KANSAS CITY GAY RIGHTS RALLY
(from Prime Time, August, 1977, p. 31.)
On Wednesday, July 15 Anita Bryant entertained at a Christian booksellers convention In Kansas City, Ho. Her performance did not go unnoticed by those persons concerned with human rights or the gay community. Over 6000 people picketed and held a candlelight vigil at the Municipal Auditorium, where she was performing, following a 15-block march for human rights through downtown K.C.
It was the first rally and march K.C. ever had for gay rights, according to Lea Hopkins, spokesperson for the Christopher Street Association—a newly-formed gay rights organization in K.C. Among the groups represented at the rally were MCC-Des Moines, MCC-K.C., National Organization for Women, Coyote, the St. Louis Task Force for Human Rights and the Christopher Street Association. The march and rally were well received by the people of K.C. There were no adverse incidents—large or small.
Lea Hopkins and the Christopher Street Association should be thanked and highly commended for organizing this rally on such short notice—1 1/2 days.
St. Louis was represented at the march and rally by people from the SLTFHR [Task Force]. The group left St. Louis Wed. at noon and returned at 3 A.M. after the rally. These people felt so strongly about Ms. Bryant and her campaign of bigotry and hate that many took the day off from their jobs, even though they couldn't afford to—financially or otherwise—to be In K.C. As one said, "What's more Important—a few dollars or the rights of my sisters and brothers?"
Rick Garcia
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