Photo Flashback: We're Here, We're Queer, Etc.

There is a file in the Washington Post photo archives marked "Homosexuals." Of course, I don't think we would label it that way these days. "Gays" or "Gay Rights" has a kinder ring to it.

What sort of photos are in the files? For starters, this one, taken on Pennsylvania Avenue NW during a gay rights march on October 14, 1979:

The photo was taken by Fred Sweets and the caption reads: A couple watches as the advocates of gay rights parade along the Avenue.

Hmmm. "Parade" along the avenue? Do I detect a slight condescension there? I suppose it's better than "swish," but what's wrong with "march"? Also, I don't know if you can see it, but there's a crop mark on the right, just below "We don't need laws for us." The layout person probably cropped that out so the photo would fit better, though it lessens the impact of the sign.

How far have we come in 20 years? Not so far that these issues don't still roil Americans.

Turning back the clock
You did remember to fall back Sunday morning, right? Speaking of which: Montgomery County schools don't have class today. I wonder if that's because they figured too many students would just arrive at the wrong time.