De Andreis (Robert) Papers, 1975-1995 (bulk 1988-1995)

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Summary

Title:
Robert De Andreis papers
Dates:
1975-1995 (bulk 1988-1995)
Creators:
De Andreis, Robert
Abstract:
Extent:
2.2 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

Robert De Andreis papers. GLBT Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

The Robert De Andreis papers contain the professional and personal writings of the San Francisco author and newspaper columnist best known for his weekly “HIV Commentary” column in the San Francisco Sentinel. The collection includes personal and professional correspondence, autobiographical writing, personal journals and academic notebooks, “HIV Commentary” columns and three version of a book of his collected columns, HIV Commentary: Preparation for Life’s Ultimate Journey. The collection includes other work by De Andreis (1958-1995), including flyers for his presentations, talks, classes and productions, as well as video and audio recordings of some of his talks. De Andreis’ papers also contain a large volume of fan mail. The personal records in the collection document his academic career at San Francisco State University, his teaching credentials, his professional résumé, financial statements and photographs. There are also articles about De Andreis in the collection. This collection is organized in 5 series: Series 1. Writing, which includes incoming correspondence, autobiographical writings, his column, “HIV Commentary” and writing about De Andreis Series 2. Journals, which include personal diaries and his academic notebooks. Series 3. Public Presentations, which include talks, presentations, classes, and productions by De Andreis and video and audio Recordings of public talks by De Andreis. Series 4. Fan Mail, which is organized in six large, white binders. Within the binders, the letters are not arranged chronologically. The majority of letters have been kept in their original order. Some letters have been added to the binders because they are fan mail. Series 5. Personal Records, which include academic and professional credentials, financial records and photographs. GSSO linked terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000374; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_008497; http://purl.bioontology.org/ontology/MESH/D008091; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000521.

Biographical / historical:

Robert De Andreis, a San Francisco author, was best known for his weekly San Francisco Sentinel column, “HIV Commentary.” De Andreis was born on October 26, 1958. He graduated from Lowell High School in San Francisco, California and attended San Francisco Sate University where he studied art (drawing and painting). Later, De Andreis trained at the School of American Ballet in New York. He eventually returned to San Francisco State University to earn a master’s degree in film. De Andreis moved to Los Angeles and worked as an archivist at Paramount Studios in Hollywood and taught elementary school at Christ the King school in Los Angeles. He also taught at Sacred Heart elementary school in San Francisco. In 1993, De Andreis began writing “HIV Commentary,” chronicling his struggle with the virus. He won two Cable Car awards for his column. De Andreis eventually published HIV Commentary: Preparation for Life’s Ultimate Journey, a collection of his articles. De Andreis died of AIDS complications in 1995. He was 36.

Acquisition information:
Gift of David De Andreis in 1995.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
1975-1995 (bulk 1988-1995)
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research. Funding for processing this collection was provided by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Terms of access:

Prior written permission of David De Andreis is required for commercial use of materials in the collection.

Preferred citation:

Robert De Andreis papers. GLBT Historical Society

Location of this collection:
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, CA 94103, US
Contact:
(415) 777-5455
reference@glbthistory.org
Website