Graph Legend
2 Events
2 Places
5 Titles
October 31 Toronto Despite earlier […]
When
1978-10-31
Description
October 31 Toronto Despite earlier promises from police made to representatives of the gay community, large crowds of anti-gay heterosexuals were allowed to gather on both sides of the street in front of the St. Charles Tavern (530 Yonge Street) on Halloween. This had become a yearly ritual, during which hundreds of heterosexuals congregated outside the St. Charles to jeer and throw eggs and tomatoes at gay men entering the popular tavern. Customers of the tavern actually used the back door to enter and exit, where they were generally unmolested. At least ninety people were arrested that evening, more than ever before. The gay community patrol, Operation Jack O'Lantern, helped to prevent attacks on gays, and escorted people between gay bars.
