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Lesbians and Transgender
The sampled article sourced from a Vanguard Issue of 1967 centers its discussion on dissecting the problems plaguing the youth living in the mentioned timeline. In particular, the newspaper anchors its analysis on the topic of gay rights, lesbianism and oppression of the transgender community. Herein, the reader obtains worthwhile information about the tribulations faced by the aforementioned group of people, especially those who were underprivileged and impoverished. The Vanguard issue serves as a historical source for providing in-depth information about the evolution of the gay rights movement (Vanguard, 1967). It enables one to appreciate the strides made in championing for same-sex unions and the enforcement of their rights and liberties.
In the first section of the San Francisco Youth magazine, the author delves into the subject matter of equality and its relevance to the field of law. Considering the volatile nature of gay rights during the 1960s, this deliberation can be deemed a courageous one since it triumphs all openings of fear or retribution (Vanguard, 1967). The writer is obviously bold and daring in his or her quest to make it known that gays, lesbians, transgender and queer people were constantly deprived of their human rights. Under the topic of equality, the writer begins by acknowledging that people who identify with the “sexually different group” tend to be subjected to various forms of humiliations.
Moreover, they are hardly treated with dignity with the law often denying them the right to adequate sexual satisfaction (Vanguard, 1967). What is more, the legal stipulations of this historical era seem prejudiced for failing to accord people the freedom of expressing their sexual preferences. Therefore, one would understand why the author is quite vocal in advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ movement. In the second paragraph, he or she states that homosexuality lacks any relationship with a person’s self-worth or individual qualities (Vanguard, 1967). A person can identify as gay or lesbian, but still possess the most admirable qualities in academics, research or professionalism. To this end, the author asserts that one’s sexual orientation should not be used as a deterrent to any of their constitutional rights.
The equality article instead insists that all members of the LGBTQ movement should rally against the “dark ages” that subject them to inhumane treatment simply because of their sexuality. The article continues to substantiate claims that gays, lesbians or transgender individuals are incapable of executing their professional or personal obligations like their heterosexual counterparts (Vanguard, 1967). The entire piece vehemently condemns the prejudiced and biased treatment of gays, simply because they contravene the normal code of sexual inclinations. In subsequent articles such as “Loneliness in the Tenderloin” and “Horace Horny Tells All,” similar sentiments are raised by the respective authors. More specifically, “Loneliness in the Tenderloin” sheds light on the importance of intimate relationships in the life of every human being.
Interestingly written by a reverend, the article truthfully affirms that every person craves to have an honest love relationship. The yearning that comes with it drives people to search for that one person with whom they can share their lives with for eternity. It is therefore not surprising that lonely people tend to be bitter about their situation (Vanguard, 1967). The utterance of loathing remarks or subtle accusations about others is often used by lonely people to mask their feeling of rejection or being alone. The reverend goes ahead to express his concerns about the casual nature that the youth treat and handle religion. For most of the young generation, religion is merely an outdated concept that does not align itself with their priorities or daily activities (Vanguard, 1967). For this reason, most people will find themselves in meaningless and superficial relationships, devoid of value or importance. To avoid such circumstances, the writer urges his readers to pray for understanding of God’s love. In so doing, they can be able to tolerate the lonely phase while waiting for the most compatible partner. “Horace Horny Tells All” tackles the issue of relationships differently from the other authors. The section assumes a question-answer format with the public seeking replies to pressing issues in their relationships. From most of the questions, one can tell that bisexuality, extramarital affairs and gay relations were some of the most popular problems plaguing the 1960s youth. Together, the three pieces selected for close analysis demonstrate that gay and transgender oppression was quite rampant during this timeline (Vanguard, 1967). People identifying with either category often found themselves at the receiving end of torture, humiliation or abuse.
The language, ideas and phrases used to articulate the issues affecting gay youth who lived in the 1960s shows that homosexuality was quite a volatile subject at the time. The Vanguard article allows readers to appreciate the significant strides made in championing for equal treatment of gays, lesbians, transgender and queer individuals. Undoubtedly, enormous achievements have been accomplished in the LGBT community in the present decade, with most of them being made possible by the selfless efforts of gay rights crusaders living in the 1960s.
Works Cited
Vanguard. (1967). The magazine of the San Francisco Youth Movement, Inc. Analyze ISSUE 4.
http://www.glbthistory.org/Vanguard/VanguardMagazine_PDF/Vanguard_Volume4_we b.pdf. Accessed 11 December 2019
