June 1 - National
The Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly calls UUs to work to end AIDS discrimination through education and advocacy.
June 30 - Washington D.C.
With a 5-4 vote, U.S. Supreme Court justices announce their decision in Bowers vs. Hardwick that Georgia’s sodomy law, when it is enforced against gay people, is constitutional. Anti-gay groups cheer the U.S. Supreme Court's decision
James Miller
Budget Director
January 1 – National
Walter Lee Williams publishes “The Spirit and the Flesh: Sexual Diversity in American Indian Culture”. The writer discusses the spiritual basis of the Berdache tradition or “Two Spirit” Native Americans. The mystical power and ceremonial roles, and the economic and social position of the Berdache. Men, women, and the gender role of the Berdache. Sexual aspects of the Berdache tradition, and the Berdache's husband the question of sexual variance.
The abominable sin: when the Spanish campaign against 'sodomy: began, and its results in modern Latin America. Seafarers, cowboys, and Indians: male marriage in fringe societies on the Anglo- American frontier.
August 1 - National
A gay fraternity Delta Lambda Phi is created.
November 25 - Kansas
The Lawrence city commission refuses to acknowledge Gay and Lesbian Awareness Week. After complaints from the lgbt community, the Lawrence Department of Human Relations conducts a study which confirms local incidents of discrimination against gays and lesbians. They recommend that the words “sexual orientation” be added to the city’s existing anti-discrimination ordinance. For two years, the issue will be left untouched.
January 1 – National
BiPOL’s Autumn Courtney is elected co-chair of San Francisco’s Lesbian Gay Freedom Day Pride Parade Committee. This election marks the first time an openly bisexual person holds this or a comparable position in the US.
New Kids On The Block
January 1 – National
The first volume of MEATMEN, a trade paperback anthology of mostly erotic gay comics, is released (Leyland Publications, 1986) and has been published in 25 volumes to date.
September 24 - Washington D.C.
The Surgeon General publishes the official report on the AIDS epidemic in the United States.
July 1 - National
The 16th General Synod of the UCC passed the "Resolution on the Right to Privacy.” This resolution urges individuals, congregations, Associations and Conferences to work for repeal of current laws which make private consensual sexual behavior a crime.
March 18 - Michigan
42 local men are arrested in a sting operation at the Holt Rest Area. Police, prosecutors and media coordinate to release the names and identities of the men.
February 28 - Oregon
An organization is formed under the auspices of CHESS, called CAN (Cascade AIDS Network) which is a joint fund raising activity for CAP, CHESS and the Brinker Trust. CAN sponsors “Performing Artists for Life” a charity concert in the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall featuring virtually all of Portland’s community choirs and a majority of players from the Oregon Symphony. That event is co-chaired by Gwyneth Gamble Booth and James DePriest.
March 1 - Washington D.C.
The Reagan Administration Budget Director James Miller stated that the treatment and care of persons with AIDS was a state and local concern not a federal one.
December 31 - National
Scott Thorson Liberace’s longtime partner caught Liberace with an 18-year-old boy and responded by bringing a ''palimony’’ suit against Liberace for $380 million. In the court hearings and articles Thorson wrote for the National Enquirer, shocking details emerged that stripped away Liberace’s legendary glitter. The pianist, Thorson revealed, was almost totally bald, but was so vain that he wore his toupé to bed. He dressed “like a slouch” at home and had had two major facelifts. Thorson also alleged that Liberace had forced him to undergo plastic surgery, including a cleft inserted in his chin, and silicone injections to make his cheeks more outstanding. The pianist wanted to adopt him but planned to keep having sex with him.
The legal battle dragged on until December 1986, when Thorson settled for a payment of $95,000 plus two dogs, a 1977 White Auburn car and a 1960 gold Rolls-Royce. Liberace died a month later.
October 9 - Washington D.C.
At the first Congressional hearings on anti-gay violence, Kathleen Sarris of Indianapolis tells of being stalked and assaulted by a “Christian soldier” who held her at gunpoint, beat and raped her for three hours, explaining that “he was acting for God”; that what he was doing was God’s revenge because she was a “queer” and getting rid of her would save children.
October 24 - Washington D.C.
The National Coalition for Black Lesbians and Gays writes the Surgeon General after releasing their report on the AIDS epidemic with commendation for how thorough and effective the report was.
December 1 - California
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles refuses to allow an AIDS education group to host seminars in its churches because the group “condone[s] the use of condoms,” which the Archbishop claims, “implies either heterosexual promiscuity or homosexual activity,” neither of which the Church “condones.”
August 10 - California
The Second Gay Games are held in San Francisco.
January 1 – National
Watch out! COMIX by Carl Vaughn Frick, featuring social satire on the gay community in San Francisco, is released (Last Gasp, 1986).
January 1 – Virginia
The Richmond Pride is first published by the Richmond Virginia Gay Alliance to distribute news and
information to Richmond’s gay community.
June 30 - National
Christopher Davis published “Joseph and the Old Man”. In the flamboyant town of Cherry Grove, along the beach of Fire Island, is the setting for this unusually poignant and joyful love story. In this cozy little summer community, the old man, a world-famous novelist, young at heart and beloved by everyone, lives with Joe, some thirty years a younger man, sleek and tan, who loves the old man and considers himself lucky to be living with him for the last ten years (unaware that friend consider the old man just as lucky). Surrounded by steady friends and new acquaintances, the old man and Joseph are deeply content to enjoy another summer until life deals them one of its usual, unexpected hands.
President Ronald Reagan
October 5 - Illinois
Chicago Archbishop Joseph Cardinal Bernardin releases a statement that mandates “pastoral initiatives” in response to the AIDS crisis, which include the establishment of an office on “pastoral care” for AIDS and the compiling of “accurate information.” The statement also states that it is “unfortunate” that many gays and lesbians have heard within the church’s “efforts to teach the wrongness of homosexual acts…the sound of condemnation and rejection.” Bernardin also rejects the claims by other religious figures who claim that AIDS is a form of divine retribution, stating instead that “AIDS is a ‘human disease.’”
January 1 – National
NCLR represents Annie Affleck and Rebecca Smith as they become one of the first same-sex couples to jointly adopt in the U.S.
May 30 - Michigan
Camp Whatyawanabe, a lesbian-only campground in Huron County, draws fire from nearby residents and preachers that want it to close.
January 1 - Washington D.C.
Addressing the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, Paul Cameron uses the AIDS crisis to suggest that “the extermination of homosexuals” might become necessary. The following year, Colorado’s Summit Ministries will publish Special Report: AIDS. Co-authored by Cameron, the popular pamphlet blames gay men for the epidemic and calls for a national crackdown on homosexuals.
January 1 - Oregon
Lesbian Community Project (LCP) starts after a conference is held at Portland State University where women discussed their needs. LCP offers a place for lesbians to meet. It also offers a variety of services including seminars on homophobia and self-defense, sign language classes, Spanish classes, New Year’s Eve dances, and softball tournaments. Later, it becomes involved in fighting ant-gay ballot measures. The organization closes in 2008, but the softball tournaments continue.
March 1 - New York
After 15 years of attempts, the New York City Council approves a “gay rights” bill by a margin of 22- 14. The Archbishop of New York, who preached a sermon devoted to homosexuality the previous Sunday, immediately issues a statement claiming that the bill is “‘detrimental to society’” and that the Archdiocese is “seeking legal counsel” as to how to go about getting the bill overturned.
August 18 - National
Eric Rofes publishes the novel “Gay Life: Leisure, Love, and Living for the Contemporary Gay Male”. This handbook of wit and wisdom is intended for "second-generation gay American men," those who have "comfortably integrated homosexuality into the whole person." Grouped into the categories "Health & Image," "Home," "Love," "Culture & Leisure," and "Gay Identity," the 42 essays include personal narrative, advice, humor, and historical analysis, all advocating self-acceptance.
January 1 - California
In Fremont, California, Becky Smith and Annie Afleck become the first openly lesbian couple in the United States to be granted legal, joint adoption of a child.
June 1 - National
Lutherans release a study stating that the church can “neither absolutely condemn nor praise and affirm homosexuality,” and also suggests that more of the Church’s congregations should welcome gay and lesbian persons.
October 20 - National
Malcolm Boyd is an Episcopal priest and author of “Gay Priest: An Inner Journey”. He started his activism as one of the “Freedom Riders” that demanded changes in civil rights in the South.
January 1 - California
Jonathan Dunn-Rankin was the chairman of the Diversionary Theatre, an LGBT theater in San Diego. The Diversionary Theatre was founded to provide quality theatre for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. The mission of the theatre is to provide an inspiring and thought provoking theatrical platform to explore complex and diverse LGBT stories, which influence the larger cultural discussion.
February 14 - Michigan
Kalamazoo jury finds Wayne Watson's slaying by teens justified because of alleged homosexual advances.
January 1 - California
GLSA held a discussion called “Homosexuality and Politics” with Mayor of West Hollywood, John Heilman, City Councilmember, Valerie Terrigno and Mayor Pro-Tempora, Stephen Schutle.
January 1 – Michigan
Wellness Networks-Huron Valley, later the Unified HIV/AIDS Health and Beyond, forms in Ann Arbor area but later unifies support across Michigan.
United States LGBT History for 1986
October 1 - National
The Vatican releases new guidelines on homosexuality that instruct priests to encourage homosexuals to receive sacraments but also to understand the immorality of homosexual acts and remain celibate for “as long as they feel a homosexual tendency.” The statement also instructs that “psychological and medical factors” should be taken into consideration in “dealing” with homosexuals, and urges “greater vigilance in opposing the ‘deceitful propaganda’ of pro-homosexual groups.”
January 1 – New York
Las Buenas Amigas is founded in New York City and, at the International Lesbian and Gay People of Color Conference in Los Angeles, the Latina/o caucus discusses the need to network on a national level in order to better address the needs of local organizing efforts throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
August 1 - National
Carol Lynn Pearson publishes “Goodbye, I Love You”, a memoir about her life, family, faith, and the death of her ex-husband from AIDS. This becomes a watershed moment for gay Mormons and opens dialogue and understanding that previously did not exist. The true story of a wife, her homosexual husband, and a love that transcended tragedy. Gerald Pearson had been honest with Carol Lynn about his homosexual past, but both of them had faith that marriage and devotion to their religion would change his orientation. Love would conquer all. Then, after eight years of apparent happiness and the birth of four children, Gerald was no longer able to deny what he considered to be his essential self. Carol Lynn was shattered, her self-esteem all but destroyed. Their divorce, however, could not erase a lifetime of love and mutual support. Carol Lynn courageously stood by her former husband's side. Even when he contracted AIDS - and came home to die.
October 15 - Washington D.C.
Georgetown professor Father Charles Curran is silenced on issues of sexuality. Jesuit Father John McNeill issues a press release saying he cannot in conscience obey an order to give up ministry to gay people or be dismissed from the Society of Jesus.
July 25 - National
The made-for-TV movie, My Two Loves, airs. The film features Mariette Harley questioning her sexuality after her husband dies. She has an affair with Lynn Redgrave in the film.
June 7 - Ohio
Marched to Fountain Square for Rally (Greater Cincinnati Gay & Lesbian Coalition)
January 1 - Oregon
The Portland Lesbian Choir begins.
January 1 – National
Fortune’s friends #1: HELL WEEK, a graphic novel written by Kay & Mike Reynolds featuring a gay lead character, is released (Starblaze, 1986).
January 1 - California
Jonathan Knight becomes one of The New Kids on the Block. Tiffany outed him in an interview in 2011 as she discussed rumors that she and Jonathan had dated.
Professor Paul Cameron
July 1 - National
Don Sakers published “Act Well Your Part”. At first Keith Graff dislikes his new school, Oak Grove High. He misses his old friends, and despairs of ever fitting in. Then he joins the school's drama club, where he meets the boyishly cute Bran Davenport. Act Well Your Part has become a classic, an unabashed love story set not in the world that was, but in the world as, perhaps, it should be.
March 1 - National
Colleen Doran’s A DISTANT SOIL #7 (WaRP, March 1986) confirms that REIKEN/SEREN and D’MER have an intimate/ sexual relationship intertwined with their master/servant relationship. Though both also have sexual relationships with women, their intimate relationship continues to be an integral part of the series’ narrative.
February 5 - Washington D.C.
President Ronald Reagan makes a surprise visit to the Department of Health and Human Services and is quoted as saying, “One of our highest public health priorities is going to be continuing to find a cure for AIDS.” He also announces that he will task Surgeon General C. Everett Koop to prepare a major report on the disease.
February 19 - National
The movie “Parting glances” is released. As Robert, a successful young gay man, prepares to leave New York City for an extended work assignment abroad, his boyfriend, Michael, must contend with his imminent absence and its effect on their relationship. Meanwhile, Michael also cares for his ex- lover, Nick, who is struggling with HIV. At a going-away party for Robert, emotions run high as the men and their friends deal with their changing realities.
September 24 - National
Rev. Charles Curran, professor at the Catholic University of America, has his teaching privileges revoked by the Vatican for refusing to rescind his statements that the Church’s position on sexual issues such as homosexuality and birth control should not be “absolute.”
State equality and discrimination bills
June 1 - National
John Lauritsen an author and activist publishes “Death Rush: Poppers And AIDS”.
July 1 - National
Brian McNaught releases his first bibliography “On Being Gay: Thoughts On Family, Faith, And Love”. Brian McNaught has a special knack for enabling people to understand what it means to be gay. He has done so as a writer and lecturer since 1974, explaining, encouraging, and often healing his audiences. McNaught provides a look-- sometimes humorous, always insightful-- at such concerns as whether or not to "come out," maintaining ties with one's family, building love relationships that last, developing an honest relationship with God, dealing with AIDS, and accepting oneself as decent and worthy of respect.
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