The Seattle Gay News (SGN) was founded in 1976 to provide news coverage focusing on Seattle’s gay community; it is the third oldest LGBTQ+ newspaper in the US. Seattle Gay News started as a newsletter produced by the Gay Community Center. It provided news to a community that was largely ignored by mainstream newspapers and advocated for gay rights in numerous campaigns. Especially during the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the 1980s, it was an important source of information and helped members of the community to support each other. Since its founding, the SGN has widened its focus to Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community more broadly.

This issue was published November 8, 1991 and its headline celebrates Sherry Harris’ election to Seattle’s city council. Harris was Seattle’s first openly lesbian city councilor and the most highly-placed openly lesbian woman of color in any elected office in the US. She was elected with about 65% of the vote, defeating Sam Smith. Harris is photographed with her longtime partner. Other front-page stories report on professional basketball player Magic Johnson’s announcement that he is HIV-positive and interview gay and lesbian activists in Seattle about their opinions on issues in the recent election.