Description
Articles of incorporation, by-laws, reports, proposals, minutes, meeting notices, photographs, event flyers and tickets, membership
flyers, correspondence, and organizational documentation related to Personal Rights in Defense and Education (PRIDE), 1966-1970,
a Los Angeles gay activist organization.
Background
Personal Rights in Defense and Education (PRIDE) was an organization created on July 7, 1966. Founded by Steve Ginsburg, the
first PRIDE president, along with a group of chairmen operating numerous divisions. PRIDE's goals were twofold: to alter the
relationship between the police and the gay community and to provide social events for the gay community outside of the bar
scene. The exclusively male group had a legal division, headed by Mike Kinghorn; a citizenship division, headed by Tony Penter;
a social division, headed by Jerry Kass; a community services division, headed by Jim Kepner; a special activities division,
headed by Don Felton; and a publications division, headed by Bill Rand. During the first year of operation PRIDE conducted
meetings, social dances, a legal defense fund, a bridge club, a bowling team, a hiking club, and a discussion group. PRIDE
created a pocket lawyer booklet and a newsletter that would become the
Los Angeles Advocate. PRIDE was key in organizing the first gay demonstration against police brutality with other local groups at the Black Cat
bar in the Silver Lake neighborhood. After the first year Ginsburg resigned and the president position was eventually given
to Jerry Joachim. There's a lack of documentation from the second year. Due to internal conflicts the group officially disbanded
exactly 2 years after their creation on July 7, 1968.
Extent
0.4 linear feet.
1 archive carton.
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical
items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Availability
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.