“Stop Gay-Bashing at the Board of Ed!” flyer, 1992
“The Negro Digs Up His Past,” by Arturo Schomburg, 1925
Dorian Book Quarterly, vol. 3, no. 3
San Francisco: Pan-Graphic Press, July–August–September 1962
General Research Division
Dorian Book Quarterly
For publishers like the Pan-Graphic Press that focused specifically on LGBTQ+ publications, censorship and obscenity laws were of particular importance. The Pan-Graphic Press used its publication Dorian Book Quarterly—part journal, part mail-order catalog—to keep its readers up-to-date with the ever-changing obscenity laws. Printed from 1960 to 1964, Dorian Book Quarterly mixed censorship news with advertising for the press’s other publications.
The 1962 July–August–September volume offers a detailed overview of ongoing legal changes and focuses on matters that would impact Dorian Book Quarterly as a publication. Of particular interest is the conversation about the meaning of words such as “obscene,” “pornography,” “erotica,” and “public versus private,” and where to draw the line between these terms and art. Pan-Graphic Press’s founder, Hal Call, would go on to open the first gay bookstore in the country, Adonis Books, in San Francisco in 1967, when obscenity and censorship laws were still haunting graphic gay material and publications.
Transcript:
AN IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION BY SUPREME COURT
Illegal Censorship Practices
As this issue of DBQ goes to press, word has been received from H. Lynn Womack of Washington, D.C., which greatly amplifies the June 25 Supreme Court decision regarding obscenity and the right of a federal administrative body to act as censors.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL LACKS ANY AUTHORITY WHATSOEVER FOR ENGAGING IN CENSORSHIP ACTIONS OF ANY KIND, says the decision in essence. This means that since 1865 – for almost a century – post-masters general and other administrative agencies have acted illegally and unconstitutionally in this sphere.
The decision, however, has not been fully clarified to DBQ editors at this time. Certainly it is understood that no all-barriers-down result is to be expected, nor was such ever sought.
In Mr. Womack's own words, here is a pertinent commentary:
"I am so amazed by the inaccuracy and the lack of knowledge reflected on your part (referring to material published in July Mattachine Review, which also appears on pages 4-5 of this issue of DBQ) regarding the outcome of Manual Enterprises, Inc., v. J. Edward Day, Postmaster General, final decision entered 25 June 1962, that I am writing you this letter."
Mr. Womack's letter went on to say that FAR FROM DECLINING TO CONSIDER THE MATTER, THE U.S. SUPREME COURT HANDED DOWN A DECISION OF SOME 41 PAGES WHICH SUPERCEDES ALL PREVIOUS OB- (Continued on page 23)
JULY 1962 ELEVENTH ISSUE
Volume III-Number 3
Dorian BOOK QUARTERLY
DORIAN BOOK QUARTERLY – Published in January, April, July and October. Subscription $2 per year, mailed sealed to any address. Published by PAN-GRAPHIC PRESS, 693 Mission Street, San Francisco 5, Calif., Tel. EXbrook 7-0773.
Primarily concerned with books relating to socio-sexual themes, particularly fiction and non-fiction works on homosexuality and sex variation topics. Reviews and news of books in this field solicited. Advertising rates upon application. All correspondence should be addressed to DORIAN BOOK QUARTERLY, 693 Mission Street, San Francisco 5, Calif. COPYRIGHT 1962 BY PAN- GRAPHIC PRESS
EDITORIAL STAFF
HAROLD L. CALL DONALD S. LUCAS LEWIS C. CHRISTIE EARL HOLBROOK ROLLAND HOWARD YSSTRAUG 2008 KAIROS
CONTENTS
2 - Illegal Censorship Practices
4 - Censorship Scene
8 - The American Liberal
9 - Why an Order Is Slow Sometimes
10 - Books Briefly Noted
11 - Dorian Newsletter
12 - A Nation of Lawbreakers and Mental Patients
19 - Compulsively Detached
20 - People Survive Somehow
22 - Dear Dorian
25 - Homosexuality: An Amateur Inquiry
SPECIAL NOTICE TO ALL SUBSCRIBERS
New Postal Regulations and rising costs make it imperative that you MUST notify the DORIAN office of any change of address.
We MUST have all changes of address at least 30 days prior to moving. Please cooperate with us and help us to save money in this important area.
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