Desiree Scrapbooks, 1984-1991

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Creators:
Desiree
Abstract:
The scrapbooks contain photographs, newspaper clippings and flyers which document the events where drag queen Desiree performed or was mistress of ceremonies. Some events were simply celebrations. Others raised funds and awareness for such organizations as Shanti Project, Dignity / Metropolitan Community Church, the AIDS bill of rights, San Francisco General Hospital's Ward 5B, and a variety of AIDS-related organizations.
Extent:
2 Volumes (in 1 oversized box)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Desiree Scrapbooks (GLC 158), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

The scrapbooks contain photographs, newspaper clippings and flyers which document the events where Desiree performed or was mistress of ceremonies. Some events were simply celebrations. Others raised funds and awareness for such organizations as Shanti Project, Dignity / Metropolitan Community Church, the AIDS bill of rights, San Francisco General Hospital's Ward 5B, and a variety of AIDS-related organizations. There are some rehearsal photos and press clippings for the annual event "Men Behind Bars" for bartenders.

Biographical / historical:

David Sabado was born in Hawaii and came to the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 1980s. He started out as a male stripper but was best known to audiences as the popular Asian-American drag queen Desiree. She hosted a drag show every other week at Oakland's Bench and Bar. She was a member of Drag Queens for Democracy and NAP (the New Alliance Party). She was also the host for the Endup's regular Jock Strap Contest in the late 1980s. Her popularity was such that she performed and emceed at many different bars and clubs in San Francisco, including Kimo's, 'N Touch, Esta Noche, the Endup, and many others. There are flyers and a button for Desiree's campaign to become Queen of Hearts of San Francisco. There are also several photos of Desiree and other Imperial Court members beautifully attired as 18th century French nobility. Sabado's day job was at Wig America, then at Hansen-Fontana, a wig shop on Powell St.

Acquisition information:
Provenance unknown. Received before 1996.
Physical location:
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.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research and available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours. This collection must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Desiree Scrapbooks (GLC 158), LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
Website