Michael Botkin papers
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff using RecordEXPRESS
GLBT Historical Society
2023
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 777-5455
reference@glbthistory.org
http://www.glbthistory.org/
Title: Michael Botkin papers
Dates: 1991-1997
Collection Number: 1998-23
Creator/Collector:
Extent: .06 linear feet (1 folder)
Repository:
GLBT Historical Society
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: The collection is comprised of material that was part of the memorial service for Michael C. Botkin. Most of the articles
are photocopies and were included in a binder at the service for guests to browse. The pamphlet from the memorial service
includes a biography penned in part by his long time partner, Steven J. Finlay.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research.
Funding for processing this collection was provided by the National
Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
Copyright to unpublished manuscript materials has been transferred to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society.
[Identification of item]. Michael Botkin papers. Collection Number: 1998-23. GLBT Historical Society
Gift of Steve Finlay on July 13, 1997.
Biography/Administrative History
Michael C. Botkin was born April 30, 1957 in West Rogers Park, Chicago, Illinois. Michael and his long time partner, Steven
J. Finlay moved to Orange County, CA in 1988 so Michael could enroll in a Ph.D. internship. Shortly after beginning the internship,
Michael was diagnosed with AIDS. After completing the internship, the couple moved to San Francisco where Michael took a job
as a therapist at Operation Concern as well as in the AIDS Health Project. He also worked as a writer and editor for Diseased
Pariah News and for Processed World (where he often wrote under the pen name Kwazee Wabbitt). Michael was a columnist at the
Bay Area Reporter for six years and won the Cable Car Award in 1996. He died on August 8, 1996.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection consists of material that was part of the memorial service for Michael C. Botkin. Most of the articles are
photocopies and were included in a binder at the service for guests to browse. The pamphlet from the memorial service includes
a biography penned in part by his long time partner, Steven J. Finlay. The papers also include a photograph of Botkin being
grabbed by the arm by a San Francisco Police officer in riot gear.
GSSO Linked Terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_008497; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000374; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000521;
http://purl.bioontology.org/ontology/MESH/D008603
Journalism
Gay men
AIDS (disease)
Mental health