Finding Aid for the Diane Germain papers, 1941-2010 LSC.1961

Finding aid prepared by Stacy Wood, 2011 and Sabrina Ponce, 2017; machine-readable finding aid created by Caroline Cubé.
UCLA Library Special Collections
Room A1713, Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1575
(310) 825-4988
spec-coll@library.ucla.edu
Online finding aid last updated 16 November 2017.


Title: Diane Germain papers
Identifier/Call Number: LSC.1961
Contributing Institution: UCLA Library Special Collections
Language of Material: English
Physical Description: 3.8 linear feet (6 boxes, 1 carton, and 1 flat box)
Date (inclusive): 1941-2010
Abstract: Diane F. Germain is a French-American lesbian-feminist psychiatric social worker. She conducts the Lesbian History Project and created and conducted a strength group for Women Survivors of Incest and/or childhood molestation. She was one of the founding members of Dykes on Hikes, The Lesbian Referral Services, Beautiful Lesbian Thespians, and California Women's Art Collective. She was an early principal member of the San Diego Lesbian Organization and a collective member of both Las Hermanas, a women's cultural center and coffee-house, and the Califia Community, a feminist education retreat. She worked at Lambda Archives throughout the 1990s interviewing women for history and gathering collections. She later returned to serve as the Student Volunteer Coordinator. She was the staff cartoonist for HotWire: The Journal of Women's Music, Culture of Chicago, and Lesbian News. The collection contains materials from activist organizations in which Germain was herself involved, magazine and newspaper clippings that included her artwork, organizational records relating to the coffee house Las Hermanas, and educational presentations for the Califia Community and other organizations.
Language of Materials: Materials are in English.
Physical Location: Stored off-site at SRLF. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using the request button located on this page.
Creator: Germain, Diane F.

Conditions Governing Access

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Open for research. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using the request button located on this page.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

Property rights to the physical object belong to the UCLA Library Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Diane Germain Papers (Collection 1961). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, University of California, Los Angeles.

Provenance/Source of Acquisition

Gift of Diane F. Germain, 1990, 1997, 1998, 2012.
This collection is part of an outreach and collection-building partnership between the June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives , the UCLA Center for the Study of Women (CSW) , and the UCLA Library .

Processing Note

Processed by Stacy Wood, 2011. Description enhanced and further physical processing completed by Sabrina Ponce in 2017.
This collection has no Box 6.

Sponsor

The June L. Mazer Lesbian Archive  at UCLA is an outreach and collection-building partnership between the June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives , the UCLA Center for the Study of Women (CSW)  and the UCLA Library . These collections expand the pool of primary source materials available to researchers and to the community at large. This partnership was initiated by CSW and is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to inventory, organize, preserve, and digitize more than eighty Mazer collections pertaining to lesbian and feminist activism and writings.

UCLA Catalog Record ID

UCLA Catalog Record ID: 6962954 

Biography

Diane F. Germain is a French-American lesbian-feminist psychiatric social worker. She conducts the Lesbian History Project and created and conducted a strength group for Women Survivors of Incest and/or childhood molestation for five years. She was one of the founding members of Dykes on Hikes, The Lesbian Referral Services, Beautiful Lesbian Thespians, and California Women's Art Collective. She was an early principal member of the San Diego Lesbian Organization and a collective member of both Las Hermanas, a women's cultural center and coffee-house, and the Califia Community, a feminist educational retreat. She worked at Lambda Archives throughout the 1990s interviewing women for history and gathering collections. She later returned to serve as the Student Volunteer Coordinator. She was the staff cartoonist for HotWire: The Journal of Women's Music, Culture of Chicago, and Lesbian News. She is featured in both the anthology Tomboys! edited by Lynne Yamaguchi and Karen Barber, and Lesbian Culture: An Anthology.

Scope and Content

Diane F. Germain was not only interested in documenting her own experiences, but also in documenting the representation of women in the media as well as preserving lesbian culture on the whole for posterity. The collection contains materials from activist organizations in which Germain was herself involved, as well as information and resources from other like-minded organizations such as the Gay Alliance for Equal Rights and the Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. She also collected magazine and newspaper clippings that featured her artwork and participated in other projects like the presentation on women wrestlers included here. Financial documents and other organizational records relating to the coffee house Las Hermanas and presentations meant for the Califia Community educational retreat are included in the collection.

Organization and Arrangement

Materials arranged into the following series:
  • Series 1: Subject files
  • Series 2: Collected clippings, ephemera, and literature
  • Series 3: Correspondence
  • Series 4: Las Hermanas
  • Series 5: Activist organizations and programs
  • Series 6: Women Wrestlers
This collection has no Box 6.

Related Material

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Germain, Diane F. -- Archives
June L. Mazer Lesbian Archive at UCLA.
June L. Mazer Lesbian Archives.
Lesbian activists--United States--Archives.
Women social workers--United States--Archives.

 

Series 1: Subject files circa 1947-2008

Scope and Content

Diane Germain's collection of examples of homophobic, racist, and sexist occurrences in mainstream media outlets through advertising, newspaper clippings, art, and other means spanning several decades.

Organization and Arrangement

Folders titles derived from Germain's original labels and order preserved to express the themes she devised to collect items.
Box 1, Folder 1

"Girls are Good" circa 1983-2008

Box 1, Folder 2

"Beauty/Body Standards" circa 1970-2007

Box 1, Folder 3

"Children in Sexual Situations - in Advertising" 1984-2007

Box 1, Folder 4

"Church and Religion Issues" circa 1992-1994

Box 1, Folder 5

"Cultural" circa 1950-1992

Box 1, Folder 6

"Genitals - Insulted" 1974-1993

Box 1, Folder 7

"Feminism-Ridiculed" circa 1978-1990

Box 1, Folder 8

"Sexism" circa 1947-2008

Box 1, Folder 9

"Sexism - 2" circa 1949-1996

Box 1, Folder 10

"Anti-Feminist" circa 1978-1990

Box 1, Folder 11

"Feminist Thinking" circa 1950-1994

Box 1, Folder 12

"Incest/Molestation" circa 1984-1991

Box 1, Folder 13

"Lesbians: Famous and Historical" circa 1950-1993

Box 1, Folder 14

"Lesbian" circa 1972-1996

Box 1, Folder 15

"Lesbian Images" circa 1954-1992

Box 1, Folder 16

"Lesbian/General Issues" circa 1950-1993

Box 1, Folder 17

"Anti-Lesbian" circa 1982-1997

Box 1, Folder 18

"Lesbian/Gay Denial and Invisibility" circa 1981-1990

Box 2, Folder 1

"3's Bad company" (Lesbianism negatively linked) circa 1984-1990

Box 2, Folder 2

"Fat, Mouth as Vulva, Death as Art" circa 1954-2007

Box 2, Folder 3

"Naked" circa 1969-1992

Box 2, Folder 4

"Racism" circa 1947-2007

Box 2, Folder 5

"Truncation of Women's Bodies" circa 1947-2007

Box 2, Folder 6

"Violence - Movies, Pornography, Adverts" circa 1951-2007

Box 2, Folder 7

"Relatives of the Rich and Famous" circa 1989

Box 2, Folder 8

"Men in Dresses" circa 1963-2007

Box 2, Folder 9

"Men's Pornography - A Few Examples" circa 1985-1993

Box 2, Folder 10

"Men's Issues" circa 1963-1989

 

Series 2: Collected clippings, ephemera, and literature circa 1956-2008

Scope and Content

Includes Diane Germain's artwork and writings as well as ephemera and published materials she collected.

Organization and Arrangement

Materials arranged chronologically, with undated materials at the end.
Box 2, Folder 11

Photographs circa 1956-2007

Scope and Content

This folder contains some of Diane Germain's personal materials: announcements of anniversary parties, relics from childhood, and miscellaneous photos.
Box 2, Folder 12

Betty Jetter papers 1970-2007

Scope and Content

"Feminist Separatism: An Introductory Study," and miscellaneous other published materials.
Box 2, Folders 13-14

Published materials circa 1972-1995

Scope and Content

Various published materials relating to lesbian/feminist activism. Also includes checks written to several publishing companies, campaigns, and organizations.
Box 3, Folder 1

Artwork and commentary by Diane Germain circa 1978-2007

Scope and Content

One framed cartoon as well as summaries and descriptions of various art projects. Includes "A Rose by any Other Name...," "Amazon Symbols Gift," "Triangles," "Billie Jean Slept Here," "This Woman is Not Screaming," and "Coin Art Piece." Also included is a description of posters designed for various events and organizations as well as slides of the "Amazon Gift Project."
Box 3, Folder 2

Clippings and Articles about Diane Germain 1980-1997

General Physical Description note: laminated newspaper clippings, whole newspapers, printed paper

Scope and Contents note

Newspaper articles and clippings about the work and activism of Diane Germain, mostly from local San Diego news sources.
Box 3, Folder 3

Ephemera circa 1984-1985

Scope and Content

Various ephemera, postcards for Desert Hearts, matchbooks, and note pads.
Box 3, Folder 4

Articles and writings by Diane Germain 1987-1998

Scope and Content

Articles written for SCWU Newsletter, Lesbian and Gay Historical Society of San Diego Newsletters, The Lesbian News, Off Our Backs, and an essay included in the anthology Learning Our Way.
Box 3, Folder 5

Assorted materials circa 1989-2001

Scope and Content

Includes assorted images, obituaries, illustrations, and literature.
Box 3, Folder 6

Button collection 2008

Scope and Content

Buttons for various activist causes or events.
Box 3, Folder 7

"Presentation" photo sculpture undated

Scope and Content

The final version of a photo sculpture utilizing collage elements, entitled "Presentation."
Box 3, Folder 8

Rubber stamps undated

Scope and Content

Customized rubber stamps made by Diane Germain. Includes: "Boycott," "If It's Good Enough for Eleanor, It's Good Enough for Me," "Califia Builds Strong Women."
Box 7

Books 1982-2007

Scope and Content

This box includes selections from Diane Germain's personal book collection. Taken from Diane Germain's inventory: The Feminist Papers Ed. Anni Rossi, Passion's Shadow by Nicole Conn, Sinister Wisdom Volume 21 Fall 1982, My Blue Heaven by Jane Chambers (JH Press Gay Play Script Series), Last Summer at Bluefish Cove by Jane Chambers (JH Press Gay Play Script Series), The Second Coming of Joan of Arc and other plays by Carolyn Gage, Heroes and Saints and other plays by Cherrie Moraga, Art et Feminism - Catalog for an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Quebec 1982.
Box 8

Dolls 1990s - 2007

Scope and Content

This box contains dolls bought by or given to Diane Germain. Includes handmade Emily Dickinson, Gertrude Stein dolls as well as two handmade transmogrified barbies and a star doll.
Box 9

T-shirts circa 1980

Scope and Content

Four t-shirts: "Billie Jean Slept Here," "First Annual West Coast Women's Music and Cultural Festival 1980," and two assorted t-shirts
 

Series 3: Correspondence 1973-2010

Scope and Content

Personal and professional correspondence between Diane Germain, friends, and activist organizations.

Organization and Arrangement

Materials arranged alphabetically by correspondent.
Box 4, Folder 1

Correspondence: Detrick and Schwemer 1976-2010

Scope and Content

Also includes correspondence with various activist communities with which Diane Germain was involved.
Box 4, Folder 2

Correspondence: June L. Mazer Archives 1994-2004

Scope and Content

Correspondence with the June L. Mazer Archives concerning donations.
Box 4, Folder 3

Correspondence: Lesbians for Political Action 1979

Scope and Content

Correspondence related to an incident with a local grocery chain in San Diego handled by the Lesbians for Political Action.
Box 4, Folder 4

Correspondence: Women's Center Coalition (UCSD) 1973-1976

Scope and Content

Materials related to the foundation and operation of the Women's Center Coalition at the University of California San Diego. Includes correspondence with administration, meeting minutes, and the development of mission statements and internal discussions.
 

Series 4: Las Hermanas 1974-1979

Scope and Content

Organizational documents of Las Hermanas, a women's cultural center and coffee-house of which Germain was a member.

Organization and Arrangement

Materials are organized by type and arranged chronologically.
Box 4, Folder 5

Las Hermanas: Lease and fictitious business name 1974-1978

Scope and Content

Documents related to the lease and fictitious business name of Las Hermanas.
Box 4, Folder 6

Las Hermanas: Business papers 1974-1979

Scope and Content

Various receipts and invoices for services and operations related to the founding and functioning of Las Hermanas.
Box 4, Folder 7

Las Hermanas: Mailing list and permits 1975-1977

Scope and Content

Permits and mailing lists for members and participants of Las Hermanas.
Box 4, Folder 8

Las Hermanas: Insurance policy 1975-1977

Scope and Content

Forms and various information related to the insurance policy for the Las Hermanas facility.
Box 4, Folder 9

Las Hermanas: Taxes 1975-1979

Scope and Content

Tax information, receipts and returns and various forms for Las Hermanas.
Box 4, Folder 10

Las Hermanas: Articles of incorporation, bylaws 1976-1977

Scope and Content

Papers and information related to the articles of incorporation, original bylaws and mission statement of Las Hermanas.
Box 4, Folder 11

Las Hermanas: San Diego County Community Action Program 1976

Scope and Content

Information and documents related to the application for a grant for Las Hermanas.
Box 4, Folder 12

Las Hermanas: San Diego Regional Youth Employment Program 1976-1978

Scope and Content

Certificates and other information related to the youth employment program and its relationship to Las Hermanas.
Box 4, Folder 13

Las Hermanas: Bank statements 1976-1979

Scope and Content

Contains bank statements and other miscellaneous financial information.
Box 4, Folder 14

Las Hermanas: Articles, interviews 1976-2010

Scope and Content

Transcripts of interviews about experiences of Las Hermanas as well as articles referencing services and events at Las Hermanas.
Box 4, Folder 15

Las Hermanas: Event financials 1977-1978

Scope and Content

Financial information related to events and operations of Las Hermanas.
Box 4, Folder 16

Las Hermanas: Flyers, brochures, calendars 1978

Scope and Content

Calendars outlining events and services of Las Hermanas along with flyers and brochures of same.
Box 5, Folder 1

Las Hermanas: Policy book, procedure manual 1978-1979

Scope and Content

Documents outlining the manual for Las Hermanas as well as space for commentary and dialogue about day to day operations.
Box 5, Folder 2

Las Hermanas: Programming ideas 1978-1979

Scope and Content

Information related to potential programming ideas for Las Hermanas as well as guest speakers, performers, and proposed events.
Box 5, Folder 3

Las Hermanas: Log book 1978-1979

Scope and Content

The log book for Las Hermanas, which served as a way for all participants to communicate and express comments or concerns about day to day operations.
Box 5, Folder 4

Las Hermanas: Networking resources undated

Scope and Content

Contact information for like-minded organizations in the San Diego area used for the purposes of resource sharing, collaboration, and mutual support.
 

Series 5: Activist organizations and programs 1979-1995

Scope and Content

Materials prepared for or gathered at events hosted by several activist organizations.

Organization and Arrangement

Materials arranged in alphabetical order by organization or event.
Box 5, Folder 5

Activist: Assorted flyers and brochures 1982-1995

Scope and Contents

Includes flyers for various lesbian performers and events in the San Diego area. Performers include Susan Westenhoefer and Phranc, among others.
Box 5, Folder 6

Activist: Califia materials 1982-1983

Scope and Content

Mailing list of Califia participants, photo of Califia community.
Box 5, Folder 7

Activist: Gay Alliance for Equal Rights 1979

Scope and Content

Press releases about area events and issues related to gay and lesbian rights and the activism of the group Gay Alliance for Equal Rights, along with pamphlets and notes for presentations.
Box 5, Folder 8

Activist: Michigan Womyn's Festival 1995

Scope and Content

Materials acquired at the Michigan Womyn's Festival including organizational materials, resource listings, event flyers, and newsletters from various organizations.
Box 5, Folder 9

Activist: Myth California Protest 1986

Scope and Content

Flyers, newspaper clippings, and photos associated with the Myth California protest focused on the Miss California pageant in San Diego in 1986.
Box 5, Folder 10

Activist: Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) 1990

Scope and Content

Notes for a slideshow presentation and a flyer for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
 

Series 6: Women Wrestlers circa 1941-2004

Scope and Content

Materials about a presentation on women wrestlers, the history of the profession, and issues surrounding its existence. Includes original materials and notes.

Organization and Arrangement

Materials arranged in chronological order.
Box 5, Folder 11

Women Wrestlers: Original material circa 1941-1982

Box 5, Folder 12

Women Wrestlers: Notes circa 1982

Box 5, Folder 13

Women Wrestlers: Draft of presentation circa 1963-1982

Scope and Content

Materials about a presentation on women wrestlers, the history of the profession, and issues surrounding its existence. Includes original materials and notes.
Box 5, Folder 14

Women Wrestlers: Final script/sequence circa 1963-1983

Box 5, Folder 15

Women Wrestlers: Presentation photocopies circa 2004

Scope and Content

Photocopies of materials used in the presentation. Date reflects production and compilation of the photocopies.