Collection Guide
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Gittings (Barbara) and Frank Kameny picket sign collection
Coll2018-026
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California
Title: Barbara Gittings and Frank Kameny picket sign collection
source:
Gittings, Barbara, 1932-2007
source:
Kameny, Frank, 1925-2011
Identifier/Call Number: Coll2018-026
Physical Description:
2 Linear Feet
7 items.
Date (inclusive): circa 1965-1969
Abstract: Seven picket signs from the earliest public demonstrations in the United States advocating for gay and lesbian rights, organized
by Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings, among others. The original protests and subsequent "Annual Reminder" demonstrations
were held in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia from 1965-1969, and were attended by east coast members of
the Mattachine Society, Janus Society, and Daughters of Bilitis.
The items are arranged alphabetically.
In 1965, a group of gay and lesbian activists, including Frank Kameny, Barbara Gittings, and Craig Rodwell, organized a series
of public demonstrations in Washington, D.C., which were some of the earliest public demonstrations in the United States advocating
for gay and lesbian rights. The demonstrations culminated with a group of approximately 70 activists picketing in front of
the White House in April of that year. The demonstrations were organized, in part, to protest employment discrimination regarding
gay and lesbian federal workers. Subsequently, between 1966 and 1969, similar demonstrations known as the "Annual Reminder"
were held every year on July 4 in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access 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.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Barbara Gittings, date unknown.
[Box/folder #, or item name] Barbara Gittings and Frank Kameny Picket Sign Collection, Coll2018-026, ONE National Gay and
Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California.
Collection processed by Loni Shibuyama, 2018.
This collection comprises seven picket signs from some of the earliest public demonstrations advocating gay and lesbian rights,
circa 1965-1969, organized by Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings, among others. The demonstrations were organized, in part,
to protest discriminatory employment practices regarding gay and lesbian federal workers. The picket signs in this collection
highlight employment discrimination and the United States Department of State.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Civil rights demonstrations
Discrimination in employment
Gay rights -- United States -- History -- 20th century
Lesbian rights -- United States -- History -- 20th century
Picket signs
Gittings, Barbara, 1932-2007
Kameny, Frank, 1925-2011