The 15 Association records
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: The 15 Association records
Dates: 1980-2020
Collection Number: 2018-21
Creator/Collector:
The 15 Association
Extent: 22 linear feet (15 cartons and 1 oversized box)
Repository:
GLBT Historical Society
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: The 15 Association is fraternity of gay men interested in bondage, domination, sadism, and masochism (BDSM) sexual practices.
The records include correspondence, event ephemera and records, newsletters, meeting minutes, newspaper clippings concerning
“The 15” and other topics of interest, personal BDSM artifacts and leather vests, and a set of collectible pins.
Language of Material: English
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.
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.
[Identification of item]. The 15 Association records. Collection Number: 2018-21. GLBT Historical Society
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.
Biography/Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
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
Gay men
Leather
Kink