The strong participation of women in these post-Anita marches was an important step for a homosexual rights movement that had been polarized between gay men and lesbians for a number of years.

Early in the 1970s, lesbians found they were outnumbered and often ignored in mixed-gender homosexual organizations. Most withdrew, some into lesbian separatist groups, others into an autonomous lesbian movement, and still others into more mainstream feminist projects.

The vocal reaction of both groups to Anita Bryant’s successful crusade was the first sign of change in this relationship. The Advocate, a gay newsmagazine, announced that the movement had been “born again in greater numbers and with greater determination” in response to Bryant’s victory, moving from apathy to action.

When Bryant declared on election night that homosexuals had “learned a lesson,” she may not have realized what it was: Gay people had learned that they faced a new, more hostile opposition, and that the organizing and propaganda tactics of fundamental organizations like Save Our Children were effective and had to be taken seriously. The Advocate presciently informed its readers that “gay rights are the new emotional issue to be exploited by the New Right.” GO TO PANEL 19