The Dusty Pruitt Collection is comprised of personal and professional papers (1945-2002, bulk 1983-1995) from minister, Army veteran and activist Rev. Dr. Dusty Pruitt. The papers include reports, legal briefs, interviews, correspondence, administration records, videocassettes, photographs and clippings from Pruitt related to a 12-year legal dispute with the Department of Defense pertaining to her sexual orientation; a proposed film about Pruitt, entitled A Woman at War; and Pruitt's ministry at the Metropolitan Community Church in Long Beach, California.

Carolyn Dusty Pruitt was born on July 19, 1946, in Ballinger, Texas the first of three siblings. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Jacksonville Baptist College in Jacksonville, Texas in 1965. She graduated in 1970 from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Spanish with a minor in Education. Pruitt was an Army officer from 1970 to 1983, transferring to the Reserves in 1976. In 1980, she graduated from the Cliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado with a Master of Divinity. She received her Doctor of Ministry degree from Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California in 1987. Pruitt started her ministry as Assistant Pastor of Agape Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in Fort Worth, Texas and Denver, Colorado. She was the pastor of MCC Long Beach, California for 15 years, until 1995. After leaving MCC Long Beach, Ms. Pruitt was pastor for various MCC churches until her retirement in 2001 with 25 years of service.

4.7 linear feet. 2 archive boxes + 3 archive cartons + 1 flat box.

Researchers wishing to publish material must obtain permission in writing from ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives as the physical owner of the material. Note that permission to publish does not constitute copyright clearance. ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives can grant copyright clearance only for those materials for which we hold copyright. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain copyright clearance for all other materials from the copyright holder(s).

The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.