From the Nashville Banner, June 27, 1977:

While thousands marched in support of homosexual rights in cities across the country Sunday, Nashville had a comparatively low-key demonstration of its own — the first “Gay Pride Picnic” at Centennial Park.

About 40 persons attended the event, which was organized by the Rev. Thomas Bigelow’s Metropolitan Community Church. Their enthusiasm was dampened, however, in a dispute with the Metropolitan Park Patrol involving signs and placards set up at the picnic site.

Shortly after the event began, a park patrolman approached the group and said the signs — bearing such slogans as “The Lord is my shepherd, and He knows I’m gay” and “I’m straight, I’m enlightened, I think gay is OK” — would have to be removed.

Bigelow told the patrolman it was his understanding that both Metro police and city park officials had been contacted and had told members of the group that signs could be posted on the site but not carried (picket fashion).

As this discussion was going on, two other park patrol units and four other officers arrived. Bigelow said he was told that the director of parks had ordered the signs removed since park regulations forbid “signs for advertising or political reasons” in the park.

“They thought this was a political gathering. Obviously, we do not,” Bigelow said. Bigelow agreed to remove the signs, and the picnic continued. Members of the group were not happy, however.

“If this were a First Baptist Church gathering, there would never be any park police to come by and say anything about this,” said a participant who asked not to be identified.

“This is the kind of harassment we get — it’s not out-and-out, but it’s enough to keep people insecure, from coming out,” Bigelow said.

He estimated that there are 50,000 gays in Nashville, but said only 2,500-3,000 feel free to publicly display their preferences in local bars and nightspots. He said he hopes events like the picnic will grow in attendance and generally encourage other members of the community.

Source: Nashville Banner Archives. Copyright: Nashville Public Library