The publication was founded in 1976 by Mark Segal,[1] who was inspired by activist Frank Kameny when they met in 1970.

[4] Four years later, PGN was approved for a commemorative marker from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

PGN's longtime distribution manager, Don Pignolet, took them to Earl Shibe Auto for painting.

"[8] Pignolet and his father attached the coin mechanisms to the boxes, initially charging 50 cents an issue.

People have glued the boxes shut and scrawled homophobic graffiti on them, such as "Gay=Got AIDS Yet?"