There are more ways than ever to listen to History Daily ad-free.

Listen with Wondry Plus in the Wondry app.

As a member of NoisorPlus at noisor.com or in Apple Podcasts,

or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts at IntoHistory.com.

A listener note.

This episode contains references to suicide.

It may not be suitable for all audiences.

It's April 15, 1972, in the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in New York City. At the doorway of the chandeliered room, 31-year-old Morty Manford watches as a comedian on stage

performs routine featuring an offensive, limp-risted caricature of a gay man.

The room erupts with laughter.

But as the president of the gay activist's alliance,

Morty doesn't find the performance funny at all,

and he's here to put a stop to it.

Every year, New York's political reporters hold a gala dinner at the Hilton.

They usually invite city leaders, union chiefs, and top officers from the New York Police Department to join them.

But a few weeks ago, the gay activists' alliance was tipped off

that the post-dinner entertainment this year would be filled with homophobic jokes and insults,

and after watching just the first performer,

Mori realizes the information was right.

He pulls out a bullhorn he's been discreetly hiding behind his back,

then walks into the room along with a dozen followers.

While Morty shouts through the bullhorn that homophobia will not be tolerated in New York City,

...