Episode 9, May 26, 2020 / Mary Ann Cherry discusses her biography of Morris Kight

Welcome to another episode of the Feral House podcast. In this conversation, Christina discusses the newest Process title written by Mary Ann Cherry, Morris Kight: Humanist, Liberationist, Fantabulist–A Story of Gay Rights and Gay Wrongs.

Morris is a fascinating character and our conversation takes us in many directions. Have a listen!

 

Here is more about Mary Ann's book: Morris Kight: Humanist, Liberationist, Fantabulist–A Story of Gay Rights and Gay Wrongs.

New York and San Francisco gay liberation activists’ work is well documented but allow us to introduce Los Angeles' preeminent gay rights pioneer―say hello to Morris Kight.

His activist work began in the 1930s as a teenager. As the only male living in his mother’s Texas brothel, he secretly helped women working there get vital healthcare. During the 1950s, he was part of an underground network of gay ‘safe houses’ that provided bail, health care, and legal advice at a time when the United States had laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. He turned his unique charisma and organizing skills to the 1960s anti-war movement and then working the rest of his life in the now public fight for “Gay Liberation.” He fostered vital relationships with fellow activists, politicians, socialites, and gangsters. His style of organizing and activism showed the power of the “influencer” decades before social media brought millions together with a meme.

He founded groups that lead seminal protests that resulted in: The American Psychiatric Association removing homosexuality as a disease from its diagnostic manual, protecting civil rights for gay citizens in California, and reducing police violence against the gay community. And for every good thing Kight did, he took credit for more. He was a man who, with his many flaws, managed to alienate as many people as he brought together. His story brings to life his work as remembered by those who loved and loathed him.