Gerrits (Burt) Papers, 1975-1998

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Summary

Title:
Burt Gerrits papers
Dates:
1975-1998
Creators:
Gerrits, Burt
Abstract:
Extent:
1.95 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

Burt Gerrits papers . GLBT Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

Burt Gerrits (1923-2008) was born in South Dakota, and moved to the Bay Area in 1941. He served during WWII, Burt served in the Navy, and his recollections of Navy life as a gay man were included in historian Allan Bérubé’s book Coming Out Under Fire. Gerrits taught in public schools for 35 years, and was active in many LGBT organizations and events. The bulk of the Burt Gerrits papers consist of materials from three organizations in which Gerrits was active. The Gay Coalition on the Media came together in 1975 to press for fair treatment of gay issues in the various media. The Bay Area March on Washington Committee was formed in 1987 to provide local outreach, fundraising, transportation and publicity in response to the call for a Gay and Lesbian March on Washington. The Mobilization Against AIDS was organized in 1985 to press for increased government funding in the fight against AIDS, to oppose civil rights attacks and to educate the public. The collection also includes materials from many other organizations Gerrits was involved in, and events he participated in, including the Gay Academic Union, the 1984 March on Washington, the University of California Gay & Lesbian Alumni, BANGLE, the Gay Freedom Day Committee and the Pacific Center. The collection also includes Gerrits' World War II sailor pants and his father's World War I uniform. GSSO linked terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000374; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_005822; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_008536; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000521

Acquisition information:
Gift of Burt Gerrits, 1998-2004.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
1975-1998
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Preferred citation:

Burt Gerrits papers . GLBT Historical Society

Location of this collection:
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, CA 94103, US
Contact:
(415) 777-5455
reference@glbthistory.org
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