40 Years Ago in PGN: Oct. 7-13, 2016

Gay News officially moves to Philly

Adapted from reporting by Frank Broderick

After nine months of publication, Philadelphia Gay News became headquartered in the City of Brotherly Love in October 1976. The paper announced its new office at 233 S. 13th St. in that month’s edition.

PGN came under the purview of Masco Communications, previously GNC, Inc. Pittsburgh and Ohio editions of the publication would continue to publish separately, also under the Masco title. PGN, however, would be entirely “written, edited and published” in Philadelphia.

“Since it has been so much in vogue this bicentennial year to celebrate the events of 200 years ago,” the paper’s copy editor wrote cheekily, “‘Gay News’ would like to keep the spirit going by declaring its independence.”

At the time, PGN was under the direction of publisher Mark Segal, Philadelphia editor Ed Barnard, national editor Ernie Wysilek and copy editor Frank Broderick.

UDel sued by advisor to gay group

Adapted from reporting by Harry Langhorne

Richard Aumiller sued the University of Delaware after the university refused to renew his contract as a professor because he served as an advisor for the campus gay organization.

The university accused him of advocating for homosexuality and of misuse of property.

The school’s president referenced critics’ reviews of two LGBT-related plays put on at the university; however, it was later discovered that Aumiller did not direct either. The president also accused Aumiller of misusing the university’s property by permitting a picture to be taken of himself in an on-campus room.

Supporters were raising money for his legal fees.

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