islandora | William Way LGBT Community Center Digital Collections

: MsColl8_DAT_012; Bert Wylen presents Gaydreams, broadcast on September 4, 1994. Wylen responds to listener complaints about his show's introduction, which uses the language of Jesse Helms to ironically affirm the necessity of celebrating homosexuality. “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang plays. Wylen interviews Marlon Riggs in advance of the premiere of Tongues Untied. Riggs describes the film as an affirmation of the Black gay male experience and discusses the dual marginalization faced by Black gay men, as well as the difficulties he encountered securing funding for the project. “Hot Corn in the Fire” by Casselberry-Dupree and “Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke play. Kurt Kerston of This Way Out interviews Paul Roen about his book High Camp: A Gay Guide to Camp and Cult Films. “Got to Be Real” by Cheryl Lynn plays. Nigel Wrench of the BBC presents a segment on “digital queers.” “The Last Pioneers” by Casselberry-Dupree plays. Wylen signs off as “The Difference” by Todd Rundgren plays; David Dye of Public Radio International presents World Cafe Live.

: MsColl8_DAT_013; Bert Wylen presents Gaydreams, broadcast on September 11, 1994. Wylen shares national news, including updates on Sergeant Justin Elzie’s lawsuit against the U.S. Military following his discharge due to his homosexuality, a new study from the Harvard School of Public Health and the Center for Public Health Policy Studies reporting same-sex attraction in 20% of the population, the California State Senate’s rejection of a bill to extend healthcare benefits to domestic partners, the death of Ariel Da Silva—granted asylum in the U.S. due to homophobic persecution—from AIDS-related complications, continued debate within the Episcopal Church on homosexuality, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination’s ruling that it cannot compel the Boston branch of the Federal Reserve to comply with state anti-discrimination laws, and the acquittal of a video store clerk who was entrapped and charged with obscenity. “Baba O’Riley” by The Who plays. Wylen interviews Dr. Evelyn Hooker at her home in Santa Monica, California. Hooker reflects on the personal and political motivations that led her to study male homosexuality and discusses the methodology and findings of her landmark psychological research. Hooker considers the lasting impacts of her work on the field and offers her perspective on the contemporary state of the gay rights movement. “Love is Love” by Tom McCormack plays. Wylen presents local news including efforts by gay rights advocates in New York and Pennsylvania to challenge the appointment of Robert S. Erve Sr. to the Human Rights Commission following his opposition to gay rights ordinances, the stabbing of a gay man during a mugging at a PATCO station on 13th and Locust Street, the announcement of a major survey on anti-gay violence by the Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and announcements for upcoming events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. “Finally” from Priscilla Queen of the Desert plays. An excerpt from an unidentified performance plays. “I Wish I Looked a Little Better” by Sparks plays. Josy Catoggio interviews Bob and Rod Jackson-Paris for This Way Out about their book Straight from the Heart: A Love Story. “Take It To The Limit” by Casselberry-Dupree plays. Wylen signs off as “The Difference” by Todd Rundgren plays.

: MsColl8_DAT_014; Bert Wylen presents Gaydreams, broadcast on May 1, 1994. Wylen reflects on his recent trip to Missouri to record the Stonewall series and shares concern over homophobic violence directed at friends near the University of Pennsylvania. Wylen presents national news updates, including developments across seven anti-gay ballot initiatives proposed throughout the United States, the retrial of a woman accused of raping another woman, the election and swearing-in of openly gay Jeffrey Leiter as mayor of Berkeley, California, the United Nations' ruling that sodomy laws violate an international human rights treaty signed by many countries, including the United States, the Ohio State Legislature’s vote to deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples, progress in a civil case against a California chapter of the Boy Scouts of America for firing a gay leader of an Explorer troop, PBS’s cancellation of More Tales of the City, officially attributed to budget cuts though writer Armistead Maupin links it to right-wing backlash, and the deaths of figure skater John Curry and Advocate founder John Preston from AIDS-related complications. “Out in the Country” by Doug Stevens & the Out Band plays. Wylen interviews Steven Corbin about his book Fragments That Remain. Wylen and Corbin discuss Corbin’s literary influences, the themes of his novel, and the issue of racism in the United States. “Mountain O’ Things” by Tracy Chapman plays. Wylen presents local news including updates regarding the efforts of the Domestic Partnership Coalition to push Mayor Ed Rendell to issue an executive order requiring the extension of benefits to domestic partners for city employees, recent expansions to the AIDS quilt, recent LGBT non-fiction acquisitions made by the Free Library of Philadelphia, and announcements for upcoming events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. Wylen reads a homophobic letter he received from a listener. “Any World” by Steely Dan plays. Bob Howell of BBC Radio 5’s Out This Week presents on the gay rights movement in Dublin, Ireland. “Pray for Rain” by Tom McCormack and “Tender Field Saddler” by Maggie Catalano plays. Wylen signs off as “The Difference” by Todd Rundgren plays.

: MsColl8_DAT_015; Bert Wylen presents Gaydreams, broadcast on May 15, 1994. Steven McKensie presents national news, including updates regarding the use of Yankee Stadium for the closing ceremony of the Gay Games, a lesbian student who dropped out of her high school in Maryland due to homophobic harassment, a Philadelphia lawyer who settled his discrimination lawsuit against a law firm he claimed had targeted him because he had AIDS, Kristine Gebbie’s announcement that she would not step down from her position as AIDS Policy Coordinator despite calls for her resignation from AIDS organizations across the country, Colorado gay rights activists who were sentenced for vandalism after an art-based protest at a cemetery, a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry that found gay Black individuals were more vulnerable to excessive stress and trauma than their white gay counterparts, and Amnesty International’s announcement that the U.S. branch of its human rights division would begin a campaign to repeal sodomy laws that only targeted homosexuals. “Doctor My Eyes” by Jackson Browne plays. Wylen interviews Abraham Verghese about his work with AIDS patients in rural Tennessee and his book My Own Country: A Doctor’s Story. “This Woman’s Work” by Kate Bush plays. Steven McKensie presents local news, including updates on the denial of the Philadelphia city government’s appeal to stop the reinstatement of former police officer Thomas Duffy after his dismissal for gay bashing, state health officials internal debates regarding the issuance of guidelines that would require hospitals and doctors' offices to report the names of people with HIV, the resignation of Rashida Hasan, leader of Black Educating Blacks About Sexual Health Issues (BEBASHI), and announcements for upcoming events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. “Since I Fell For You” by Natalie Cole and Reba McEntire and “The Weight” by Marty Stuart & The Staple Singers plays. Greg Gordon of BBC Radio 5 introduces Out This Week. Nigel Wrench of Out This Week presents on homosexuality in the British armed forces. “Chain of Fools” by Clint Black & The Pointer Sisters and “Animal Nitrate” by The London Suede plays. Wylen signs off as “The Difference” by Todd Rundgren plays.

: MsColl8_DAT_016; Bert Wylen presents Gaydreams, broadcast on May 29, 1994. Wylen presents current news updates, including a memo from the San Francisco Department of Health that reported the fatal impact of AIDS on the city, setbacks to AIDS vaccine research, updates in the lawsuit brought by a Philadelphia lawyer against a law firm for AIDS-related discrimination, the proposal of healthcare reform bills by Democrats in Washington to guarantee lesbians and gays access to health insurance, the New York Times signing of a contract with the Newspapers Guild to extend healthcare coverage to the domestic partners of their employees, the release of a study by the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States regarding adolescent and teenage sexuality, and studies finding that gay men made up the largest number of reported hate crime victims in Los Angeles in 1993. “Used To Be A Sweet Boy” by Morrissey plays. Wylen interviews writer Darrel Yates Rist about his book Heartlands: A Gay Man's Odyssey Across America. “Show the Way” by David Wilcox plays. Wylen presents local news, including updates regarding renewed attempts to close an AIDS nursing home in Mount Airy and announcements for upcoming events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. “Keep the Faith” by Michael Jackson plays. Cindy Freidman of This Way Out presents on a gay and lesbian skydiving group in Houston, Texas. “If That’s Your Boyfriend” by Meshell Ndegeocello and “After Midnight” by Patsy Cline plays. Wylen signs off as “The Difference” by Todd Rundgren plays.

: MsColl8_DAT_017; Bert Wylen presents "Give Me Those Moments: Parents Remember Their Gay Sons Who Died of AIDS," broadcast on October 13, 1993. An excerpt of "Women's Work" by Kate Bush plays. Wylen discusses the history and current statistics regarding AIDS, examining the fatal impact of the illness alongside the accompanying government neglect and social ostracization. An excerpt of "Women's Work" by Kate Bush plays. Ruth and Sanford Levy reflect on their son Ken, describing their initial ignorance of his sexuality while expressing pride in his financial success in New York City. Ken and Sandy Frank discuss their son Mark, who lived at home for nearly his entire life, reflecting on early suspicions about Mark's sexuality and recounting how he initially rebuffed their inquiries before being compelled to disclose his identity following his HIV-positive diagnosis. Ruth Glan reflects on her relationship with her son Russ, who came out during his teenage years, and describes the gay community events they attended together. Ajavia Muir discusses her experience as a lesbian mother to a gay son Hunter, exploring their shared commitment to gay activism. An excerpt of "How Many" by Margie Adam plays. The parents reflect on their initial reactions to and later engagement with their children's declining health due to AIDS. An excerpt of "Women's Work" by Kate Bush plays. The parents discuss the moments when they realized their children would die from AIDS-related complications. An excerpt of "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton plays. The parents discuss their subsequent AIDS activism and efforts to connect with other bereaved parents. An excerpt of "Women's Work" by Kate Bush plays. The parents share memories of their late children. An excerpt of "How Many?" by Margie Adam plays. Bert Wylen signs off as an excerpt of "Women's Work" by Kate Bush plays.

: MsColl8_DAT_018; A field recording of a lecture and panel on the topic of the history of civil and human rights groups in Philadelphia, PA hosted on October 28, 1993. An unknown speaker introduces Marc Stein’s lecture and the following panel discussion. Stein discusses his dissertation, City of Sisterly and Brotherly Loves: Lesbian and Gay Philadelphia, 1945-1972, reflecting on his research and findings. An unknown speaker introduces the panelists, including Ada Bello, Kiyoshi Kuromiya, Harry Langhorne, Rita Addessa, and Valerie West. The panel is followed by a public question and answer session; An unidentified song plays.

: MsColl8_DAT_019; Bert Wylen presents Gaydreams, broadcast on November 1, 1992. A sample from “It Started All Over” by The Flirtations plays. “Read My Lips” by A Thousand Points of Night plays. Wylen interviews journalist Donna Minkowitz about her reports on the Republican National Convention and the Log Cabin Republicans. “America” by Bigod 20 plays. Cindy Freidman and Brian Nuñes of This Way Out present, NewsWrap, reporting national news updates including findings of international studies reporting regional perceptions of gays and lesbians and people with AIDS, similar research conducted in New Zealand, continued developments in Frank Battino’s discrimination lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), ongoing conflict regarding sodomy laws in Kentucky, Sacramento, California City Council’s passing of laws recognizing and protecting domestic partnerships, East Lansing, Michigan City Council’s passing of legislation extending health benefits to domestic partners of non-union city employees, increasing local hostility leading members of the Womens Land commune to seek refuge outside of Oregon, reports of improving turnout at Oregon-based Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) meetings, the establishment of Lamdba Emergency Scholarhship fund, Paul Monette and Dorothy Allison’s nomination for National Book Awards, and the establishment of a real Whistle Stop Café in Juliette, Georgia after the filming of Fried Green Tomtatoes. “Political Science” by Randy Newman plays. Wylen interviews activist Bob Hattoy about his political development, relationship with Bill and Hillary Clinton, and his speech at the 1992 Democratic National Convention. Pacifica National News presents Wylen’s report on Lynn Yeakel’s bid for Senate, featuring interviews with G. Terry Madonna and Janet Mason. Wylen signs off to “The Difference” by Todd Rundgren.

: MsColl8_DAT_020; Bert Wylen presents a four-part series on gay life before and after Stonewall, broadcast on July 1, 1994 on Pacifica Network News. Bert Wylen interviews Harry Hays, Dell Martin, Phyllis Lyon, Frank Kameny, and Barbara Gittings on gay life pre-Stonewall. Bert Wylen interviews Jeremiah Newton, Williamson Henderson, Mark Segal, Bob Culler, Robert Bryan, and Randy Wicker about the mythologies and realities of the Stonewall uprising. Bert Wylen interviews Dr. Evelyn Hooker, Frank Kameny, Barbara Gittings, Dr. Charles W. Socarides, and Dr. Richard Moore about the "sickness model" of homosexuality and the activism that led to the American Psychiatric Association’s removal of homosexuality from the Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Bert Wylen interviews Gilbert Baker about the philosophy underwriting the rainbow flag as a symbol of gay identity and his work constructing a mile-long rainbow flag featured in the Stonewall 25 year anniverary march.

: MsColl8_DAT_021; Bert Wylen presents Gaydreams, broadcast on April 16, 1995. Wylen introduces Catholic priest and psychotherapist Father John McNeil and interviews him about his book Freedom, Glorious Freedom: The Spiritual Journey to the Fullness of Life for Gays and Lesbians and Everyone Else. McNeil discusses his own homosexuality, his introduction to gay ministry, and his eventual founding of Dignity Ministry in New York City. Wylen and McNeil examine the homophobia championed by many Christian groups, while McNeil argues its incompatibility with the core tenets of Christianity, the revelations of Jesus Christ, and biblical teachings. "Celebrate" by Marsha Stevens-Pino and "Jerusalem of Gold" by Israel Shelanu play. Wylen advertises the addresses and phone numbers of gay-friendly churches in Philadelphia. Wylen continues his interview with Father McNeil. McNeil and Wylen discuss the essentially tolerant and accepting nature of the Christian God and Christian spirituality, citing human interpretation of scripture as flawed. Wylen signs off as “The Difference” by Todd Rundgren plays.

: MsColl8_DAT_022; A music-only recording of the song "Record Land" by Steve Cohen.

: MsColl8_DAT_023; Bert Wylen presents Gaydreams, broadcast on April 23, 1995. Wylen presents current news updates including the Virginia Supreme Court’s denial of custody rights to lesbian mother, Sharon Bottoms, on the basis of her sexuality, polls conducted by the Human Rights Campaign Fund indicating that over half of congressional offices in the United States institute anti-discrimination policies which cover sexual orientation, the recent discharge of lesbian Army Major, Joyce Walmer, on the basis of her sexuality, ongoing legal battles between the Church of Latter Day Saints and the state of Hawaii regarding same sex marriage, Roberta Achtenberg’s resignation from her federal post and bid for mayor of San Francisco, a poll by Georgia Equity Project indicating strong public support for non-discrimination employment and housing protections for gays and lesbians within the state, and progress in the discrimination lawsuit filed against the Boy Scouts of America. “The Wizard” by Uriah Heep plays. Wylen interviews Sam Van and Michael, students from Saint Joseph’s and Villanova University about their experience as gay men at Roman Catholic colleges. The students discuss the complexities surrounding their attempts to organize gay groups on campus. “Hymn” by Romanovsky and Phillips and “Changes” by David Bowie play. Wylen presents local news updates and event announcements. “Last Pioneers” by Caseelberry-DuPree plays. Kimberly Kranich of This Way Out reports on gay acapella group, The Flirtations. Wylen signs off as “The Difference” by Todd Rundgren plays.

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