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the Stonewall riot in New York City. When progressive Maconites of different religious
backgrounds and sexual orientations saw Bryant’s concert announcement they became upset that
an individual who spoke out and who was taking political measures against the gay community
was coming to spread her homophobic agenda in their community. These progressive individuals
founded the Macon Coalition for Human Rights, a pro-homosexual organization that sought to
combat the hostile stance taken by conservatives.7 Fambro was already a well-known openly gay
man in Macon who would advocate on behalf of gay rights issues. He was eager to share his
experience through the coalition in social, legal, and political protest.
The Nation’s and Macon’s Religious Stance on Homosexuality in 1978

Fambro understood that many people lived their lives as homosexuals in secrecy because
they feared scrutiny by Christians. And the city of Macon, according to the New Georgia
Encyclopedia, has more churches per capita than any other city in the south.8 To address the
issue of homophobia within the Christian community in Macon, Dr. Louie Crew, a speaker at the
anti-Bryant rally, showed the audience an example of the Judeo-Christian homophobic
propaganda, including an advertisement with a large headline reading “Homosexuality is
Immoral.” The advertisement was sponsored by ten Baptist churches in the Middle Georgia area
and appeared twice in the Macon Telegraph.9 Crew also pointed out a featured full-page comic
strip called “GOD’s word and homosexuals,” sponsored by Gilead Baptist Church. The comic
strip depicted the gay community as a cult creating revolution to penetrate all areas of society.10

7 Kevin P. Morison, "Gay Activists Planning Protest," Telegraph (Macon), November 9, 1978, 1B.
8 Amanda Northern, "Here Are 6 Of The Most Religious Towns In Georgia," December 12, 2015, accessed November 07, 2017,
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/georgia/most-religious-towns-in-ga/.
9 "Homosexuality is Immoral," advertisement, Telegraph (Macon), December 8, 1978, 9A.
Bible Baptist Temple, Warner Robins; Emmanuel Baptist Church, Warner Robins; Calvary Baptist Church, Gray, Cochran field
Baptist Church, Macon; Grace Baptist Church, Macon; Macedonia Baptist Church, Macon; Macon Baptist Church, Macon;
Macon Baptist Temple, Macon; Westfield Baptist Church, Macon
10 Gilead Baptist Church, "GOD’s word and homosexuals," advertisement, Telegraph (Macon), December 9, 1978, 7A.

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