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Title: Susan Laird papers
Dates: Circa 1960s-2004 (bulk 1990s)
Collection Number: 2022-02
Creator/Collector:
Laird, Susan
Extent: 5.75 linear feet (five cartons)
Repository:
GLBT Historical Society
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: Material collected by Susan Laird related to TransGender San Francisco (TGSF), 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. 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 two series, Photographs and Publications.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research.
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.
[Identification of item]. Susan Laird papers. Collection Number: 2022-02. GLBT Historical Society
The collection was donated to the GLBT Historical Society by Susan Laird in September 2021, with additions in 2022.
Biography/Administrative History
Susan Laird is a trans woman; she was a member of ETVC/TGSF. 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 two series, Photographs 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, and fashion shows. Most photographs appear to depict transfeminine
people, but transmasculine/gender nonconforming members such as Francis Vavra are also shown. The Publications series contains
materials from the ETVC/TGSF library, including small publications collecting trans people’s stories and offering advice on
cross-dressing and transition.
Transgender people
Trans women
Trans men
Gender nonconformity
LGBTQ
San Francisco Bay Area (Calif.)