Donna Hitchens 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: Donna Hitchens papers
Dates: 1950-1990, bulk 1975-1990
Collection Number: 1991-02
Creator/Collector:
Extent: 2.5 linear feet (two cartons)
Repository:
GLBT Historical Society
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: Donna Hitchens was the United States’ first openly lesbian elected judge and the founder of the National Center for Lesbian
Rights (NCLR). This collection contains materials related to Hitchens’ professional career prior to her election as San Francisco
Superior Court judge in 1990.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research.
[Identification of item]. Donna Hitchens papers. Collection Number: 1991-02. GLBT Historical Society
Biography/Administrative History
Donna Hitchens was the United States’ first openly lesbian elected judge and the founder of the National Center for Lesbian
Rights (NCLR). Hitchens graduated from the University of California, Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law in 1977, and founded
the organization that became the NCLR immediately afterward. Initially focused solely on issues of concern to lesbians – including
custody, adoption, and employment – it now represents gay, bisexual, and transgender clients as well. In 1990, Hitchens was
elected to the San Francisco Superior Court, and in 2002 she became its Presiding Judge. She retired from the bench in 2010.
Scope and Content of Collection
This collection contains materials related to Hitchens’ professional career prior to her election as San Francisco Superior
Court judge in 1990. These include law course materials, subject files, reports, conference and board materials, newsletters,
publications, a small amount of correspondence, and audiotapes related to LGBT civil rights issues. Prominent topics include
AIDS and lesbian parenting; organizations represented include Lambda Legal Defense Fund, National Center for Lesbian Rights
(formerly the Lesbian Rights Project), and the National Education Foundation for Individual Rights.
GSSO Linked Terms: http://2Fpurl.obolibrary.org/obo/LifO_0000064; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000381; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_003201
Law
Lesbians
Politics and elections