History of North America

Response of the Los Angeles Police Chief to the invitation to participate in Gay Pride Day

In May 1975, Edward Davis , the then police chief of Los Angeles (California), was invited to participate in the parade of LA PRIDE -the annual celebration of the LGBT community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender ) which first took place in 1970-. Davis, in his response, covered himself with glory…

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT

May 23, 1975

Mrs. Sharon D. Cornelison, President
Christopher Street West Association
PO Box 3949
Hollywood, California 90028

Dear Mrs. Cornelison:

As she no doubt expected, she declined the invitation to participate in the "GAY PRIDE WEEK" celebration. Although she supported her organization's constitutional right to express her feelings on the issue of homosexuality, she obviously did not share her views on this issue. I would very much like to celebrate "GAY CONVERSION WEEK" which I will gladly support when medical professionals in this country find a way to convert homosexuals into heterosexuals.

Yours sincerely,
EM DAVIS
Chief of Police

Source:Letters of Note