PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia’s groundbreaking Gay News publication is honored for the groundwork they’ve laid in the LGBTQ community with a historic landmark in front of their original grounds.
Gay News publisher Mark Segal has been with the paper since its inception 45 years ago. Over the decades, they’ve tackled issues others shied away from.
"During the AIDS crisis, we were the first to cover stories before the New York Times," Segal said.
"We were the first newspaper in the world to report on trans issues."
A historic landmark has been placed in front of the original Gay News building on South 13th Street, in the heart of the Gayborhood.
"I've been with us since day one, 45 years and that building right there where we're putting up the plaque, that was our first office," Segal recounted.
"We were so poor at the beginning. that was a redevelopment building, which we rented for $50 a month."
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Segal said they were once harassed in that place, and they had to fight for acceptance in the news arena.
"One night, homophobes from the neighborhood broke in and ripped out all of our electricity," said Segal.
"No mainstream press organization would accept us as members."
In time, Gay News became respected and honored, viewed among the best weekly publications in America.
"Today, we are the most award-winning weekly newspaper in the state of Pennsylvania. Last year, we the most award-winning weekly newspaper in the nation," Segal touted. "A dream come through one you could never have expected."
Over 45 years, Segal said his staff able to help turn Gay News into a safe haven.
"I would like to believe we helped create that to some extent," Segal conveyed.
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"The mission of PGN was to create a safe place for members of our community to debate issues and to write their opinions, so that we could reach somewhere in the middle and then build."
Segal said that when his journey started, he never imagined he would see marriage equality, LGBTQ in the military, or a President who understands LGBTQ issues.
"From a kid standing outside Stonewall in June 1969," he admitted, "I never thought any of this was possible."
Segal talked much more in-depth with KYW Newsradio's Justin Udo about the founding, growth and impact of Philadelphia Gay News. Listen above in our podcast player.
Jay Sorgi contributed to this report.