Howard Wallace Papers
Finding aid created by James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center staff using RecordEXPRESS
San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
2022
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
http://sfpl.org/sfhistory
Title: Howard Wallace Papers
Dates: 1964-2005
Collection Number: GLC 120
Creator/Collector:
Wallace, Howard, 1936-2012.
Extent: 55 cubic feet, 1 oversized box, 1 oversized envelope
Repository:
San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
San Francisco, California 94102
Abstract: Wallace was a gay labor and peace activist whose work centered on equal rights for all regardless of sexual orientation or
race. The collection contains correspondence, flyers, leaflets, posters, photographs, brochures, pamphlets, legal documents,
and clippings. Wallace was involved with many organizations and actions. These include Pride at Work (PAW), previously named
the Lesbian and Gay Labor Alliance, Bay Area Gay Liberation (BAGL), and the Coors Beer boycott, among others.
Language of Material: English
UNPROCESSED COLLECTION. Partial box inventory available. Contact Hormel LGBTQIA Center archivist for access.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
[Identification of item]. Howard Wallace Papers. Collection Number: GLC 120. San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel
LGBTQIA Center
Donated by Howard Wallace, 2010.
Biography/Administrative History
Howard Wallace was a gay labor and peace activist who is perhaps best known as a co-founder of Pride at Work (PAW), previously
named the Lesbian and Gay Labor Alliance. He was one of the founders of Bay Area Gay Liberation (BAGL) in 1975 and, with Harvey
Milk, he led the Coors Beer boycott that began the same year. His activism in Denver, Colorado and in San Francisco centered
on equal rights for all regardless of sexual orientation or race. He was a tireless advocate for coalition building between
communities in order to forge alliances based on mutually identified goals. A contemporary of Harvey Milk and Randy Shilts,
Wallace ran for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1975 against Milk, among others. Though neither won that election,
Milk was elected in 1977. Wallace organized the first March On Washington for Gay Rights in 1979. After his retirement he
became involved with Senior Action Network (SAN), and the San Francisco Labor Council. He is also a long-time proponent of
health care unions.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection contains correspondence, flyers, leaflets, posters, photographs, brochures, pamphlets, legal documents, and
clippings. Some of the interesting pieces in his Papers include materials on the Coors Boycott, the Florida Orange Juice Boycott,
the anti-Briggs Initiative (i.e. No On 6) campaign regarding gay/lesbian teachers in California, materials on housing plans
in San Francisco, peace activism and the Yes on N campaign to bring U.S. troops out of Iraq.
Gay liberation movement--United States--History.
Labor unions--Social aspects.
Wallace, Howard, 1936-2012--Archives.
Bay Area Gay Liberation.
Pride at Work.
Lesbian and Gay Labor Alliance.