It’s now been eight weeks since my partner Barney and I began sheltering in place here in New York City, and I’m feeling a growing sense of despair over what I’m seeing happen across the country. Episode TranscriptĮric Marcus Narration: I’m Eric Marcus and this is Making Gay History coming to you from inside my guestroom closet for another socially distanced trip into the archive. Visit our Season Two episode webpage for background information, archival photos, and other resources. heartland to remind us that what unites us transcends red/blue state divides. In late 1955, the police of Boise, Idaho, started a sweeping investigation into an alleged “homosexual underground.” Fearing arrest, Morris Foote fled town, not to return till 20 years later. Credit: © Troy Maben book jacket from John Gerassi's 1966 account of the Boise homosexual panic Carolyn Mobley (at left with megaphone) teaching marchers songs and chants prior to the start of the 1990 Freedom Parade.
From top clockwise: Standing on the steps of Idaho’s capitol building is a clean-shaven Morris Foote (front row, second from right) with the organizers of Boise’s first Gay and Lesbian Freedom Parade and Festival, which was held on Saturday, June 23, 1990.
