100 Heroes: Jack Fritscher
The gay man who helped shape queer culture and identity.
Jack Fritscher is an author, academic, and activist known for his work focused on the world of gay men.
Early life
Born in 1939 and raised in Illinois, Fritscher's government name is John Joseph Fritscher, but everyone refers to him as Jack.
Fritscher began writing during college - publishing stories and writing plays. He graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1961 and went on to complete a masters and doctorate and embarked on an academic career while also continuing to write.
Published work
Fritscher's first novel was What They Did to the Kid: Confessions of an Altar Boy (1965). Other notable works include Leather Blues (1969).
His short-story collection Corporal in Charge of Taking Care of Captain O'Malley (Gay Sunshine Press, 1984) was the first collection of leather fiction, and the first collection of fiction from Drummer magazine.
Gareth Johnson
Drummer magazine
In 1977, Fritscher began working in publishing as the founding San Francisco editor-in-chief of Drummer. Drummer was a particular powerful voice during the emergence of the Gay Liberation movement.
Beyond Drummer, Fritscher became an influential force in gay publications and gay culture in the United States.
Palm Drive Video
In 1984, Fritscher co-founded - with Mark Hemry - the pioneering Palm Drive Video.
Fritscher wrote, cast, and directed more than 150 fetish features for Palm Drive Video. The studio also produced documentary content of a wide range of street festivals and competitive events.
Personal life
Fritscher is married to Mark Hemry,. The couple met May 22, 1979, the night after the White Night riots under the marquee of the Castro Theatre.
Other significant relationships have included David Sparrow and Robert Mapplethorpe.
