The Legacy of CRH
Exhibit Map
Introduction
CRH continued to operate through the 1970s although it was not as influential as in its early years. Its annual symposium was probably its most effective effort in these years. Despite CRH’s educational efforts only small numbers of religious groups and leaders became advocates for homosexual persons. Lesbian and gay activists grew impatient and turned to other organizing efforts. Gay and lesbian persons of faith began organizing in denominational groups for mutual support and to challenge discrimination within those institutions. Interest in ecumenical groups such as CRH waned.
Symposium on the Lifestyle of the Homosexual
In the fall of 1968, CRH held its first symposium on “The Life Style of the Homosexual.” This four-day event provided a unique opportunity for clergy and religious leaders to interact with homosexual persons as well as to learn psychological, sociological and legal information. Response from participants was so positive that CRH continued these symposia for several more years. Religious leaders and social service professionals from around the U.S. attended. The symposium also served as a model for similar educational events in other cities.
CRH Remembered
The Council on Religion and the Homosexual was the first coalition of religious and homosexual activists to receive widespread visibility in the U.S. At the local level, CRH initiated a number of programs that have served LGBT persons in San Francisco over the years. Within the religious sphere, CRH provided the impetus that moved many leaders to become advocates for LGBT persons. However, CRH appears to be best remembered in the LGBT community of San Francisco for its role in the California Hall incident on January 1, 1965.
CRH Honored
Historian Paul Gabriel, in conjunction with the Gay & Lesbian (now the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) Historical Society, did extensive research about CRH in the mid-1990s, including collecting many oral histories. The Historical Society honored CRH at its annual dinner in 1998. A significant number of the original CRH leaders were present at this gala event to be recognized for their valuable historical contributions.
