Description
Correspondence, minutes, photographs, clippings, manuscripts, financial records, pamphlets, education materials, flyers, posters,
audiocassettes, textiles, ephemera and a banner from Adele Starr, documenting the activities of the Federation of Parents
and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Inc. (PFLAG), and of Parents and Friends of Gays (1976-1981), the predecessor to PFLAG's
Los Angeles chapter (PFLAG/LA). Starr was founder of Parents and Friends of Gays and first president of PFLAG. The bulk of
the material dates from 1977 to 1996, and includes the Federation's incorporation papers; correspondence from parents and
children; records of the annual international conferences; educational materials; and records of outreach activities to schools
and religious communities to support, educate and advocate for the rights of gay men and lesbians.
Background
Adele Starr was born as Ida Seltzer in Brooklyn, New York on February 10, 1920. When she was a teenager, she changed her
name to Adele. In 1941, she married Lawrence Starr, an accountant, and remained in New York till the 1950s. Moving to Los
Angeles, the Starrs settled in Brentwood, where Adele helped her husband establish a private accounting practice. Adele and
Larry had four sons and a daughter.The impetus for the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) began in the early 1970s, when a New York
mother, Jeanne Manford, marched in the New York City gay pride parade with her gay son and a sign that read, "Parents of Gays:
Unite in Support for Our Children." Following the parade, Manford began speaking to many gays and lesbians, parents and community
groups, and in March 1973 organized the first meeting of New York City Parents of Gays (POG). Members of POG met with other
parents throughout the country to provide support and information. As a result of one of those meetings, in March 1976, Adele
and Lawrence Starr launched Parents and Friends of Gays (PFG) in Los Angeles, which became the first parents' group to apply
for tax-exempt non-profit status.
Extent
24.1 Linear Feet
9 archives boxes + 5 archives cartons + 15 flat archive boxes + 1 map drawer + 1 trophy + 1 oversize banner.
Restrictions
Researchers wishing to publish materials must obtain permission in writing from ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives as the
physical owner. Researchers must also obtain clearance from the holder(s) of any copyrights in the materials. Note that ONE
National Gay and Lesbian Archives can grant copyright clearance only for those materials for which we hold the copyright.
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain copyright clearance for all other materials directly from the copyright
holder(s).
Availability
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.