GLF general leaflet
1971
The following text is copied from a leaflet was handed out by members of Birmingham GLF in the early 1970s
HAS THIS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?
Because of the strict rules our society imposes on itself many of us are forced to pretend we are something that we are not, since our real selves differ from what society wishes us to be. If we want to be our real selves however:-we
are liable to lose our jobs (especially if we are teachers or nurses),
Many of the Church authorities reject us,
Other peopled laugh at us or beat us up,
The law can fine us or put us in prison simply for showing affection towards each other in public,
We are often rejected by our own families,
The press and TV either pretend we don't exist or ridicule us,
Many doctors and psychiatrists say we are sick and drug us up or give us electric shocks.
HAS ANY OF THIS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?
If not, then it has probably happened to someone you know. That person is gay - homosexual.
You know a gay woman or man simply because they form such a large section of the population - not an insignificant minority but over three million ordinary working people. (A similar number of the population are left-handed). however most of them are afraid,...yes, afraid to reveal their true feelings and spend their lives being oppressed in many of the ways described. It is society as a whole, and the people within it who unquestioningly accept society's values, that causes this fear - laying down rules about how the different sexes should think, dress and behave, victimizing those who don't fit in with its ideas.
By pretending to be heterosexual many gay people avoid this oppression and often remain unaware of it. However by concealing their sexuality in this way they are oppressing themselves. Only by 'coming out' - recognising their own gayness, coming together with other gay people and letting heterosexual people know that they are gay - can gay people help themselves and others of the gay community.
The GAY LIBERATION FRONT is a group of gay women and men who are trying to fight this oppression and help the gay community in general. We do this by producing and distributing leaflets such as this, talking about gayness and its implications to groups of people in colleges etc., organising discos and dances where gay people can relax and enjoy themselves, holding regular meetings where gay people can meet and discuss matters of common interest, and working with other groups who are fighting for a just society.
Birmingham G.L.F. has produced several publications including "GROWING UP HOMOSEXUAL" a sex education pamphlet, and regular editions of "GLADRAG" the Birmingham G.L.F. newsletter. These along with other gay liberation literature are on sale at THE PLACE CENTRE, 18 Moor Street Queensway, Birmingham B4 7UE, where we also hold our general meetings every Sunday at 8.O0pm (business from 7.00pm). Why not come out and come along? THE PEACE CENTRE is open 12 - 7 weekdays and 11 - 5 Saturdays. (Tel. 021-643 0996).
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE GAY MOVEMENT AND THE GAY SCENE TRANSSEXUALISM AND TRANSVESTISM TELEPHONE THE GAY SWITCH BOARD 021-449 8312. EVERY EVENING 7 - 10.
(copied from GLF archive material on loan from Malcolm Gibb)
Contributed by: Malcolm Gibb, 58