Tenney (Peter J.) Papers, circa 1979-1995

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Summary

Title:
Peter J. Tenney papers
Dates:
circa 1979-1995
Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:
.2 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

Peter J. Tenney papers. GLBT Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

The Peter J. Tenny papers contain writings by this labor activist and poet. Tenney (1956-1996) formed a dissident gay caucus of Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union Local 2 in San Francisco in 1978 and co-founded the Lesbian and Gay Labor Network in New York in 1987. After several psychiatric incarcerations he organized other survivors in a poetry performance, “Breaking Up is Hard to Do,” and later formed “Literally Committed,” open poetry readings for current and former psychiatric patients. Tenny died after a 10-year battle with AIDS. The collection includes a copy and an audiotape of his poetry chapbook, “Slow for a Mania, Fast for a Waltz” (1995); recordings of, and a photograph of “Breaking Up” (1982); his “Mad Letters Series”; prose, poetry and journal entries; photographs from the Lesbian and Gay Labor Network, and a copy of “Dishrag,” a labor journal for lesbian and gay hotel, bar and restaurant employees. GSSO Linked Terms: http://purl.bioontology.org/ontology/MESH/D008091; http://purl.bioontology.org/ontology/MESH/D008603; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_003411

Acquisition information:
Gift of David Steinberg on June 28, 1997.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
circa 1979-1995
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Preferred citation:

Peter J. Tenney papers. GLBT Historical Society

Location of this collection:
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, CA 94103, US
Contact:
(415) 777-5455
reference@glbthistory.org
Website