The way I displayed the pics may have been confusing, so just to confirm...
The "naked" post shown is what I was using for gas in (could have mixed this up during cleaning since it worked fine on the 1st batch). The pic with the black disconnect is what I was using for beer out.
The long story for beer now being in the out line is that I mistakenly had the tap left in an open position somehow when I hit the keg with gas, and beer starting pouring, making a fine mess. Real newbie mistakes I guess. I had been messing with the tap a few days ago trying to install a tap handle I received for Christmas.
The posts are on the wrong sides. You can't mix them up- they aren't interchangeable. you are trying to jam a black quick disconnect on a gas post. The empty post is a beer out post.
Try it! Just take the black QD and stick it on the other post. It should pop right on!