Description
TransGender San Francisco (TGSF) is a longstanding organization which provides peer support for transgender and gender nonconforming
people, as well as educating the public about trans issues. It was founded in 1982 as a safe meeting place for people who
identified as crossdressers or transvestites, which was reflected in its punning original name, Educational TV Channel (ETVC).
This collection contains the photograph archive and library of TransGender San Francisco/Educational TV Channel, with most
materials dating to the ETVC era. Materials have been arranged into four series: Photographs, Materials Created by ETVC, Reference
Materials, and Publications.
Background
TransGender San Francisco (TGSF) is a longstanding organization which provides peer support for transgender and gender nonconforming
people, as well as educating the public about trans issues. It was founded in 1982 as a safe meeting place for people who
identified as crossdressers or transvestites, which was reflected in its punning original name, Educational TV Channel. At
first, members met in various homes; later, they began holding more formal monthly restaurant socials and theme parties. The
group established its bylaws in 1983, and throughout the eighties it became increasingly organized – establishing a leadership
structure, a group for couples, a small library, and a publications wing which put out informational pamphlets. Membership
grew to over 400 during this time. In the nineties, the group continued to expand its mission, receiving nonprofit status
in 1994. ETVC changed its name to TransGender San Francisco in 1998 to reflect its ambition to serve the entire trans community.
Extent
6.25 linear feet (five cartons)
Restrictions
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.
Availability
Collection is open for research.