Liberating the Screen: Gay and Lesbian Protests of LGBT Cinematic Representation, 1969–1974

Abstract:This article traces the historical development of protests of LGBT representation in US commercial cinema from 1969 to 1974 by members of the broadly defined gay liberation movement. Drawing on coverage in both the LGBT and the trade press, I explore the evolving means by which gay and lesbian liberation activists sought to challenge stereotypical characterizations perpetuated by Hollywood. In doing so, I seek to nuance our understanding of how diverse types of activism—from on-the-street demonstrations to meetings with industrial leaders—both advanced gay liberationist aims and underscored complex internal conversations regarding the efficacy and merit of differing protest strategies.