In 1977, Senator John Briggs planned to ban gay teachers, sparking a national debate. The podcast explores his rise as a right-wing hero and enemy of the gay rights movement. It delves into threats against Briggs and the political influences shaping his career. The episode highlights the discriminatory Briggs Initiative and the fight for LGBTQ rights in education, showcasing the challenges faced by gay teachers in California during a divisive time.
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Quick takeaways
The Briggs Initiative aimed to stir conservative sentiment by linking homosexuality with moral threats.
Larry Berner's bravery highlighted the challenges faced by gay educators in conservative Californian communities.
Deep dives
The Briggs Family Involvement in Political Consulting
John Briggs, a California state senator, led an anti-gay campaign that emerged in the aftermath of Anita Bryant's activities. His son, Ron Briggs, supported him during the campaign by driving him around and handling office tasks amidst a controversial plot to harm John Briggs by a radical group.
Heightened Security Measures for Protection
Due to death threats, John Briggs received police protection from potential bombs when travelling. Ron Briggs even took a class to recognize assassination attempts in progress. A suspicious incident involving flapping tapes on his car hood led to a tense situation.
The Impact of the Briggs Initiative
John Briggs' political career escalated with the Briggs Initiative, Proposition 6, targeting gay teachers. The initiative aimed to sway conservative sentiment by associating homosexuality with moral threats. This statewide referendum on gay rights revealed societal anxieties regarding the teaching profession.
Challenges Faced by Gay Teachers
Larry Berner, a second-grade teacher, faced intense public scrutiny after revealing his sexuality while undercover supporting the Briggs Initiative. His bravery drew divisive reactions, illuminating the significant challenges and social consequences endured by gay educators in conservative Californian communities.
In 1977, John Briggs was a small-time state senator with big dreams. But Briggs’ plan to ban gay and lesbian teachers from California schools changed the arc of his life and career. Suddenly, he was a right-wing hero, and a villain of the gay rights movement. And his message seemed to be catching on all over the country.
Season 9 of Slow Burn was written and produced by Christina Cauterucci. Slow Burn is produced by Kelly Jones, Joel Meyer, and Sophie Summergrad.
Josh Levin is the editorial director of Slow Burn.
Derek John is Slate’s executive producer of narrative podcasts.
Susan Matthews is Slate’s executive editor.
Merritt Jacob is our senior technical director. We had engineering help from Patrick Fort and Madeline Ducharme.
Our theme music is composed by Alexis Cuadrado. Artwork by Ivylise Simones, based on an image of Silvana Nova and a poster designed by Larry Hermsen and the Too Much Graphics Collective.