By Rob Shivers

 

HOUSTON-Indifference among Gays here in early 1972 seemed to doom any attempts at getting a community center off the ground. There was apathy, disinterest, and dissidence among the activist. Then Dallas held its first Gay Pride parade with Houston participating. Suddenly the gay community here began to “get it together.”

 

            Houstonians entered a float and several cars in the Dallas parade, and many individuals marched, singing up the Dallas’ Main Street. At the picnic afterwards, they sold gay pride buttons to benefit their community center fund, and things begin to happen. The parade had provided inspiration and enthusiasm.

 

            Houston bars were reluctant to help at first. They laughed at the idea of such a center, but Slugs, a mixed straight and gay bar, sponsored two benefit dances for the group. On Sept. 11, the fledgling community center group, calling itself the Montrose Gaze, signed a year’s lease at 504 Fairview in Montrose Heights.

 

            The two-story house, once the House of Hope Mission for Alcoholic Women, now became a house of hope for the gay community. Scrubbing, painting, hammering, and struggling began to put a new look of life into the old building.

 

            Help began coming from other sources at last. The Nuntius, a Texas gay newspaper; Joe Anthony, owner of several bars and publisher of Gay Boy magazine; the Glass Stein, and the Mini Park Theatre all chipped in. No longer was the community laughing at the possibility of a gay center.

 

            On Oct. 28, the nucleus of nine had grown to a paid membership of 57, and the doors of the Montrose Gaze Center were officially opened. Approximately 150 attended the grand opening ball and open house, which featured Don Sanders, a local folk singer. Membership has already passed the 110 mark, but non-members are also welcome to use the facilities.

 

            The center allows no drugs, alcohol, or sex on the premises. Its doors open Monday through Friday at 4PM, and 2PM on Sundays. Vending machines provide cigarette and refreshments. There’s a jukebox and a dance area, pinball machines, a pool table, and meeting rooms. Members are working toward a gay counseling center and have begun a Bible study group. A lesbian feminist study group and a men’s lib group which emphasizes “men as people” also hold regular sessions. Chess and dance classes are offered.

 

            A ball game sponsored by Montrose Gaze featured Democratic legislative candidate Ron Waters as pitcher for the girls’ team. They lost the game, but Ron won the election after taking a strong gay rights stand.

 

            One of the founders, Wayde Frey, was asked if the Montrose Gaze would cut into the bar business to any appreciable extent.

            “The community center appeals to a different set of people,” he explained. “There are an estimated 120,000 Gays in the Houston area. I don’t think it will affect the bars at all.”

 

            Montrose Gaze is presently appealing for donations of folding chairs, furniture, ashtrays, card tables, paint, paneling, lamps, light fixtures, an air conditioner, water fountain, and refrigerator. The center may be reached by addressing Box 66411, Houston 77006 or calling (713) 528-9069.