Workers.org – By Leslie Feinberg
Lavender & red, part 76
One particularly militant action by a multinational group of gay men took place during the fall 1970 Revolutionary People?s Constitutional Convention, convened by the Black Panther Party. It included a demonstration of anti-racist unity.
During the convention, a group of four gay men?two Puerto Rican, one African American and one white?at least one of whom was reportedly wearing ?a bit of makeup,? went out to eat at an area restaurant.
Management at the restaurant, which reportedly catered to a white clientele, refused to serve the group. The four left, and returned with 30 or more gay men. The restaurant boss ordered them out.
According to a report in the Advocate, ?a fight erupted when management, security guards and several patrons attacked one Puerto Rican and two black Gays. Glasses were thrown, windows broken and other damage done in the free-for-all which developed.? (?The Gay Militants,? Donn Teal)