Finding aid to the Desiree Scrapbooks, 1984-1991 GLC 158

Finding aid prepared by Tim Wilson.
James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-557-4567
info@sfpl.org
2019


Title: Desiree Scrapbooks
Date (inclusive): 1984-1991
Identifier/Call Number: GLC 158
Creator: Desiree
Physical Description: 2 Volumes (in 1 oversized box)
Contributing Institution: James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-557-4567
info@sfpl.org
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.
Physical Location: The collection is stored onsite.
Language of Material: Collection materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center Photo Desk hours.

Conditions Governing Use

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.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Provenance unknown. Received before 1996.

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.

Scope and Contents

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.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Gay men--California--San Francisco.
Female impersonators--California--San Francisco.
Desiree--Archives.
Sabado, David.