GCN at 50

In fall 2023, to celebrate GCN’s 50th anniversary, The History Project organized a series of programs exploring the paper’s history and impact. In collaboration with Massachusetts Historical Society, the American LGBTQ+ Museum, and Northeastern University Library's Archives and Special Collections, The History Project organized a series of panel discussions with GCN staff, writers, photographers, and community members. By stewarding and sharing the stories of GCN, The History Project seeks to celebrate the paper's legacy while those who founded and participated in the publication are still with us. The Gay Community News at 50 Planning Committee included Amy Hoffman, Michael Bronski, Sam Valentine, Joan Ilacqua, Gavin Kleespies, and Olivia Sayah.

Defining GCN

In 1973, a small group of gay men and lesbians founded Gay Community News, a local Boston newsletter to report on LGBTQ+ events. That community-driven newsletter grew into a major newspaper with an international readership. This panel explores the arc of GCN's history and its influence on LGBTQ+ activism.

Panelists include Loie Hayes, Gordon Gottlieb, and Russ Lopez; moderated by Richard Burns. Recored on October 25, 2024 at the Massachusetts Historical Society.

Content, Controversy, and Coverage

Throughout its run, Gay Community News' staff, volunteers, and readership all debated how to answer the question, "What is gay news?" This panel explores the intersections and divergences of opinions about what issues GCN covered, from feminist politics to international affairs.

Panelists include Craig Bailey, Chris Bull, Chris Guilfoy, and Gayle Rubin; moderated by Amy Hoffman. Recored on November 8, 2024 at the Massachusetts Historical Society.

GCN’s Impact and Legacy

When Gay Community News ceased publishing in the 1990s, it was the oldest, continuously published national gay newspaper. This panel explores the impact GCN had and continues to have on LGBTQ+ writing, news coverage, and activism. 

Panelists include Gilda Bruckman, Gerard Cabrera, and Haden Smiley; moderated by Michael Bronski. Recorded on November 29, 2024 at the Massachusetts Historical Society.