Week 2: One Magazine and the USPS

January 18, 2021

Hello Readers,

In January of 1953, “One”. the first pro-gay magazine, was published and sold on the streets of Los Angeles. The issues sold for 25 cents a piece and were the product of the founders of the Mattachine Society and others following a discussion at one of their meetings.

The magazine was designed to unify the LGBTQ+ community into social action for change. The offices of the magazine also served as a community center for the LGBTQ+ community. A conglomeration of efforts between the Mattachine Society and the Sisters of Bilitis (it's lesbian counterpart). The magazine was published up until December of 1969.

Particularly Notable in this story is one of the first US supreme court decisions in favor of an LGBT organization. In 1954 the Unite States Postal Service refused to deliver this magazine. Calling it "obscene" due to the subject matter, and One, Inc brought a lawsuit against them. One, Inc vs. Olesen & the USPS was lost in the lesser courts, but on January 13, 1958 the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the lesser courts decision, asserting that the publication was protected by the first amendment right to Freedom of Speech.

This goes to show that small steps is what it takes to reach were we are today. Remember the past to build a future!

Remember readers,

Embrace your loved ones, stay safe, and wear your mask!

– Joey ToGayOrNotToGay.

https://daily.jstor.org/one-the-first-gay-magazine-in-the-united-states/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ONE,_Inc.

https://one.usc.edu/archive-location/one-magazine

https://one.usc.edu/