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Gay pride in Phoenix is just a week away and boy have things changed since the 1969 Stonewall riots. Most of us know that Stonewall marks the beginning of gay rights in America and gay pride events are celebrated annually to remember those days in 1969.
In 1963 police began to clamp down on the city’s “deviates and inverts” by raiding the gay bars. This New York Times 1963 article describes the city’s “problem” and really gives you a feel of how people felt about gays and lesbians at the time. Its a little disturbing for me to read, I’ve given you some of the highlights… or should I say “low lights”? Links are provided to the full article.
Growth of Overt Homosexuality Provokes Wide Concern
“The problem of homosexuality in New York became the focus yesterday by the State Liquor Authority and the Police Department. Homosexuality is another of the many problems confronting law enforcement in this city.”
Warning Light Signals Boys to Stop Dancing Together
“Mr. Hostetter said the Heights Supper Club had a signal-light system that “warned the boys to stop dancing with one another” when a newcomer was suspected of being a policeman.”
“The Fawn has a back room to which an admission was charged and where as many as 70 to 80 deviates had parties on Friday and Saturday nights.”
Notorious Congregating Points for Homosexuals and Degenerates
“The two latest places to be put out of business by the liquor authority were described by Donald S. Hostetter, authority chairman, as “notorious congregating points for homosexuals and degenerates.”
Most of “Us” Work in Fashion and The Arts
“Inverts are to be found in every conceivable line of work from truck driving to coupon clipping. But they are most concentrated – or most noticeable in the fields of the creative and performing arts and industries serving women’s beauty and fashion needs.”
“Most normal persons believe they have a similar facility in spotting deviates. This is true only of the obviously effeminate type – the minority who either openly proclaim…”
The club AREA Phoenix has reopened under the name of Stratus just in time to host the 2009 Adonis party.
AREA closed its doors amid scandal during 2008. AREA was a joint venture between Michael Keener and Kevin Andrews. Kevin Andrews was a club promoter and owner of Andrews Lighting for clubs and events. Prior to the AREA venture, Andrews produced many successful events at another venue in downtown Phoenix called Ice House.
Business partner Michael Keener (aka Jessica) is a Phoenix icon, well connected and respected in the community. Many may recall her from door duties at the dance club “Preston’s“, in which she was partial owner.
According to Keener, Andrews disappeared in 2008 without notice. AREA’s were doors locked, leaving Jessica out in the cold. Jessica commented that she never expected Andrews, then a long-time friend to just run out on her like this. Having no other alternative, Jessica filed for and was awarded a civil judgment against Andrews in October of 2008 in the amount of $318,000.
Interestingly, Andrews re-appeared in March 2009, re-opening the club as Stratus just in time for the annual Adonis Party during Phoenix’s gay pride weekend.
Jessica pleaded with Phoenix’s gay community not to attend the event, “The thief, Kevin Andrews, crawled out of his hole. Please, do not support anything associated with him.”
Andrews could not be reached for comment.
View AZGays.com – Phoenix Gay District in a larger map
Only 13 days left until Phoenix’ 13th Annual Pride celebration at Steele Indian School Park. The parade will be Saturday morning with the festival in the park running through Sunday.
While searching for information on the event, I happened upon this flier put out by my home district #4. Umm, I think you can consider district #4 fairly gay friendly… This seems like a great way to kick off Pride.
Moonlight Movies at Steele Indian School Park
(I made a correction to the event date, I’m pretty sure its on Friday.)
