In this bold black-and-white flyer, the Los Angeles chapter of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) calls for a mass protest against the Vietnam War in San Francisco on April 24, 1971. Coming on the heels of the Stonewall Rebellion of 1969, groups like the GLF were determined to link the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights with broader antiwar and social-justice movements of the day. This example shows how members of the LGBTQ+ community were not only focusing on their own liberation but also standing firmly against militarism and the draft—an early example of intersectional protest.

From a strategic standpoint, this poster works to broaden the antiwar movement by explicitly inviting LGBTQ+ protesters to take their place among other activists. It also advertises “Gay Draft Counseling” meetings every Saturday, signaling the GLF’s commitment to direct assistance for draft-eligible individuals. This combination of antiwar messaging and practical support underscored the inclusive, intersectional character of the Gay Liberation Front—a group that believed in mobilizing on multiple fronts: for peace, against systemic oppression, and in favor of broader human rights.

Historical Context

By 1971, public frustration with the Vietnam War had escalated. Student protests, conscientious objectors, and veterans against the war were increasingly visible. At the same time, the LGBTQ+ community was still galvanized by the Stonewall uprisings of 1969, determined to secure equal rights and protect members vulnerable to societal discrimination. Organizations like the GLF recognized that gay individuals were also at risk of being drafted, and that resistance to oppressive systems—homophobia and war—could unite different factions of the protest landscape.

Imagery and Symbolism

• Cartoon Character: The casually drawn figure, leaning and stepping forward, suggests movement, accessibility, and grassroots energy rather than the pomp of official campaigns.
• “Bring Them Back Alive!”: This phrase scrawled on the boot humanizes the soldiers, reinforcing an antiwar narrative centered on compassion and the sanctity of life.
• Handwritten Style: The poster’s handwritten elements and informal typeface heighten its sense of urgency and authenticity; it reads as a personal invitation rather than a top-down directive.
• Prominent Date and Location: By focusing attention on “April 24” and “San Francisco,” the GLF made it clear that this was a singular must-attend event, providing a rallying point for participants from across California and beyond.

Efficacy and Legacy

As a call to action, the poster was modest in design but potent in message. By framing the antiwar march within a broader network of “Gay Liberation groups in 14 states and over 50 cities,” it underscored the national scope of both the antiwar movement and the burgeoning LGBTQ+ rights movement. While it is difficult to measure exactly how many people were inspired to attend due to this specific flyer, it undoubtedly helped galvanize LGBTQ+ activists who saw their political struggle as intimately tied to questions of war, peace, and social justice.

This piece of ephemera is a reminder that activism often transcends a single cause. The alliances formed between LGBTQ+ organizations and the antiwar movement in the early 1970s laid the groundwork for future coalitions around civil rights, feminism, and later HIV/AIDS advocacy. The flyer’s language, humor, and visual flair all contributed to a sense of bold defiance. Decades later, it remains a potent example of how marginalized communities harness protest culture to challenge both external and internal barriers, forging solidarity and demanding a place in the national conversation.

Special thanks to the USC Digital Imaging Lab for their support in digitizing this item.