History of Gay Power, Gay Politics in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 15, 2025

"Gay Power, Gay Politics" is a 1980 CBS Reports documentary episode, anchored by Harry Reasoner and produced by George Crile, focusing on the burgeoning LGBT political movement. Inspired by the 1979 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Crile centered the documentary around the 1979 San Francisco mayoral election, a key moment showcasing the increasing influence and activism of the LGBT community in American politics. The episode, filmed over several months with the cooperation of prominent LGBT figures in San Francisco, aired on April 26, 1980, offering a snapshot of the era's evolving social and political landscape.

October 1979: Crile inspired by March on Washington

In October 1979, George Crile was inspired to create "Gay Power, Gay Politics" after learning about the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

1979: Filming and concerns by activists

Filming of "Gay Power, Gay Politics" began in the summer of 1979 and continued periodically through November. Some activists, like Sally Gearhart, grew mistrustful of the production, believing the network intended a "hatchet job".

1979: Opening narration

In 1979, Harry Reasoner provided the opening narration, over shots of the 1979 March on Washington.

1979: Filming and focus on 1979 election

Throughout 1979, filming occurred over several months. The focus of the documentary was the 1979 San Francisco mayoral election.

April 26, 1980: CBS airs "Gay Power, Gay Politics"

On April 26, 1980, CBS aired "Gay Power, Gay Politics," a documentary episode of CBS Reports, anchored by Harry Reasoner and produced by George Crile, focusing on the 1979 San Francisco mayoral election and the LGBT community's political influence.

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September 18, 1980: NNC Determines CBS Misrepresented Sexual Issues

On September 18, 1980, the NNC (presumably National News Council) convened and determined by a 9-2 vote that CBS had unfairly misrepresented sexual issues in its "Gay Power, Gay Politics" broadcast, particularly regarding BDSM scenes. They found that CBS reinforced stereotypes, exaggerated political concessions to gays, distorted coverage of the Beaux Arts Ball, and manipulated the soundtrack by adding applause, for which the network later apologized.

1980: Increase in Anti-LGBT Violence after airing

In 1980, following the airing of "Gay Power, Gay Politics," the Community United Against Violence (CUAV) in San Francisco reported a 400% increase in violent incidents against LGBT people, reversing a previous decline. Right-wing groups also used the program for fundraising until CBS intervened.

1985: Houston uses clips to oppose LGBT ordinance

In 1985, a Houston group opposing a proposed LGBT rights ordinance used clips from "Gay Power, Gay Politics" in its commercials, leading voters to overwhelmingly reject the ordinance.