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?

Hidden History Patreon: Link

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