Description
Board of directors materials, bylaws, administrative committee records, correspondence, conference material, financial records,
event and program records, newsletter copy, and publicity material, 1979-1994, from gay activist Donald A. Ferguson, who served
on the boards for the Triangle Gay and Lesbian Foster Parent Association (also known as Triangle Project) and the Whitman-Brooks
Foundation.
Background
"During the late '70s, through the '80s, and into the early '90s, I was an active member of a number of gay and lesbian organizations
in Los Angeles. Most notable, I suppose, would be the Whitman-Brooks Foundation, the first and largest co-sexual gay and lesbian
organization providing guidance in coming out, a training program for potential community activists, and education about gay
and lesbian issues at two or three major conferences each year held at [University of California, Los Angeles], [University
of Southern California], and Occidental College. I served as chair of Whitman-Brooks for several years in the late '80s."The Triangle Gay and Lesbian Foster Parent Association (also known as Triangle Project) was founded circa 1986 and worked
to provide gay and lesbian youth with nurturing foster homes. Among the Triangle Project's activities was training potential
gay and lesbian foster parents, and working with agencies such as the Los Angeles County Department of Children's Services
to provide homes for at-risk youth. In 1989, the Triangle Project merged with the Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services
(GLASS), which led to disagreements regarding the organization's overall mission. Most of Triangle Projects' original members
left, and GLASS went on to become a for-profit housing and service organization, which later dissolved in 2008.The Whitman-Brooks Foundation was founded in March 1979 as a non-profit educational foundation dedicated to providing education
and support for coming out; providing leadership training for emerging gay and lesbian activists; and fostering a positive
gay and lesbian identity for its members. Whitman-Brooks' activities included hosting annual conferences attended by community
leaders, educators, and mental health professionals; holding on-going rap sessions and community seminars in a "non-threatening"
environment; and providing scholarships and other services.
Extent
2.7 linear feet.
1 archive box + 1 archive carton + 1 archive flat box.
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical
items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Availability
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.