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Gay & Lesbian Center

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Archival Collections

Materials from Gay & Lesbian Center's archival and manuscript collections, as well as pulp paperbacks, and video and audio recordings, indicated in our catalog by the location code SFH/GLC, can be requested at the San Francisco History Center Reference Desk on the 6th floor. Collections on deposit from the GLBT Historical Society are indicated (GLBTHS collection). For more information about archival and manuscript materials call 415-557-4567. Due to the rare and fragile nature of many of the materials, the San Francisco History Center has specific procedures to ensure the care of these items.

INTRODUCTION

The guide is divided into two parts: Part 1 contains a brief description of each collection and is arranged by call number; Part 2 is an index which highlights significant subjects, people and organization. The initials GLBTHS indicate collections owned by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California and placed on deposit with the Library. Collections listed below are now open for research.

Part 1
Brief Descriptions - list

Part 1 - Brief Descriptions

Lonidier, Lynn (1937-1993), Teacher, author and performance artist.
GLC 1 Papers (1958-1993, bulk 1970-1993). 9 cubic feet + 1 oversized box, finding aid available (PDF).
Lonidier majored in music at San Francisco State University where she studied composition with Pauline Oliveros. She later participated in the "poet in the schools" program in the Northern California school districts. Lonidier was active in multimedia theater and performance art, as well as various Women's collectives. She was connected with the Lavender Rose Collective, and was a "founding mother" of the San Francisco Women's Building. The papers include correspondence, manuscripts, drafts, research materials and notes, financial and publishing documents, and photographs that relate to her career as a teacher, writer and lesbian feminist activist. It also includes objects used in two of her performance pieces. (Donated by Fred Lonidier, April 1995).

Sullivan, Louis Graydon (1951-1991), Founder of FTM International.
GLC 2 Papers (1755-1991; bulk 1961-1991). 8.4 linear feet, finding aid available.
The papers include photographs as well as extensive diaries, short stories, poems, essays, and correspondence that fully document—at an extraordinarily intimate level—Sullivan's transition from heterosexual female to gay man. These writings and the records of his other activities between 1973 and 1991 are invaluable documents for any history of the female to male community, and are important primary sources for any study of transsexuality, but particularly of homosexually identified transsexuals. The collection includes versions of all of his published works, research files on gender, transsexuality, cross-dressing, and sex-reassignment techniques.
There are restrictions on General Correspondence, FTM Correspondence, and portions of the Sullivan diaries. See the finding aid for the exact nature of the restriction. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Winnow, Jackie (1947-1991), Community activist.
GLC 3 Papers (1947-1994; bulk 1980-1991). 1.65 linear feet in 2 boxes, finding aid available.
Winnow was a community activist and coordinator of the Lesbian Gay Advisory Committee of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission (1980-1990). Upon being diagnosed with breast cancer she began activism around women (especially lesbians) and health (1986-1991). The majority of the materials document academic work in Women's Studies while attending San Francisco State University, the founding of the Women's Cancer Resource Center and writings concerning women and cancer, and materials on the Jewish Feminist Conference in 1982. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

DeSantis, Robert G. (1939-), Metropolitan Community Church member.
GLC 4 Papers (1971-1974). .85 linear feet in 2 boxes, finding aid available.
The papers document the career development of an individual who aspired to become a member of the Metropolitan Community Church hierarchy, including seminary class notes. The papers also document his involvement with the MCC prison ministry and his personal correspondence with gay prisoners throughout California. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Lazere, Arthur, Journalist.
GLC 5 Papers (1979-1993). 1 linear foot, finding aid available.
Lazere is a journalist and certified public accountant currently residing in San Francisco, California. The papers document his journalism and some of his community service work, especially with the United Way for inclusion of gay and lesbian charitable organizations. Lazere wrote the On the Job Column which focused on the work and working environments of many gay and lesbian individuals and businesses. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Matlovich, Leonard (1943-1988), Former U.S. Air Force Sergeant.
GLC 6 Papers (1961-1988; bulk 1975-1988). 4 linear feet, finding aid available.
Matlovich was a decorated member of the United States Air Force. When he acknowledged his homosexuality in 1975, the Air Force responded by expelling him with a general discharge. He took the Air Force to court. The case was settled out of court with Matlovich receiving compensation and a honorable discharge. The collection consists of correspondence, subject files, legal documents, photographs and personal mementos. The bulk of the collection is comprised of correspondence. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Golden Gate Business Association.
GLC 7 Records (1978-1984). 0.33 linear feet, finding aid available.
Records consisting of correspondence, minutes, finances, committee reports and other materials of the first and largest gay business association in existence, founded in 1974. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Lesbian Agenda For Action.
GLC 8 Records (1987-1991). 0.75 linear feet, finding aid available.
The Lesbian Agenda for Action was founded in January 1987 as a sponsored project of the San Francisco Women's Centers (also known as the Women's Building). LAFA was formed to promote lesbian visibility in society through political and social action. The collection includes administrative, conference, and outreach/publicity files. Conferences sponsored include: Lesbian Political Action (1987), and Diversity of Color (1989). (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical of Society Northern California, July 1996).

Evans, Len.
GLC 9 Papers (1920-1983; bulk 1950-1983). .5 linear feet, finding aid available
Evans was a member of the San Francisco Lesbian and Gay History Project for several years in the 1980s. He conducted oral history interviews describing lesbian and gay life in the 1950s, especially how it related to Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-Communist witch hunts. The papers also consist of research files on the above topic and on a variety of other subjects. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Thorpe, Charles, Student organizer.
GLC 10 Papers (1968-1970). .5 linear feet and 3 oversized folders, finding aid available.
Thorpe was a San Francisco State University student and an organizer of the first gay student group on campus. The materials document the early Gay Liberation Movement, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. Much of the material consists of runs of periodicals, loose clippings, and ephemera. Two notebooks contain documents pertaining to the Committee for Homosexual Freedom as well as a variety of flyers and essays related to gay liberation. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

People's Fund.
GLC 11 Records (1976-1983). 2.5 inches, finding aid available.
The People's Fund was a charitable organization that provided financial aid to members of the gay community of San Francisco. This sparse collection is comprised of approved and denied applications for assistance, thank-you notes, bank records, minutes, and scattered correspondence. Some restrictions apply. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Committee to Form Gay/Lesbian Sierrans.
GLC 12 Records (1984-1985). 1.75 inches, finding aid available (PDF).
Records, notes and correspondence documenting the pursuit of a gay/lesbian activities group of the Sierra Club in the San Francisco Bay Area during 1984 and 1985. Some restrictions apply. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Thousand Fingers Cooperative Craft Gallery.
GLC 13 Records (1975-1976). 1 folder, finding aid available (PDF).
The records contain minutes, work plans, and publicity materials documenting this gallery located on Castro Street in San Francisco. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Bishop, Scott (1945-1990), Student.
GLC 14 Papers(1989-1990). .5 linear feet, finding aid available.
The papers are the result of Bishop's school work at San Francisco State University from the fall of 1989 through June of 1990. Bishop was researching the emergence of the lesbian and gay rights movement as a political force in San Francisco from the late 1950's up to the early 1970's, focusing mostly on events in the early 1960's. The records are composed of two series, oral history interviews and class papers. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Libertarians for Gay and Lesbian Concerns.
GLC 15 Records (1981-1987). .5 linear feet in 2 boxes, finding aid available.
The records document the day to day activities of Libertarians for Gay and Lesbian Concerns especially those of George Meyer, National Coordinator from 1983 to 1987. The majority of the records are correspondence and convention materials. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Rose-Azevedo, Joseph (1949- ), San Francisco International Airport Police Officer.
GLC 16 Papers (1977-1990). .5 linear feet, finding aid available.
The collection primarily contains correspondence and other related materials covering Rose-Azevedo's years of employment with the San Francisco International Airport Police Department and the several years after his resignation. They document his conflict over a pre-employment polygraph test, intra-departmental memoranda and related material leading up to his 1984 discrimination suit against the San Francisco Airport Police Department, and finally his stress claim filed with the San Francisco Employees' Retirement System, Workers' Compensation Division in 1987. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation SF Bay Area.
GLC 17 Records (1989-1993). 1.65 linear feet, finding aid available.
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation/San Francisco Bay Area was formed in 1987 as a chapter of the GLAAD New York national office. However, in March 1990 GLAAD/SFBA elected its own Board of Directors, incorporated and received non-profit status as an independent entity. These records document GLAAD/SFBA's internal workings and their mission to identify and respond to public expressions, especially in the print and electronic media, which stem from homophobia, bigotry and misinformation about lesbians, gays, and bisexuals. It also organizes community response such as letter and phone calling campaigns and occasional boycotts. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Old Wives' Tales Bookstore.
GLC 18 Records (1976-1995). 1 linear foot in 3 boxes, finding aid available.
Old Wives’ Tales Bookstore was a feminist collective bookstore located in San Francisco. It was founded in 1976 and closed in 1995. The records document the day to day operations of the bookstore through daily logs, calendar listings, collective minutes, and flyers for author readings and other cultural events. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

Milk, Harvey (1930-1978), Politician and gay rights activist.
GLC 19 Correspondence with Susan Alch (1956-1962). 34 items, finding aid available (PDF).
The collection contains correspondence, and a few photographs which Milk sent to Susan Davis Alch during the years 1956-1962. Milk’s warmth and affection for Davis are evident in all of the letters. He looks back fondly on the time he spent with Davis and their group of friends in Los Angeles and Miami. The letters also recount Milk’s moves to Miami and New York, meeting Joe Campbell, gay life in New York and Miami. These letters were unknown to Randy Shilts, Milk’s biographer. Neither Susan Davis Alch nor John Harvey, frequently the subject of Milk’s letters, are mentioned in The Mayor of Castro Street : the life and times of Harvey Milk (NY: St. Martin’s Press, 1982). (Donated by the Library Foundation of San Francisco, February 1997).

Milk, Harvey (1930-1978), Politician and gay rights activist.
GLC 20 Letters to Joe Campbell (1961-[1971]). 61 items, finding aid available (PDF).
This correspondence is from Milk to Campbell after their relationship ended. In many of the earlier letters, Milk tells Campbell how much he still cares for him and how hurt he is that Campbell does not return his feelings. The letters from San Juan and Miami detail Milk’s unsuccessful attempts to find work. The later letters contain advice for Campbell and his lover Oliver "Bill" Sipple, day-to-day activities with Jack Galen McKinley, reviews of opera and other musical events, and remarks on police harassment of gays and gay bars. (Donated by Joe Campbell in 1993, and by Callie Angell in 2006).

Toklas, Alice B. (1877-1967), Author.
GLC 21 Correspondence to Donald H. Frank (1947-ca. 1967). 19 letters and postcards + 1 photograph, finding aid available (PDF).
The correspondence contains references to San Francisco, Paris during and after World War II, Gertrude Stein, William James, Virgil Thomson, Thornton Wilder, productions of Stein’s works, and publications of Toklas's Cookbook, and autobiography What Is Remembered. There is a transcript for all of the letters and postcards. (Donated by Donald H. Frank, December 1997).

Dickey, William, Poet.
GLC 22 Poems (1981-1995). 9 items, finding aid available (PDF).
Contains letterpress and computer-generated prints of poetry by Dickey. Some are examples of fine printing. Of these letterpress items, two were printed by Lee Engdahl, one by hit & run press, and two by the Pterodactyl Press. There are a few holiday greeting cards which contain poems by Dickey and Leonard Sanazaro. (Deposited by the Estate of William Dickey, 1996).

Liebman, Marvin, Publicist and conservative activist.
GLC 23 Coming Out Conservative Collection (1964, 1990-1992). 1 cubic foot, finding aid available (PDF).
Though Liebman's career primarily concerned furthering conservative political causes, this collection documents the public disclosure of his homosexuality through his letter to William F. Buckley, Jr. (which was printed in The National Review) and Liebman's book Coming Out Conservative. There are drafts of the letter and the book with comments from various readers, as well as newspaper clippings and letters in response. (Donated by Marvin Liebman, February 1993).

Fricke, Aaron, Author.
GLC 24 Papers (1980-1991). 1 cubic foot, finding aid available (PDF).
The collection contains correspondence, notes and drafts for Fricke's autobiographical works Reflections of a Rock Lobster and Sudden Strangers. Reflections tells the story of Fricke's desire to take a male date to his high school prom, and details the reactions by his family, the school, and the media. Sudden Strangers, written with his father Walter, describes the changes in their relationship following Aaron's coming out. (Donated by Aaron Fricke, 1994).

Tucker, Nancy.
GLC 25 T-shirt collection (1978-1995). 54 T-shirts, finding aid available (PDF).
These shirts commemorate gay and lesbian parades, marches, gatherings, and organizations. Most of the shirts are for San Francisco events or organizations including the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade, Frontrunners, Frame lines film festival. (Donated by Nancy Tucker, May 1994).

Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation /San Francisco Bay Area.
GLC 26 Clippings (1990?-1993). 5 cubic feet, finding aid available (PDF).
GLAAD clipped references to gays and lesbians in newspapers and magazines as part of an on-going project to monitor and respond to media coverage. The major publications consulted were the San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner, San Jose Mercury News, Oakland Tribune and the Contra Costa Times. The material is arranged chronologically, and then alphabetically by publication title. The subjects range from the Boy Scouts to gays in the military, and from reactions to the motion picture Basic Instinct to the 1992 elections. (Donated by GLAAD, 1994-1995).

Federation of Gay Games.
GLC 27 Records (1982-1994). Ca. 60 cu. ft., finding aid available (PDF).
The records document the activities of the Federation of Gay Games which organizes the Gay Games, a competitive and cultural event started in 1982 by Dr. Tom Waddell. While materials on Gay Games I-III is relatively small, the accumulated materials for Gay Games IV is fairly complete. The GGIV series contain everything from operations files to sheet music, photographs to talent entries. Restrictions: Gay Games IV Registration, Housing and Sports files are closed for 50 years. Advance notice required: due to off-site storage, the library needs 24 hours to fulfill patron requests. (Donated by the Federation of Gay Games, October 1997).

Library Journal.
GLC 28 [Survey of Gay and Lesbian Holdings in U.S. Libraries] (1995). .25 cubic feet, finding aid available (PDF).
[Survey of Gay and Lesbian Holdings in U.S. Libraries] (1995). .25 cubic feet, finding aid available.
In 1995, Library Journal surveyed U.S. libraries to determine the strengths and weaknesses in their gay and lesbian holdings and in their institutions' commitments to developing the subject area. This collection contains sample forms and cumulated statistics for the survey, along with Eric Bryant's article Pride & Prejudice (in Library Journal, June 15, 1995, p. 37-39) which summarized the results. (Donated by Eric Bryant, 1996).

Kiki Gallery (San Francisco, CA).
GLC 29 Records (1993-1995). .5 cu. feet, finding aid available (PDF). The gallery was established by Rick Jacobsen in 1993 to showcase contemporary art and performance. During its 3 years of operation, the Kiki hosted art exhibits, readings, and performances on subjects as far ranging as scatology, AIDS, and bongs. A few of the artists featured were Joan Jett Blakk, Nayland Blake, Jeannie M., and David E. Johnston. The records contain publicity files, slides, photographs, drafts of performance pieces and exhibit catalogs, and some correspondence. A small amount of material relates to Jacobsen's productions at Josie's Juice Joint. (Donated by Wayne Smith, February 1998).

GRIER, BARBARA (1933- ) and DONNA MCBRIDE, Publishers and activists.
GLC 30 Papers (ca.1970-1994). Ca. 50 cu. ft., finding aid available (PDF).
This collection is divided into two major sections: the Personal Papers of Barbara Grier, and the Naiad Press Records. Grier has been active in the lesbian movement since the 1950s. She is perhaps best known for her bibliography The Lesbian in Literature, and her contributions to and editorial work on The Ladder which ceased publication in 1972. Her personal papers include correspondence, photographs, memorabilia, research notes and draft manuscripts of The Lesbian in Literature and other works. In 1973, Grier, McBride, Anyda Marchant (a.k.a. Sarah Aldridge) and Muriel Crawford formed a lesbian publishing company called Naiad Press. The press records include author correspondence, draft manuscripts, and publicity files. (Donated by the Library Foundation of San Francisco, 1992).

WOMEN’S PRESS/UP PRESS (San Francisco, CA).
GLC 31 Records (1972-1987). 5.1 linear feet, finding aid available.
The Women's Press Project started in 1974 in San Francisco as part of a non-profit Women's vocational school at the Women's Skills Center. The main purpose was to teach women the skills of the printing trade. Up Press was formed out of the People’s Union in 1972 as a collectively run movement press, printing political and feminist work. In 1984 Up Press merged with the Women's Press Project to form the Women's Press and continued the school as the Women's Printing School. The Women's Press closed in 1987. The records document Women's Press Project’s school with syllabi, student records, and course evaluations. There are also minutes and mission statements for Women's Press. Up Press files contain information on other Women's and movement presses. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

LEWIN, ELLEN, Author.
GLC 32 Papers (1977-1981). 7.5 linear feet, finding aid available.
The Papers contain interviews conducted for Lewin's doctoral thesis later published as Lesbian Mothers: accounts of gender in American Culture. Both lesbian and heterosexual single mothers were interviewed. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

JAFFY, FLORENCE "CONRAD," Economics professor and Research director.
GLC 33 Papers (1952-1984). 1.25 linear feet, finding aid available (PDF).
Jaffy was the research director for the Daughters of Bilitis (DOB), a lesbian social organization, from ca. 1960 to 1970, where she worked under the alias of Florence Conrad. The DOB Research Director Files contain bibliographies, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and surveys. Jaffy's Personal Reference File contains materials combining her work as an economics professor and her interest in issues relating to women and equal rights. There are a large amount of clippings and articles about comparable worth, affirmative action, the Bakke case, the Equal Rights Amendment, and international Women's issues. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

BOND, PAT, Actress and comedienne.
GLC 34 Papers (1910s-1994, bulk 1979-1985). 3.5 linear feet, finding aid available.
Bond served in the Women's Army Corps from 1945-1947, and was interviewed by Rob Epstein for the film Word Is Out. Her papers contain background research, notes, early drafts, and manuscripts for her one-woman shows. Two of the better known pieces are Gerty, Gerty, Gerty Stein is Back, Back, Back and Lorena Hickok and Eleanor Roosevelt: a love story. There is also correspondence, diaries, autobiographical notes, photographs, reviews and awards. (Placed on deposit by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society of Northern California, July 1996).

MILK, HARVEY (1930-1978), Politician and gay rights activist.
GLC 35 Harvey Milk Archives—Scott Smith Collection (1919-1995). 24.5 cu. ft., finding aid available (PDF).
The collection contains the personal papers of Harvey Milk and Scott Smith, the political papers of Harvey Milk, and the collection of the Harvey Milk Archives and Harvey Milk Estate. As Smith was the head of the Milk Archives and also Milk’s executor, the latter materials have been organized into one series. The political papers and photographs series are the best documented portions of the collection. The political papers include drafts of speeches and writings, as well as the flyers and other ephemera which a campaign produces. There is unfortunately not much on Milk’s early life though there are a few documents on his mother. With the exception of the photographs, the bulk of the collection documents Milk’s life on the West Coast. (Donated by Elva Smith, 1996).

NICOLETTA, DANIEL, Photographer.
GLC 36 Daniel Nicoletta Photographs Collection (1976-2000).
33 prints, finding aid available (PDF).
Daniel Nicoletta is a San Francisco-based freelance photographer who has been documenting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities since 1975. He was hired by Harvey Milk to work at Castro Camera and later worked on Milk's supervisorial campaigns. His work has been featured in The Times of Harvey Milk, Sex is, The mayor of Castro Street, Gay by the Bay, and many other venues. This portfolio of 33 images was chosen and arranged by the artist to showcase the wide range of his work including informal street scenes and formal studio portraits. Early influences of Diane Arbus particularly informed his fascination with famous figures in San Francisco's transgender community. The collection is available for viewing during the San Francisco History Center’s Historical Photograph Collection hours: Tues. 1-5 p.m.; Thurs. 1-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-12 noon, 1-5 p.m. (Donated by the Friends and Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, 2000).

GIARD, ROBERT, Photographer.
GLC 37 Robert Giard Photographs Collection (1986-2003).
91 prints, finding aid available (PDF).
Giard, a free-lance photographer based in Amagansett, N.Y., began photographing gay and lesbian literary figures in 1985. This collection contains portraits of 91 gay men and lesbians who are literary figures, community activists, and performing artists. Some portraits were chosen on the basis of the subjects’ connection to the San Francisco Bay Area. Several of these images are reproduced in Particular Voices : Portraits of Gay and Lesbian Writers (MIT Press, c1997). The collection is available for viewing during the San Francisco History Center’s Historical Photograph Collection hours: Tues. 1-5 p.m.; Thurs. 1-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-12 noon, 1-5 p.m. (Donated by the Friends and Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, 2000, 2003 and 2006).

ATKINS, CHLOE, Photographer.
GLC 38 Chloe Atkins Photographs Collection (1989-1999).
25 prints, finding aid available (PDF).
Atkins is a San Francisco-based photographer. Her portfolio of 25 images celebrates the diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities. Some of these images are reproduced in Girls' night out (St. Martin's Press, 1998). The collection is available for viewing during the San Francisco History Center’s Historical Photograph Collection hours: Tues. 1-5 p.m.; Thurs. 1-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-12 noon, 1-5 p.m. (Donated by the Friends and Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, 2000).

MEREDITH, ANN P., Photographer.
GLC 39 Ann P. Meredith Photographs Collection (1984-2001).
25 prints, finding aid available (PDF).
The suite includes selections from the following photo. series: Tall in the Saddle—Cowgirls, Ranch Women & Rodeo Gals; A Different Drummer about Gay Games II and Tom Waddell; Dykes, Faggots & Their Felines, Don't Call Me Honey—Photographs of Women and Their Work; Number One Killer—Women with Breast Cancer; Until the Last Breath! Women with HIV/AIDS; The Big Picture—The United Nations on the 1st International March for Lesbian Rights and Human Rights; and Forgotten Angels: a Matter of Honor—Women who Serve in the Military with portraits of Margarethe Cammermeyer and Antoinette Cannizzaro. The collection is available for viewing during the San Francisco History Center’s Historical Photograph Collection hours: Tues. 1-5 p.m.; Thurs. 1-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-12 noon, 1-5 p.m. (Donated by the Friends and Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, 2000).

KOOLISH, LYNDA, Photographer.
GLC 40 Lynda Koolish Photographs Collection (1972-2000).
25 prints, finding aid available (PDF).
Many of these portraits of GLBT writers appear in African-American Writers : Portraits and Visions (Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, c2001). Some of the subjects include Elsa Gidlow, Judy Grahn, Alice Walker, Adrienne Rich, Pat Parker, Audre Lorde, June Jordan, Peg Cruikshank and Jewelle Gomez. The collection is available for viewing during the San Francisco History Center's Historical Photograph Collection hours: Tues. 1-5 p.m.; Thurs. 1-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-12 noon, 1-5 p.m. (Donated by the Friends and Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, 2000).

CADE, CATHY, Photographer.
GLC 41 Cathy Cade Photographs Collection (1972-1994).
25 prints, finding aid available (PDF).
This portfolio contains images of lesbian mothering, GLBT demonstrations and freedom days, lesbians at work, and various age groups. Some photographs are hand colored. The collection is available for viewing during the San Francisco History Center's Historical Photograph Collection hours: Tues. 1-5 p.m.; Thurs. 1-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-12 noon, 1-5 p.m. (Donated by the Friends and Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, 2000).

GERHARTER, RICK, Photographer.
GLC 42 Rick Gerharter Photographs Collection (1988-1995).
25 prints, finding aid available (PDF).
This collection contains many images that were shot on assignment for the Bay Area Reporter and capture the intensity and emotion of many facets of queer life, including AIDS activism, celebration, care-giving, sports, and visibility. The collection is available for viewing during the San Francisco History Center's Historical Photograph Collection hours: Tues. 1-5 p.m.; Thurs. 1-5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-12 noon, 1-5 p.m. (Donated by the Friends and Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, 2000).

SHILTS, RANDY (1951-1994), Journalist and author.
GLC 43 Randy Shilts Papers (1955-1994). Ca. 120 cu. ft., partial finding aid available (PDF).
The collection contains the personal and professional papers of Randy Shilts. The personal papers include correspondence and high school and college materials. The professional papers include correspondence, research notes and drafts of his writings for his journalism and his books: The Mayor of Castro Street, And the Band Played On, and Conduct Unbecoming. Most of this material documents important issues for the gay and lesbian population—from gays in the military, to AIDS and the public response to the epidemic, to the rise of the gay and lesbian movement in San Francisco. The bulk of the collection consists of about 80 cubic feet of newspaper and magazine clippings documenting GLBT and AIDS coverage by the major print media. This portion of the collection spans 20 years and contains a wealth of references to the gay and lesbian issues of the time. The audio-visual materials include photographs, and audio-and videotapes by and of Shilts. (Donated by the Estate of Randy Shilts, 1994).

GLC 44 [number reserved for Harry Hay Papers being processed]

VINCENT (d. 1995), Diarist.
GLC 45 Vincent Diaries (1984-1995). 1 cu. ft. (15 diaries, 2 folders, 1 book), finding aid available (PDF).
These diaries document the life and thoughts of Vincent a gay office worker who died of AIDS. Upon his death, he had his diaries sent to Elizabeth Stone, a former English teacher. Her book A Boy I Once Knew details her response to this material. The collection contains 15 diaries, 2 folders of correspondence, and a page proof of Stone's book. (Donated by Elizabeth Stone in 2002).

SMITH, EVANDER, Lawyer.
GLC 46 Evander Smith—California Hall Papers (1965-1978). 0.5 cu. ft., finding aid available (PDF).
This collection contains correspondence, legal papers and newspaper clippings assembled by lawyers Smith and Herbert Donaldson in response to several arrests at a fund-raising event sponsored by the Committee on Religion and the Homosexual. Police harassment included photographing attendees as they arrived at the California Hall and then demanding admittance to the private event. When denied admittance, the police arrested several people. Much like New York’s Stonewall riots, this event unified the gay and lesbian groups in San Francisco. (Donated by Paul Gabriel for Evander Smith 2002).

STOCKWELL, NANCY (1940-1999), Writer and professional golfer.
GLC 47 Nancy Stockwell Papers (1963-2000, bulk 1975-1998). 2.5 cu. ft. (in 4 boxes), finding aid available (PDF).
Stockwell was one of the founding mothers of Plexus, a San Francisco bay area feminist publication, though she is perhaps best known for her autobiographical Out Somewhere and Back Again: the Kansas Stories. The collection contains correspondence, subject files, diaries, and draft and printed copies of Stockwell's writings. (Donated by Deanna L. Nikodym for the Estate of Nancy Stockwell in May 2000).

ATLAS SAVINGS & LOAN, Gay financial institution.
GLC 48 Atlas Savings & Loan Collection (1979-1990). 1 cu. ft., finding aid available (PDF).
The collection contains a small amount of business correspondence and records including bylaws, publicity, promotional materials and mailings to shareholders. There is good press coverage of Atlas through the years especially its opening in 1981 and its financial difficulties in 1985 and 1986. In addition there is a lot of memorabilia and giveaways with the Atlas logo. (The bulk of the collection was donated by Lester Bruno in 1997. Jim Van Buskirk donated a bank book, Roy Johnson donated a $1 bill signed by Atlas board members and 2 T-shirts were added courtesy of the San Francisco Gay, Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Historical Society of Northern California).

ANCHOR, CLIFF (1936-2000), Gay rights activist.
GLC 49 Cliff Anchor Papers (1950s-2000). 7 cu. ft., finding aid available (PDF).
This collection contains materials that Cliff Anchor, a prominent activist for gays in the military, authored or kept in his private possession from 1959 to 2000. These documents include speeches, correspondence, papers related to military service, materials related to Leonard Matlovich’s memorial, documents related to radio station KJRB and American Legion Alexander Hamilton Post #448, clippings, photographs, VHS videos, and artifacts. (Donated by Robert Booth, 2000).

SWALLOW, JEAN (1953-1995), writer and editor
GLC 50 Jean Swallow Papers (1968-1995). 5 cubic feet + 1 oversized box open for research, finding aid available (PDF).
Swallow wrote poetry and fiction; her first novel 'Leave a Light on for Me' was published in 1983. She is best known for her edited anthologies 'Out from Under' and 'The Next Step'; both works address lesbians in recovery from substance abuse. The Papers document her work. These materials include: correspondence with authors and publishers; drafts of poems, stories, books, and talks; research files on various subjects; and copies of published pieces. The collection includes drafts of 'Making Love Visible' co-authored with Geoff Manasse. (Donated by Betsy Walker and Marian Michener, 1998).

FISHER, GARY (1961-1994), writer and diarist
GLC 51 Gary Fisher Papers (1973-1995, bulk 1980-1994). 4 cubic feet open for research, finding aid available (PDF).
The collection contains notebooks, journals, drafts of poems and stories, drawings, and a small amount of photographs and correspondence. His journal entries detail his experience as a gay African-American man, and, later, his experience living with AIDS. The Fisher Papers also include the files created by Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick as she edited Fisher's work for the publication of 'Gary in Your Pocket.' (Donated by Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, 1998).

CURZON, DANIEL, novelist, playwright and educator
GLC 52 Daniel Curzon Papers (1960-1996). 24 cubic feet open for research, inventory available (PDF).
The collection contains draft manuscripts for books and articles by Daniel Curzon (pseudonym of Daniel Brown); personal and professional correspondence; mailing lists and clippings related to the management of IGNA (International Gay News Agency); draft and final manuscripts of Brown’s academic work; class notes and material for courses taught by Brown; and realia.

PART 2 – SUBJECT AND PROPER NAME INDEX

Subjects and proper names are followed by the call number of pertinent collections. A number in boldface indicates that the collection was created by that person or organization (e.g. Arthur Lazere is noted as 5, 7 because GLC 5 is the Lazere Papers and GLC 7 is the Golden Gate Business Association Records). The subject headings are taken from the text in the finding aids, not from a thesaurus. Additional subject/name access is available through the library's online catalog.

AIDS: 43, 45, 51
Alexander Hamilton Post #448. American Legion: 49
American Legion. Alexander Hamilton Post #448: 49
Anchor, Cliff: 49
Anti-communist witch hunts: 9
Art (graphic): 13, 29, 51
Art (performance): 1, 29, 34, 52
Atkins, Chloe: 38
Atlas Savings & Loan: 48
Authors—portraits: 37, 40
Bean, Babe: 2
Bishop, Scott: 14
Bond, Pat: 34
Breast Cancer: 39
Brown, Daniel: 52
Bryant, Eric: 28
Buckley, William F., Jr.: 23
Business: 5, 7, 18, 13, 48
Cade, Cathy: 41
California Hall: 46
Cammermeyer, Margarethe: 39
Campbell, Joseph: 20
Cancer: 3, 39
Cannizzaro, Antoinette: 39
Charitable organizations: 5, 11
Clothing: 25
Committee for Homosexual Freedom: 10
Committee to Form Gay/Lesbian Sierrans: 12
Conferences/Conventions: 3, 8, 15
Conrad, Florence: 33
Council on Religion and the Homosexual: 46
Cross-dressing: 2
Cultural events: 27
Curzon, Daniel: 52
Daughters of Bilitis: 33
Davis, Susan (Alch): 19
DeSantis, Robert: 4
Diaries: 45, 51
Dickey, William: 22
Discrimination: 6, 16, 46
Donaldson, Herbert: 46
Dooley, Thomas (Dr.): 49
Employment: 5, 16
Engdahl, Lee: 22
Erickson, Michael: 49
Evans, Len: 9
Family: 24, 50
Federation of Gay Games: 27
Female-to-male: 2
Fisher, Gary: 51
Frank, Donald H.: 21
Fricke, Aaron: 24
Fricke, Walter: 24
Galleries: 13, 29
Garland, Jack: 2
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination: 17, 26
Gay Games: 27, 39
Gender: 2
Gerharter, Rick: 42
Giard, Robert: 37
Gittings, Barbara: 33
GLAAD: 17, 26
Golden Gate Business Association: 7
Grier, Barbara: 30, 33
Hickok, Lorena: 34
International Gay Rodeo: 39
Jacobsen, Rick: 29
Jaffy, Florence "Conrad": 33
James, William: 21
Jewish Feminist Conference: 3
Journalism: 5, 43
Kameny, Frank: 33
Kiki Gallery: 29
Koolish, Lynda: 40
Law and legal actions: 6, 16, 46
Lazere, Arthur: 5, 7
Lesbian Agenda for Action: 8
Lesbian and gay rights movement: 14
Lesbian mothers: 32, 41, 50
Lesbian soldiers: 34, 43
Lewin, Ellen: 32
Libertarians for Gay and Lesbian Concerns: 15
Libraries: 28
Library Journal: 28
Liebman, Marvin: 23
Lonidier, Lynn: 1
Manassae, Geoff: 50
Marchant, Anyda: 30
Matlovich, Leonard: 6, 49
McBride, Donna: 30
McCarthyism: 9
McKinley, Jack Galen: 20
Media: 17
Meredith, Ann P.: 39
Metropolitan Community Church: 4
Meyer, George: 15
Military: 6, 34, 39, 43, 49
Milk, Harvey: 19, 20, 35, 36, 43
Naiad Press: 30
Nicoletta, Daniel: 36
Old Wives’ Tales Bookstore: 18
Oliveros, Pauline: 1
Oral histories: 9, 14
Parenting: 32, 50
People’s Fund: 11
Performance art: 1
Photographs: 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43
Plexus: 47
Police harassment: 46
Politics: 15
Portraits: 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41
Prison ministry: 4
Pterodactyl Press: 22
Public opinion/perception: 17, 26
Publishing: 30, 31, 47
Roosevelt, Eleanor: 34
Rose-Azevedo, Joseph: 16
San Francisco Human Rights Commission: 3
San Francisco International Airport Police Department: 16
San Francisco Women's Centers: 8
Sanazaro, Leonard: 22
Schmidt, John: 48
Seajay, Carol: 18
Sedgwick, Eve Kosofsky: 51
Sex-reassignment: 2
Shilts, Randy: 43
Sierra Club: 12
Single mothers: 32
Sipple, Oliver "Bill": 20
Smith, Scott: 35
Smith, Evander: 46
Sporting events: 27
Stein, Gertrude: 21, 34
Stockwell, Nancy: 47
Stone, Elizabeth: 45
Student organizations (college): 10
Substance abuse: 50
Sullivan, Louis Gaylord: 2
Swallow, Jean: 50
Thomas, Sherry: 18
Thomson, Virgil: 21
Thorpe, Charles: 10
Thousand Fingers Cooperative Craft Gallery: 13
Toklas, Alice B.: 21
Transgender Community: 36
Transsexuality: 2
Transvestites: 2, 36, 38
T-shirts: 25
Tucker, Nancy: 25
Up Press: 31
Vincent: 45
Visibility: 8, 17, 26
Waddell, Tom: 27, 39
Wilder, Thornton: 21
Winnow, Jackie: 3
Women in Print movement: 47
Women in Theater: 34
Women's Army Corps: 34
Women's Building: 8
Women's Cancer Research Center: 3
Women's Conference, 4th International: 39, 41
Women's Press: 31
Women's Printing School: 31
Women's Studies: 3
Worker/workplaces: 39, 41

Last updated: April 2008

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Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Archival Collections

INTRODUCTION

Part 1 Brief Descriptions - list

PART 2 – SUBJECT AND PROPER NAME INDEX

Part 1
Brief Descriptions - list