Harry Hay Papers, 1885-2004 (bulk 1920-2002)

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Creators:: Hay, Harry
Abstract:
Extent:: 80 cubic feet (50 cartons + 33 oversized boxes)
Language:
Preferred citation:: Harry Hay Papers. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

Scope and content:: The collection is arranged in 13 series: Series 1. Personal and Biographical Materials; Series 2. Material Related to the Mattachine Society; Series 3. Materials Related to Radical Faeries; Series 4. Writings and Speeches; Series 5. General Correspondence with Hay; Series 6. Materials Related to Anti-Draft Activities; Series 7. California Kaleidoscopes; Series 8. Research and Note Files; Series 9. Articles and Clippings; Series 10. Flyers, Announcements, and Mass Mailers; Series 11. Photographs; Series 12. Books Annotated by Hay; Series 13. Periodicals.
Biographical / historical:: Harry Hay (1912-2002) was a political activist, labor advocate, and teacher. He was a founder of several homophile organizations: the Mattachine Society, the Circle of Loving Companions, and the Radical Faeries. Hay's interests also included anti-draft activities, the Communist Party, Native American culture and berdache (two-spirit people), and music. Hay's life partner John Burnside (1916-2008) was an inventor and a gay activist. Burnside invented the teleidoscope and the Symmetricon, and created the business California Kaleidoscopes, Inc. He was also a co-founder of the Circle of Loving Companions and the Radical Faeries.
Acquisition information:: Donated by Harry Hay and his Estate in several accessions, 1998-2007.

Subjects:: Communists--United States--Biography.
Gay activists--Biography.
Gay community--United States.
Gay liberation movement--United States--History--20th century.
Gay men--United States--Biography.
Gay men--United States--Social life and customs.
Labor leaders--Biography.
Radical Faeries (New Age movement).
Two-spirit people--United States--History.
Gay men--Sexuality.
Gay men--Spiritual life.
Names:: Mattachine Society--History.
Burnside, John.
Hay, Harry--Archives.
Roscoe, Will.

Restrictions:: Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit. The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours. The Hay additions in boxes 67-80 are closed to research until processed.
Terms of access:: Copyright and literary rights are held by The San Francisco Public Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist.

Preferred citation:: Harry Hay Papers. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

Location of this collection:: San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

San Francisco Public Library

100 Larkin Street

San Francisco, CA 94102, US