Girth and Mirth Club of San Francisco Records, 1976-1997

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Summary

Title:
Girth and Mirth Club of San Francisco Records
Dates:
1976-1997
Creators:
Girth and Mirth Club of San Francisco. Affiliated BigMen's Clubs. National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance.
Abstract:
Extent:
16 cubic ft. (16 cartons)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Girth and Mirth Club of San Francisco Records. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains correspondence, agendas, minutes, newsletters, and event flyers for the Girth and Mirth Club of San Francisco, a social organization for chubby gay men and their admirers. The San Francisco club's newsletter was called "Fat City by the Bay." The collection also includes newsletters from several Girth and Mirth organizations in other cities in the United States and Europe. There is related information on the Affiliated BigMen's Clubs (A.B.C.) and NAAFA, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance.

Biographical / historical:

"The Girth and Mirth Club of San Francisco was founded in 1976 and is incorporated by the State of California as a non-profit organization. Its purpose is to establish a forum where gay, chubby men and their admirers can meet. It also provides support for its members by promoting personal and social acceptance of fat men and those who prefer their company. We function on the premise that it’s okay to be fat or to like fat men and want to educate the public to this end. Girth and Mirth is a socially based group finding ways to meet the challenges faced by being fat or admiring fat men in the thin, gay community." (Quoted from the group's "Invitation to Learn about the Girth & Mirth Club of San Francisco.")

Acquisition information:
Donated by Tony (Anthony) DiGenova, 1999; addition of 3 cartons received March 2002.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center staff.
Date Prepared:
1976-1997
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is currently UNPROCESSED but available for research. Please contact the Hormel Center archivist for more information.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items. Additional copyright clearance may be required.

Preferred citation:

Girth and Mirth Club of San Francisco Records. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
Website