In 1972, the Gay Coalition of Denver (GCD) was founded by five members in order to fight back against police harassment.
[1] The original founders were Gerald "Jerry" Gerash, Lynn Tamlin, Mary Sassatelli, Jane Dundee, and Terry Mangan.
Additionally, police officers approached gay men and initiated sexual conversations, then arrested the target once they agreed to go home with them.
[4] In January or February 1973, the Denver Police Department introduced a large tour bus with a marquee that read "Johnny Cash Special."
[6] After the "Johnny Cash Special" was publicized, the Gay Coalition of Denver members began a campaign to repeal the criminal code.
They published leaflets, hosted lectures, held press conferences, called councilmen, and sent speakers to various schools and universities.
[6][5] The civil lawsuit allowed GCD discovery that included the court records showing police were targeting gay men in a discriminatory manner.
He only gave them 30 minutes to speak, and after applause for the first speaker, threatened dismissal to anyone who disrupted the meeting[6] with arrest and detention using the three Sheriff buses waiting outside.
After the City Council revolt, Dale Bently, owner of a San Francisco bathhouse, gave seed money to Gerash to continue the work of the GCD.