Descriptive Summary
Access
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Acquisition Information
Biography/Administrative History
Scope and Content of Collection
Indexing Terms
Additional collection guides
Descriptive Summary
Title: Susan Laird papers
Dates: 1961-2004 (bulk 1990s)
Collection Number: 2022-02
Creator/Collector:
Laird, Susan
Extent: 6.25 linear feet (five cartons)
Repository:
GLBT Historical Society
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: 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.
Language of Material: English
Access
Collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
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
[Identification of item]. Susan Laird papers. Collection Number: 2022-02. GLBT Historical Society
Acquisition Information
The collection was donated to the GLBT Historical Society by Susan Laird in September 2021, with additions in 2022.
Biography/Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
The 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. The Photographs series depicts club events, ranging from ordinary meetings to elaborate theme
parties, yearly cotillions (including the annual crowning of Mr. and Miss ETVC), participation in conventions, parades, and
fashion shows. Most photographs appear to depict transfeminine people, but transmasculine people such as Lou Sullivan and
Francis Vavra are also shown. The Materials Created by ETVC series is small, and contains cotillion programs, logos, and receipts.
The Reference Materials series contains articles from the ETVC/TGSF library, including scrapbooks and folders of news clippings
on crossdressing and transgender topics. The Publications series continues the ETVC/TGSF library, and comprises small publications
collecting trans people’s stories and offering advice on cross-dressing and transition.
Indexing Terms
Transgender people
Trans women
Trans men
Gender nonconformity
LGBTQ
San Francisco Bay Area (Calif.)
Additional collection guides