Ralph Paul Gernhardt (1934-2006) was an American publisher who co-founded Gay Chicago.[1][2]
Life
Born in Chicago, Gernhardt served in the U.S. Air Force and pursued a career in radio.[3] He married Marilyn Ridgedale, with whom he had two children.[3] After relocating to Chicago in the early 1970s, Gernhardt taught radio broadcasting before embarking on his LGBT career.[3]
Throughout his career, Gernhardt co-organized the Gay Athletic Association, sponsored sports teams, and was a founding member of the Gay and Lesbian Press Association.[3] He promoted safer-sex practices, supported anonymous HIV testing, and distributed free condoms.[3] He co-founded "Strike Against AIDS," raising significant funds for HIV/AIDS research, and presented the Gay Chicago Magazine Awards from 1977 to 1992.[3]
In 1975, Gernhardt launched a telephone information line and established the Gay Chicago News in 1976, followed by co-publishing the Gay Chicago Magazine with Dan Di Leo in 1977.[1][3]
Gernhardt died from lung cancer at his home in Chicago on June 4, 2006, at the age of 72.[4]
References
- ^ a b "Ralph P. Gernhardt, 72; Co-Founder of Gay Chicago Magazine". Los Angeles Times. June 8, 2006.
- ^ "Obituaries in the News". AP NEWS.
- ^ a b c d e f g "RALPH PAUL GERNHARDT – Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame".
- ^ "Ralph Paul Gernhardt". Chicago Tribune. 6 June 2006.
