Joseph Ariadne "Ari" Kane-Demaios is the founder of the Outreach Institute for Gender Studies. Originally named Joseph DeMaios, he officially came out as Ariadne "Ari" Kane in 1971. The Ari Kane Outreach Institute for Gender Studies Collection contains various documents, audio and video tapes, photographs, and awards. These items were collected by, as well as given to, Kane chronicling the work conducted by her institute and the annual coordination of Fantasia Fair, which is considered to be the longest running annual event for crossdressers, transgenders, and transsexuals in the world.

Joseph Ariadne "Ari" Kane-Demaios (1936-) was born and raised in New York City. Ari is touted by Playboy magazine as the very definition of an Androgyny, meaning that Ari is comfortable portraying both genders in society. During his childhood, DeMaios cross-dressed just one time, which his parents found out about, prompting him to cease all gender experimentation until later in life. DeMaios went on to receive a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biophysics, Mathematics and Chemistry at City College, New York in 1958 before commencing graduate work at New York University and the University of Buffalo. From 1966-1968, DeMaios taught overseas at St. Stephen's School in Rome and at the American College of Switzerland in Leysin. During this time, DeMaios was able to cross-dress again for Fastnacht in Munich and Mardi Gras in Naples. DeMaios eventually quit teaching, returned to the U.S., and went into designing. He later opened a travel agency, in addition to working as an educational consultant and realtor.

6.38 linear feet

Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection has not been transferred to California State University, Northridge. Copyright status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

The collection is open for research use.