Polly Taylor (1929-2016) was a lesbian activist who dedicated her life to social justice. Born into a Quaker family, she pursued careers as a psychological social worker and therapist in Buffalo, New York, and was involved in anti-draft and anti-Vietnam War efforts. Disillusioned with therapy work, she moved to San Francisco in the late 1970s. Taylor and Mickey Spencer launched Broomstick, a self-published radical feminist magazine for women over forty, which ran from 1978-1993. Despite health issues and a COPD diagnosis at age 65, Taylor remained an activist. She was the first out lesbian to secure low-income senior housing at Coleridge Senior Housing in San Francisco, paving the way for other lesbian activists. Taylor was an active member of many support and writing groups including OLOC (Old Lesbians Organizing Change) and a Lesbian Memoir writing group. Polly Taylor passed away on July 26, 2016. The collection includes oral histories, work as a psychiatric social worker and therapist, Broomstick magazine, correspondence, Taylor's published and unpublished writings, a large collection of photographs, and a t-shirt and a political button collection.

Polly Irene Taylor (1929-2016) was a lesbian activist for feminism, peace, and social justice. Born into a Quaker family in Haverford, Pennsylvania, she embodied the Quaker principles of peace, equality, and social justice throughout her life.

7 cartons, 2 manuscript boxes, 2 oversized flat boxes, and 2 oversized folders (11 cubic feet)

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