Episode 101: From 1950 to 1954, as a part of his rabid anti-Communist crusade, a notorious liar and habitually drunk Senator from Wisconsin, Joseph McCarthy, led a crusade against homosexuals in the American government that would influence anti-gay policy all the way up until the 1990s. What was the Lavender Scare, why did it happen, and what does it say about the nature of propaganda?

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Sources and Further Reading

U.S. Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy Speaks in Wheeling: Link

The Reagan administration's unbelievable response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic: Link

The Lavender Scare: The Cold War Persecution of Gays and Lesbians in the Federal Government: Link

America’s Cold War Empire: Exporting the Lavender Scare: Link

Communist and Homosexual: The FBI, Harry Hay, and the Secret Side of the Lavender Scare, 1943–1961: Link

Joe McCarthy and the Press: Link

Fifties Feds, Fags, and Femmes: Link

PERVERTS CALLED GOVERNMENT PERIL; Gabrielson, G.O.P. Chief, Says They Are as Dangerous as Reds--Truman's Trip Hit Gabrielson Warns Industry: Link