Morris Kight: Liberator

As we embark on LGBTQIA History Month this October, let’s take some time to highlight the life of activist and AHF board member Morris Kight.

Morris Kight is one of the founding fathers of the gay rights movement. Born in Proctor, Texas on November 19, 1919, in the year 1958 he made his home in Los Angeles. During the late 1960s his home located on 1822 west 4^th Street in the Westlake District was a haven for gays and lesbians as well as a place to socialize in time when it was illegal to do so. The impact of this home would later become recognized as an LA Historic- Cultural Monument.

Morris Kight at a protest against the City of Los Angeles’ mismanagement of funds to house those living with AIDS in 1998.

As the founder of the Los Angeles chapter of the Gay Liberation Front he organized a protest at Barney’s Beanery regarding a derogatory sign that hung in the bar. The protest lasted three months until the owner conceded by giving him the sign. (See photo at top.)

Morris Kight was instrumental in creating the first gay pride parade held on June 28^th, 1970.The parade started at McCadden Place and headed north to Hollywood Boulevard was formerly called Christopher Street West, currently it is celebrated as L.A. Pride. Sensing a need for social services center that wouldn’t discriminate against the gays and lesbians, in 1971 he along with his Gay Liberation Front members, Don Kilhefner and John Platania established the Gay Community Services Center known today as the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

Kight naming of AHF Testing Center at Out of the Closet.

Morris Kight believed in honoring the legacy of family, friends, partners and colleagues through planting trees. He championed for a memorial for Matthew Shepard, the victim of a brutal hate crime whom he felt connected to. So, it was only fitting that a Chinese magnolia tree and bronze plaque located at Matthew Shepard Triangle in West Hollywood be placed in his honor. Towards the end of his life, he believed he should be serving people and not have people serve him. A true demonstration as he served twenty-three years on the Los Angeles Human Relations Commission. On October 30^th, 2003, months after his passing the city of L.A. named the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and McCadden Place Morris Kight Square.

Morris Kight and Michael Weinstein celebrate his birthday at Linn House.

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