The Castro in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Leonard Matlovich
— Rainbow Honor Walk —
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 13, 2023
1. Leonard Matlovich Marker
Leonard Matlovich
(1943-1988)
Decorated American serviceman who outed himself to confront the U.S. military's ban on gays serving in the armed forces
Erected 2022 by Rainbow Honor Walk.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Military. In addition, it is included in the Rainbow Honor Walk series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 6, 1943.
Location. 37° 45.833′ N, 122° 25.996′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in The Castro. Marker is at the intersection of Market Street and Noe Street, on the right when traveling east on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2301 Market Street, San Francisco CA 94114, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chavela Vargas (a few steps from this marker); Vito Russo (within shouting distance of this marker); Sylvia Rivera (within shouting distance of this marker); Lou Sullivan (within shouting distance of this marker); Josephine Baker (within shouting distance of this marker); Divine (within shouting distance of this marker); Gladys Bentley
this page online
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . . Leonard Matlovich (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: Technical Sergeant Leonard Phillip Matlovich (July 6, 1943 – June 22, 1988) was an American Vietnam War veteran, race relations instructor, and recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was the first gay service member to purposely out himself to the military to fight their ban on gays, and perhaps the best-known openly gay man in the United States of America in the 1970s next to Harvey Milk. His fight to stay in the United States Air Force after coming out of the closet became a cause célèbre around which the gay community rallied. His case resulted in articles in newspapers and magazines throughout the country, numerous television interviews, and a television movie on NBC. His photograph appeared on the cover of the September 8, 1975, issue of Time magazine, making him a symbol for thousands of gay and lesbian servicemembers and gay people generally. Matlovich was the first named openly(Submitted on December 19, 2023.)gay person to appear on the cover of a U.S. newsmagazine. According to author Randy Shilts, "It marked the first time the young gay movement had made the cover of a major newsweekly. To a movement still struggling for legitimacy, the event was a major turning point."Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 13, 20232. Leonard Matlovich Marker - wide view, looking east on Market
Additional keywords. LGBT, LGBTQ
Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 37 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 19, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
