The Gay Rap Group, an informal gay men’s discussion group, formed at the Free Medical Clinic of Cleveland (12201 Euclid Avenue) in 1975. The Gay Rap Group provided a welcoming space for gay men to meet and “get to know each other and explore their feelings and experiences as gays.” The Gay Rap Group met Friday evenings at the Free Clinic between 8-10pm in order to provide gay men with a social “alternative to the bars for those who do not or cannot enjoy the [bar] scene.” By 1976, the Gay Rap Group’s popularity led the group to expand meetings to both Friday and Sunday evenings. In 1977 the Gay Rap Group relocated to the GEAR Foundation‘s LGBT Community Center.
Additional information coming soon.
Resources
- “Brian DeWitt Interview, 2008.” Cleveland Voices.
- “Clinic Starts Counseling Rap Group.” High Gear. December 1975. Page 7.
- “John Nosek and Leon Stevens Interview, 15 August 2023.” Cleveland Voices.
- Nosek, John, and Leon Stevens. “Gay Community 1970s.” Encyclopedia of Cleveland History.
- “Rap Group.” High Gear. October 1976. Page 6.
- “Rap Group Changes Format.” High Gear. March 1976. Page 3.
- “Rap Group Expands to Sundays.” High Gear. February 1976. Page 4.
- “Rap Moves to Center.” High Gear. May 1977. Page 1.