Bruce Decker papers
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff using RecordEXPRESS
GLBT Historical Society
2023
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 777-5455
reference@glbthistory.org
http://www.glbthistory.org/
Title: Bruce Decker papers
Dates: 1984-1991
Collection Number: 2008-23
Creator/Collector:
Extent: 2.4 linear feet (2 cartons, 1 box)
Online items available
Repository:
GLBT Historical Society
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: The Bruce Decker papers contain materials related to his AIDS advocacy, including his leadership in the No on 64 and No on
102 campaigns, his service on the California AIDS Advisory Committee and his business ventures in the biotechnology field,
primarily with companies seeking to develop AIDS vaccines.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research.
Funding for processing this collection was provided by the National
Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
[Identification of item]. Bruce Decker papers. Collection Number: 2008-23. GLBT Historical Society
Gift of Dr. E. Michael Gordon in 1997.
Biography/Administrative History
Bruce B. Decker (1950-1995), a Republican political consultant and public policy advocate, dedicated himself to AIDS research,
education and treatment programs after learning he was HIV-positive in 1984. That same year, Decker helped found Concerned
Americans for Individual Rights, a national organization of moderate and conservative gays and lesbians whose goal was to
expand Republicans’ awareness of LGBT issues and counter the rising influence of the religious right. Governor George Dukemejian
appointed Decker the first chair of the California AIDS Advisory Committee later that year; he resigned in 1988 after the
governor announced his support for Proposition 102. Decker helped establish and promote the American Foundation for AIDS Research
in 1985 and founded and was president of the Health Policy and Research Foundation, which coordinated long-term planning and
funding for government and private-sector AIDS intervention projects. Decker lived in San Francisco from 1981-1987. He died
of AIDS complications in Beverly Hills. He was 45.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Bruce Decker papers contain materials related to his AIDS advocacy, including his leadership in the No on 64 and No on
102 campaigns, his service on the California AIDS Advisory Committee and his business ventures in the biotechnology field,
primarily with companies seeking to develop AIDS vaccines. The collection includes media files related to the No on 102 Campaign,
and chronological files with materials related to state AIDS policy and Decker’s AIDS advocacy from 1985-1991.The chronological
files were not sorted. They contain correspondence and memos, notes, speeches, press releases, newsletters, subject files
and news clippings. GSSO linked terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_008194; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000521;
http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_003201
AIDS (disease)
Gay men
Politics and elections