The secret group who lit the fuse for LGBT activism in the 1950s. October 6, 2018 compassq 5 THINGS TO KNOW, HEROES, LIFESTYLES Comments Off on The secret group who lit the fuse for LGBT activism in the 1950s. Lost in the celebrations of this year’s Pride was the death of a historical crusader for LGBT rights. The passing of Dick Leitsch was a reminder of the role secret societies played in mid-20th century America.