Collection Guide
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Society for Individual Rights (SIR) Records, 1964-1977
Coll2011.075
Coll2011.075
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Table of contents
Title: Society for Individual Rights (SIR) Records
Identifier/Call Number: Coll2011.075
Contributing Institution:
ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives
Language of Material:
English
Container: 1
Physical Description:
1.6 linear foot.
1 archive carton + 1 flat archive box.
Date (inclusive): 1964-1977
Abstract: Meeting minutes, flyers, correspondence, bylaws, press releases, proposals, policy statements, articles, pamphlets, surveys,
financial documents, advertisements, articles of incorporation, clippings, municipal permits, legal documents, event programs,
constitution, photographs, manuscripts, and other material documenting activities of the Society for Individual Rights (S.I.R.),
1964-1977. Founded in San Francisco in 1964, SIR's goals included public affirmation of gay and lesbian identity, elimination
of victimless crime laws, providing a range of social services (including legal aid) to "gays in difficulties," and promoting
a sense of a gay and lesbian community. This collection documents SIR's existance into the late-1970s.
creator:
Society for Individual Rights
Founded in San Francisco in 1964, the Society for Individual Rights (SIR)'s goals included public affirmation of gay and lesbian
identity, elimination of victimless crime laws, providing a range of social services (including legal aid) to "gays in difficulties,"
and promoting a sense of a gay and lesbian community. In particular, SIR's "leaders were more assertive and confident [as
compared to older homophile organizations] in their gay identity. Taking a cue from the burgeoning civil rights movement,
SIR demanded equal rights and decried government-sanctioned discrimination." The organization also departed from older groups
in its emphasis on the democratic process. By the late 1970s, however, SIR's influence diminished.
Source: Highleyman, Liz, "What Was the Society for Individual Rights?"
, 2004 (accessed April 4, 2012).
Contact ONE archivist regarding access restrictions.
Contact ONE archivist regarding publication and use restrictions.
Society for Individual Rights (SIR) Records, Coll2011-075, ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, Los Angeles, California
Processing this collection has been funded by a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
In order to provide access to this collection, minimal processing on this collection was expedited in 2011. Date spans were
given wherever possible, but do not reflect the most accurate inclusive dates.
Meeting minutes, flyers, correspondence, bylaws, press releases, proposals, policy statements, articles, pamphlets, surveys,
financial documents, advertisements, articles of incorporation, clippings, municipal permits, legal documents, event programs,
organizational constitution, photographs, manuscripts, and other material documenting activities of the Society for Individual
Rights (SIR), 1964-1977. Founded in San Francisco in 1964, SIR's goals included public affirmation of gay and lesbian identity,
elimination of victimless crime laws, providing a range of social services (including legal aid) to "gays in difficulties,"
and promoting a sense of gay and lesbian community.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Gay activists--United States--California
Gay and lesbian rights--United States--California
Gay liberation movement
Gays--California--San Francisco