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Harry Hay Papers
GLC 44
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Table of contents
Title: Harry Hay Papers
Dates: 1885-2004 (bulk 1920-2002)
Collection Number: GLC 44
Creator/Collector:
Hay, Harry
Extent: 80 cubic feet (50 cartons + 33 oversized boxes)
Online items available
Repository:
San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
San Francisco, California 94102
Abstract: The collection documents the personal and professional interests of Harry Hay and his partner John Burnside. Of particular
note are the materials on the Mattachine Society, the Radical Faeries, anti-draft activities, berdache and Native American
culture, music, and California Kaleidoscopes. In addition, the series of writings and speeches includes work by Hay, Burnside
and Will Roscoe, among others.
Language of Material: English
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk
hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance. The Hay additions in boxes 67-80 are closed
to research until processed.
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.
Harry Hay Papers. San Francisco Public Library. James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
Donated by Harry Hay and his Estate in several accessions, 1998-2007.
Biography/Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
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.
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.
Burnside, John.
Hay, Harry--Archives.
Roscoe, Will.
Mattachine Society--History.