barbara with friends Chen, Bill and Max.