Gay Liberation Front Panel

Gay Liberation Front Panel: What Can We Learn from GLF That Might Be Relevant 55 Years Later?

Join us for a compelling panel exploring the legacy of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and its relevance 55 years later. Panelists include pioneering activists Martha Shelley, Ellen Broidy (via Zoom), John Knoebel, and Ron Auerbacher, who will share their experiences from the early days of LGBTQ+ liberation, from Stonewall to the first Pride marches.

Date: October 16, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: The Center Auditorium, 3909 Centre St, San Diego, CA
Also available online

Featured Panelists:

• Martha Shelley: A founding member of the Gay Liberation Front and former spokesperson for the NY Daughters of Bilitis, Martha helped organize pivotal demonstrations including the NYU Weinstein Hall occupation. She produced the world’s first lesbian radio show, Lesbian Nation, and is the author of We Set the Night on Fire, four poetry books, and a historical fiction trilogy.
• Ellen Broidy: A key figure in organizing the first Pride March, Ellen came to GLF from the NYU Student Homophile League. She was a founding member of Radicalesbians and contributed to Come Out!, GLF’s newspaper. Her activism includes the Lavender Menace action and protests against anti-LGBTQ media coverage.
• John Knoebel: A participant in the first Pride March and the NYU Weinstein Hall sit-in, John co-authored GLF’s critique of sexism in gay male culture. He had a 33-year career as a senior executive at The Advocate and now leads Outspoken-LGBTQ.org, an oral history project. His memoir, 50 Years from Stonewall: A Gay American Life, was recently completed.
• Ron Auerbacher: Discovering GLF in 1970 was life-changing for Ron, who became deeply involved in activism and co-authored GLF’s critique of sexism. He participated in the first Pride March and numerous demonstrations. Now based in San Diego, Ron volunteers with youth organizations and teaches mindfulness and Nonviolent Communication.

RSVP: bit.ly/center-glf
Contact: HYC@thecentersd.org
Accessibility: Masks encouraged. All ages welcome.