Aiken (Skip) Papers, circa 1976-1987

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Summary

Title:
Skip Aiken papers
Dates:
circa 1976-1987
Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:
1 carton
Language:
Preferred citation:

Skip Aiken papers . GLBT Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

Aiken’s collection contains extensive and deeply personal correspondence with family, friends, and lovers, as well as other materials relating to sobriety, kink, and AIDS. The latter include clippings, personal notes and writings, professional papers, newsletters, erotica, the script for a musical drama to be performed at a queer AA conference, and genealogical research. Of particular note is a lengthy glossary with American Sign Language translation notes for AA jargon. Coverage of the death of Aiken’s lover is also significant, and includes journal entries, a typed chronology, and correspondence. GSSO linked terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000374; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000268

Biographical / historical:

Skip Aiken was a computer programmer who was very active in San Francisco’s kink scene, as both a leatherman and a uniform fetishist (with particular interest in police and Nazi uniforms). He was also a recovering alcoholic and American Sign Language interpreter who often volunteered his services at his Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. In the 1980s, Aiken lost a lover to AIDS. He also had a significant relationship with a Deaf man who was apparently the impetus for his learning to sign. Aiken was a founding member of Gay Fathers and the Society of Janus. In 1990, he died during surgery following a heart attack.

Acquisition information:
The collection was donated to the GLBT Historical Society by Kenneth Teise in 1994.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
circa 1976-1987
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research. The erotica in this collection may only be viewed by researchers age eighteen and over and it is made available for educational and research purposes.

Terms of access:

Copyright to material has been transferred to the GLBT Historical Society. All requests for reproductions and/or permission to publish or quote from material must be submitted in writing to the GLBT Historical Society Archivist.

Preferred citation:

Skip Aiken 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
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