Born in Chicago, Gernhardt served in the U.S. Air Force and pursued a career in radio.[3] He married Marilyn Ridgedale, with whom he had two children.[3] After relocating to Chicago in the early 1970s, Gernhardt taught radio broadcasting before embarking on his LGBT career.[3]
Throughout his career, Gernhardt co-organized the Gay Athletic Association, sponsored sports teams, and was a founding member of the Gay and Lesbian Press Association.[3] He promoted safer-sex practices, supported anonymous HIV testing, and distributed free condoms.[3] He co-founded "Strike Against AIDS," raising significant funds for HIV/AIDS research, and presented the Gay Chicago Magazine Awards from 1977 to 1992.[3]
In 1975, Gernhardt launched a telephone information line and established the Gay Chicago News in 1976, followed by co-publishing the Gay Chicago Magazine with Dan Di Leo in 1977.[1][3]
Gernhardt died from lung cancer at his home in Chicago on June 4, 2006, at the age of 72.[4]
