Issue One, Gay Power

Heys, J. (1969). Issue One, Gay Power [Print]. The New York Public Libraries, New York City.

Edited by John Heys, Gay Power features a variety of covers that would surely be considered provocative for the period, with dildos and almost naked men being featured (NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project). In this issue, two peace signs are transformed into male sex symbols by the addition of the diagonal arrow and are then intertwined. The result of these alterations to the peace sign is a visual representation of male homosexuality and simultaneously a call for peace surrounding male homosexuality. Presumably for an end to police brutality, targeted attacks, and hate crimes; which were common at the time. The date of publication, 1969, was a turning point for the Gay Rights Movement and the Gay Power publication is a wonderfully colorful addition to that year. Where the rest of the cover is light blues and purples— the peace signs are ironically much more militant, red against a black background. The result is both eye-catching contrast and a powerful affirmative stance. The combination of the peace signs with other symbols as well as with color gives this cover additional meaning beyond just a call for peace.