What it Means: Based on On Being Different by Merle Miller

In 1970, the Gay Activists Alliance staged a sit-in at Harper's Magazine offices to protest an article by Joseph Epstein. Merle Miller, a former editor of Harper's Magazine, wrote "What It Means" as a personal response to the issue. The play was published to coincide with its stage production in October 2023.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

They claim to have broken into Harper's Magazine offices and are staging a sit-in. In September 1970, Harper's Magazine published an article titled "Homo/Hetero: The Struggle for Sexual Identity," in which Joseph Epstein expressed his desire to eradicate homosexuality from the world. In response, the Gay Activists Alliance organized a sit-in at the Harper's office. However, protesting is not limited to such actions. In his secluded Glass House, nestled in the woods outside Brewster, New York, renowned journalist and former editor of Harper's Magazine, Merle Miller, sits at his desk and begins to write. What It Means is an emotional one-person voyage through history, encompassing both personal and non-personal aspects. This edition is being published in conjunction with the world premiere stage production at Wilton's Music Hall in October 2023, presented by The Lot Productions.

Background:
In the mid-1970s, the United States was grappling with a surge of LGBTQ+ rights activism. The Stonewall Riots in New York City in 1969, which marked the beginning of the gay liberation movement, had sparked a nationwide movement for equality and acceptance. However, there were still significant barriers to LGBTQ+ rights, including discrimination, violence, and a lack of legal recognition.

Harper's Magazine and the Article:
Harper's Magazine, known for its progressive and intellectual content, had published several articles challenging traditional gender and sexual norms. In 1970, the magazine published an article titled "Homo/Hetero: The Struggle for Sexual Identity," written by Joseph Epstein. Epstein, a prominent psychiatrist and author, expressed his views on homosexuality, stating that he would wish it off the face of the earth.

The Gay Activists Alliance Response:
The Gay Activists Alliance, a group of LGBTQ+ activists, saw this article as a direct attack on their rights and dignity. They decided to take action and staged a sit-in at the Harper's office to demand a response from the magazine.

Merle Miller's Response:
Merle Miller, who had been a friend and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, was deeply affected by the article and the response it received. He decided to write a response, which he published in Harper's Magazine under the title "What It Means."

The Importance of Standing Up:
In his response, Merle Miller emphasized the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of opposition. He argued that everyone has the right to express their own opinions and that it is crucial to challenge harmful beliefs and attitudes.

Accepting the Validity of One's Voice:
Miller also stressed the importance of accepting the validity of one's own voice. He reminded readers that their opinions matter and that they should not be silenced or marginalized simply because they do not conform to societal norms.

Taking a Courageous Step:
Finally, Merle Miller encouraged readers to take a courageous step onto the platform that is offered to them. He argued that by speaking out and advocating for their rights, individuals can create change and make a positive impact on the world.

The Legacy of "What It Means":
"What It Means" by Merle Miller has become a seminal text in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. It has inspired countless individuals to stand up for their rights and to challenge harmful beliefs and attitudes. The article has also helped to raise awareness about the importance of LGBTQ+ rights and to promote greater acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.

Conclusion:
The sit-in at Harper's Magazine and the response by Merle Miller serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. The article has left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations to come and to continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Weight: 114g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350425163