Images from the Anita Bryant Protest, courtesy of Owen Murphy

In June of 1977, a coalition of local groups called H.E.R.E. organized a protest against Anita Bryant who was visiting New Orleans to perform a concert. Bryant was a homophobic celebrity who successfully led a campaign to repeal Miami-Dade County’s anti-discrimination ordinance protecting gays and lesbians. Her success prompted her to launch a national campaign to “save our children” from homosexuality. The protest took place in Jackson Square and a march through the French Quarter followed. Photographer Owen Murphy covered the rally for the Vieux Carre Courier. Most of these photographs have never been published and are copyrighted by Mr. Murphy, who has graciously allowed the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana to post them here.

All photos are copyrighted by Owen Murphy. Their use without his written consent is strictly prohibited.