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The Hell We’ve Been Through
Stories of LGBTQ+ Discrimination in Central Pennsylvania

Fired for 'moral turpitude'

Dan Miller, a certified public accountant, worked for Donald L. DeMuth Professional Management Consultants from 1985 to 1990. Miller spoke on behalf of Harrisburg’s LGBTQ+ community during a wave of gay bashings in the summer of 1990, appearing on local television news. DeMuth learned of Miller’s homosexuality when a client praised Miller for doing “a good job … talking about gay activism!” He fired Miller for “moral turpitude” on October 17, 1990. 

Miller opened his own accounting practice, which attracted some of DeMuth’s clients, on December 1, 1990. DeMuth filed suit against Miller for violating a non-compete clause. He also sent out a letter to former clients which warned that homosexuals “get AIDS and die. And while he doesn't know [Miller’s] medical status, he assumes that … [Miller] would not be living for very long.” Miller counter sued for wrongful termination. The court ruled that Miller was to pay DeMuth $130,000 plus interest. The LGBTQ+ community rallied behind Miller to help raise money for his legal defense. 

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Harrisburg, PA 17102
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info@centralpalgbtcenter.org

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  • Home
  • The Long Road
    • Beginning
    • Philadelphia >
      • Philadelphia Part 2
    • Harrisburg
    • Lancaster
    • York
    • Allentown
    • Montgomery >
      • Montgomery Part 2
    • Work Continues >
      • Acknowledgments
  • With Open Hearts & Open Arms
    • Gay LIfe in Pre-Castro Cuba/Homophobia/What's In a Name? Part 1
    • What's in a Name? Part 1 Continued/UMAP/Mattachine Society
    • Leftist Gays in the US/The Mariel Boatlift
    • The Mariel Boatlift Part 2/Resettlement Camps
    • Resettlement Continued/Press Coverage
    • Immigration/What's In a Name? Part 2
    • LGBTQ+ Organizing
    • The Mariel Generation/Life in PA
    • The Eromin Center/Impact of AIDS
    • AIDS in Cuba/LGBTQ+ Rights in Cuba
    • Acknowledgements
  • We Believe?
    • Early Expereriences >
      • Praying the Gay Away
    • Coming Out
    • LGBTQ+ Groups >
      • Religious Life
      • Social Life
      • Political Life
    • Faith and Identity
    • LGBTQ+ Clergy
    • Responses: Backlash >
      • Responses: Acceptance
    • Looking Forward
  • Duty, Honor, Pride
    • Vietnam War Era >
      • Investigations
    • Post-Vietnam Experiences
    • Closing >
      • Citations
  • Other Resources