Description
Manuscripts, notebook journals, photographs, correspondence, drawings, poetry and other material, 1939-1968, from gay artist
and poet, Sidney Bronstein. Though little is known about Bronstein, materials in the collection document his contributions
to gay and lesbian publications, as well as his sexual interest in servicemen. This interest is revealed in his art works
and in a journal, or log book, detailing information about each of his sexual encounters with servicemen.
Background
Sidney Bronstein was "an artist and poet whose art closely reflected his tormented homosexuality." He studied art at a college
in Syracuse, New York, and exhibited there in annual Associated Artists Exhibitions in the 1940s. Bronstein moved to Los Angeles
around 1950, where he continued to occasionally exhibit or publish his works of art. It was during this time when Bronstein's
interest in servicemen became the focus of his drawings and paintings. In 1954, Bronstein was entrapped by a vice policeman
posing as a Navy officer in the Pershing Square area of downtown Los Angeles, and was sent to Atascadero State Hospital for
six months.
Extent
1.1 linear feet.
2 archive cartons + 1 archive binder 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.