Finding aid to the Barbara Gittings and Frank Kameny picket sign collection, circa 1965-1969 Coll2018-026

Loni Shibuyama

Processing this collection has been funding by a generous grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR).

ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California

909 West Adams Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90007

askone@usc.edu

URL: http://one.usc.edu

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.

Arrangement

The items are arranged alphabetically.

Biographical / Historical

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.

Conditions Governing Access

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

Conditions Governing Use

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.

Preferred Citation

[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.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Loni Shibuyama, 2018.

Scope and Contents

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

Item 01

First Class Citizenship for Homosexuals circa 1965-1969

First Class Citizenship for Homosexuals