Document Type

Conference Presentation

Publication Date

10-2026

Abstract

In 1987, small but passionate people urged the city to pass an amendment to Mankato’s existing human rights ordinance to protect LGBTQ+ communities.   Advocates argued that gays were entitled to the same rights as straight people and were looking for protection in housing and employment, particularly. They demonstrated that people had lost jobs, housing, and access to dance venues. Some opponents equated gays with promiscuity, child molestation, solicitation, sin, and AIDS; some were convinced it was not needed; some pinned their arguments on the existence of laws already on the books.  This narrative is based on articles from the local paper, The Mankato Free Press, and the Minnesota State University’s paper, The Reporter, as well as City Council Minutes, and a white paper produced at the time, Human rights ... and justice for all: A case for extending human rights to gay men and lesbian women: A document (Capowich et al., 1987). A national and state context of LGBTQ+ rights is provided as well.

Department

Library Services

Conference Name

Northern Great Plains History Conference

Conference Place

Bozeman, MT

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