The 15 Association Records, 1980-2020

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Summary

Title:
The 15 Association records
Dates:
1980-2020
Creators:
The 15 Association
Abstract:
Extent:
22 linear feet (15 cartons and 1 oversized box)
Language:
Preferred citation:

The 15 Association records. GLBT Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

The records of the 15 Association include correspondence, event ephemera, newsletters, member and event rosters, meeting minutes, newspaper clippings concerning the 15 and other topics of interest, personal BDSM artifacts and leather vests, and a set of collectible pins. The strength of the collection is found with the event fliers, meeting minutes, and photographs. These series give a historical overview of the involvement and impact that the association has had in the 1980s and 90s within the BDSM scene in San Francisco and beyond. GSSO linked terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000374; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_001236; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000268

Biographical / historical:

The 15 Association was established in February of 1980 in San Francisco as a fraternity of gay men who are interested in BDSM. It is one of the West Coast’s oldest and most recognized gay men’s BDSM clubs. The “15” in the name comes from the structure of the organization – there will always be 15 “fraternal members” who sit on the board and make decisions regarding the direction of the club. All other members are called “associate members.” Major activities of the 15 Association include monthly play parties, charitable events, and association meetings.

Acquisition information:
The collection was donated to the GLBT Historical Society by Eric See on May 26, 2018. Small additions from Alan Parso-York were added in September 2019. Small ongoing additions are expected.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
1980-2020
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. Researchers may not publish or publically disclose names or identifying names or identifying information about individuals for 10 years from the date of donation, unless those individuals have already themselves disclosed, in print or in a public forum, their association with this organization, or unless they are deceased. These restrictions will expire on May 26, 2028.

Terms of access:

Copyright to material created by The 15 Association has been transferred to the GLBT Historical Society. Researchers may not publish or publically disclose names or identifying names or identifying information about individuals for 10 years from the date of donation, unless those individuals have already themselves disclosed, in print or in a public forum, their association with this organization, or unless they are deceased. These restrictions will expire on May 26, 2028.

Preferred citation:

The 15 Association records. 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