Finding aid of the Laud Humphreys Papers, 1951-1988
Coll2007-012
Loni Shibuyama
ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California
909 West Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90007
(213) 821-2771
askone@usc.edu
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California
Title: Laud Humphreys papers
creator:
Humphreys, Laud
Identifier/Call Number: Coll2007-012
Physical Description:
6.6 Linear Feet
14 archive cartons, 1 archive flat box
Date (inclusive): 1951-1988
Date (bulk): bulk
Abstract: Drafts, correspondence, journal articles, notes, newspaper clippings, surveys, legal documents, memoranda, transcripts, speeches,
course curricula, subject files, ephemera, photos, and an audiocassette tape created or collected by sociologist and Episcopalian
priest, Laud Humphreys, who is best known for his book,
Tearoom Trade: Impersonal Sex in Public Places--the first publication to examine the social and sexual behaviors of men who perform sex acts with other men in public restrooms.
The majority of the collection consists of manuscripts, correspondence, lecture material, surveys, journal articles and newspaper
clippings relating to Humphreys' career--from his doctoral work in 1968 until his death in 1988--and research in the field
of sociology and, more specifically, homosexuality and criminology. The collection also contains personal papers including
correspondence, documents and clippings related to his experience as an Episcopalian priest from 1955 to 1965, an altercation
with a professor at Washington University in 1968, and his trial and subsequent imprisonment for an antiwar demonstration
in Illinois in 1970.
Access
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.
Publication Rights
Researchers wishing to publish materials must obtain permission in writing from ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives as the
physical owner. Researchers must also obtain clearance from the holder(s) of any copyrights in the materials. Note that ONE
National Gay and Lesbian Archives can grant copyright clearance only for those materials for which we hold the copyright.
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain copyright clearance for all other materials directly from the copyright
holder(s).
Preferred Citation
Laud Humphreys papers, Coll2007-012, ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives, Los Angeles, California.
Acquisition Information
Donor and date of gift unknown.
Processing Information
Formerly boxes 103-146 and 103-097; ONE subject files. Collection processed by Loni Shibuyama, September 10, 2007.
Processing this collection has been funded by a generous grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.
Additional materials added by Kyle Morgan, 2015.
Biography
Born on October 16, 1930 in Oklahoma, Robert Allan (Laud) Humphreys is a pioneer researcher in the study of homosexual behavior,
combining academic study with political activism.
Humphreys graduated from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois in 1955. He took the name of "Laud" from
William Laud, a seventeenth-century Archbishop of Canterbury, and as "Laud" was ordained an Episcopalian priest. In 1960,
Humphreys married Nancy Wallace. In 1965, Humphreys undertook graduate work in sociology at Washington University in St. Louis.
His doctoral dissertation on male-male sex in St. Louis-area public restrooms--known in gay slang as "tearooms"--was published
as
Tearoom Trade: Impersonal Sex in Public Places to much controversy in 1970. The book won the C. Wright Mills Award of the Society for the Study of Social Problems but was
frequently denounced as covert research and condemned for its invasion of the privacy of those having sex in a public place.
Humphreys moved on to teach at Southern Illinois University. On May 5, 1970, he led an antiwar demonstration that invaded
a draft board office, where he destroyed a picture of President Richard Nixon. He was subsequently convicted of destroying
government property. He served three months of a one-year prison sentence in the summer of 1972. While in jail, he was hired
by Pitzer College, one of the Claremont Colleges in Southern California, where he became a full professor of sociology in
1975. In 1972, Humphreys published
Out of the Closets: The Sociology of Homosexual Liberation, one of the first scholarly accounts of the emerging gay liberation movement. In 1980 Humphreys left his wife and two children
to live with his protégé, Brian Miller. Also in 1980, Humphreys earned California certification as a psychotherapist and established
a private counseling practice. In his final years, he served as a consultant to police forces and frequently provided expert
testimony in court cases. He also retained his position at Pitzer College. Humphreys died from complications of lung cancer
on August 23, 1988 in Sherman Oaks, California.
Source: Stephen O. Murray, "Humphreys, Laud (1930-1988),"
An Encyclopedia of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer Culture, http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/humphreys_l.html, last accessed June 20, 2007.
Scope and Content of Collection
Drafts, correspondence, journal articles, notes, newspaper clippings, surveys, legal documents, memoranda, transcripts, speeches,
course curricula, subject files, ephemera, photos, and an audiocassette tape created or collected by sociologist and Episcopalian
priest, Laud Humphreys, who is best known for his book,
Tearoom Trade: Impersonal Sex in Public Places--the first publication to examine the social and sexual behaviors of men who perform sex acts with other men in public restrooms.
The majority of the collection consists of manuscripts, correspondence, lecture material, surveys, journal articles and newspaper
clippings relating to Humphreys' career--from his doctoral work in 1968 until his death in 1988--and research in the field
of sociology and, more specifically, homosexuality and criminology. The collection is divided into four series: (1) Research,
(2) Teaching and Administration, (3) Professional Activities, and (4) Personal.
The first series, Research, compiles material related to research that Humphreys has conducted throughout his career. This
series is divided into (1) Writings, (2) Subject Files, and (3) Reference Materials. The bulk of the Writings subseries contains
manuscripts and notes for Humphreys' published and unpublished material. This includes manuscripts for
Tearoom Trade, Sex & Righteousness and other articles, including an interview with Evelyn Hooker. The Subject Files comprise mostly newspaper clippings and
journal articles related to homosexuality. The Reference Materials include surveys, interview transcripts and legal papers
used in Humphreys' research.
The second series, Teaching and Administration, consists of student papers, lectures, notes, memoranda and course administration
documents related to Humphreys' work teaching sociology courses at Southern Illinois University (1968-1970), State University
of New York at Albany (1970-1972) and Pitzer College (1972-1986).
The third series, Professional Activities, includes peer reviews, speeches, memoranda, minutes, flyers, newsletters and clippings
related to Humphreys' activities outside of the university. This includes consultations and presentations at professional
conferences, such as the Society for the Study of Social Problems. This series also includes documents related to his professional
involvement in such organizations as Alternative Lifestyles and the National Committee for Sexual Civil Liberties.
The fourth and final series, Personal, contains personal papers, including correspondence, documents and clippings related
to his experience as an Episcopalian priest from 1955 to 1965, an altercation with a professor at Washington University in
1968, and his trial and subsequent imprisonment for an antiwar demonstration in Illinois in 1970.
Separated to the ONE periodical collection
Chicago Gay Alliance, v.1, no.7 (May 1971).
MANDRAKE Society of Greater Saint Louis, v.1, no.1 (March 1970).
Southern California Physicians for Human Rights (February 1982).
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Homosexuality -- Psychological aspects
Homosexuality -- Religious aspects
Homosexuality -- Research
Homosexuality -- Social aspects
Gay activists -- California -- Los Angeles
Gay liberation movement -- United States -- History
Homosexuality and education
Sociology
Sociology -- Methodology
Humphreys, Laud
Hooker, Evelyn Caldwell
Humphreys, Laud
Miller, Brian James
Research Series 1.
1966-1988
Physical Description: 3.6 Linear Feet
Series Scope and Content
This series contains publications, typescripts, correspondence, notes, surveys, transcripts, legal papers, subject files,
news clippings, and an audiocassette tape compiled throughout Humphreys' career and related to research he has conducted in
sociology, criminology, homosexuality and health-related issues. The series is divided into three subseries: (1) Writings,
(2) Subject Files and (3) Reference Materials.
Writings Subseries 1.1.
1965-1988
Physical Description: 1.6 Linear Feet
Subseries Scope and Content
This subseries consists of typescripts, notes, publications, and newspaper clippings related to Humphreys' published and unpublished
works. This includes the manuscripts and notes to his published book, Tearoom Trade, as well as his unpublished third book,
Sex and Righteousness, (which has also been referred to as Immoral Crusaders.) Also included are several newspaper and journal
articles written by and about Humphreys, such as Humphreys' interview with Evelyn Hooker (see "Journal Articles" folder).
Sex & Righteousness
c. 1970 - 1988
Box 1, Folder 1-2
Manuscript
c. 1970 - 1988
Box 1, Folder 3
General notes
c. 1970 - 1988
Box 1, Folder 4
"Introduction - Moral Crusaders"
c. 1970 - 1988
Box 1, Folder 5
"Crusaders with Clay Feet"
c. 1970 - 1988
Box 1, Folder 6
"Sex, Celibacy and Right-Wing Politics"
c. 1970 - 1988
Box 1, Folder 7
"The Impersonality of Public Sex"
c. 1970 - 1988
Box 1, Folder 8
"The Bible on the Table…And Footsie Under It"
c. 1970 - 1988
Box 1, Folder 9
"Secrets in the Sacristy"
c. 1970 - 1988
Box 2, Folder 1
"Righteous Killers"
c. 1970 - 1988
Box 2, Folder 2
"Ayatollahs on the Left and Right"
c. 1970 - 1988
Box 12, Folder 1
"Moral Crusaders" clippings
1963 - 1988
Physical Description: [1 oversize folder]
Tearoom Trade
1967 - 1982
Box 14, Folder 9-11
Manuscripts and drafts
1970-1974, undated
Box 14, Folder 12
Aldine administrative and editorial records
1967-1982
Box 2, Folder 3
General notes
1967 - 1970
Box 13, Folder 5
Article reprints
circa 1970-1975
Box 13, Folder 6
Research material
circa 1968
Other publications by Laud Humphreys
1965 - 1983
Box 2, Folder 4
Journal articles by Laud Humphreys
1970 - 1979
Box 2, Folder 6
Letters to the editor
1978 - 1979
Box 2, Folder 7
Co-authored articles
1980 - 1982
Box 11, Folder 8
"An Assessment: How Sociology Values Studying Homosexuality"
August 1979
Scope and Contents
A working paper prepared for the Task Force on Homosexuality and the Profession.
Box 11, Folder 9
"Being Odd--Against All Odds"
1978
Box 11, Folder 10
"The County Jail: Feasible Reform"
August 1972
Scope and Contents
A special report with recommendations for change at the Albany County, New York Jail, written with Martin D. Schwartz.
Box 11, Folder 11
"Freeze-Dried Sigma: Cybernetics and Social Control"
1979, undated
Scope and Contents
Written with Glenn A. Goodwin.
Box 15, Folder 4
"Homosexuality and Crime," article and administrative records
1982-1983
Scope and Contents
Written with Anthony Russo for inclusion in
Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice.
Box 13, Folder 1
"Identities in the Emerging Gay Culture"
1977-1980
Scope and Contents
A chapter written for Judd Marmor's book
Homosexual Behavior.
Box 13, Folder 4
"Keeping in Touch: Maintaining Contact with Stigmatized Subjects"
1979
Scope and Contents
Written with Brian Miller.
Box 13, Folder 2
"Male Homosexuality in England and the United States"
August 1965
Box 13, Folder 3
"Misogyny as the Source of Homophobia"
1979
Box 15, Folder 2
Out of the Closets, Prentice-Hall administrative records
1970-1973
Box 2, Folder 8
Miscellaneous manuscripts
1966 - 1967
Box 2, Folder 9 - 10
Reviews and articles about Laud Humphreys
c. 1968 - 1988
Subject Files Subseries 1.2.
1966-1987
Physical Description: 1.3 Linear Feet
Subseries Scope and Content
This subseries includes newspaper and journal articles compiled by Humphreys and related to topics that include AIDS, gay
victimization and violence, and male prostitution.
Box 2, Folder 12
Ethics of Research Dispute
1979-1980
Box 14, Folder 3
Gay Activist Alliance
1973-1974
Box 14, Folder 4
Gay Liberation Front
1971
Box 15, Folder 3
Gay Rights and Legislation
1970-1972
Box 3, Folder 1 - 5
Gay Victimization and Violence
c. 1966 - 1988
Box 3, Folder 6 - 7
Homophobia
c. 1966 - 1988
Box 15, Folder 1
"Human Rights Law," Washington, D.C.
1971-1975
Box 12, Folder 2 - 3
Male Prostitution (Hustlers) [OS]
1966-1987
Box 3, Folder 8
The Vatican and Homosexuality
c. 1966 - 1988
Box 4, Folder 1 - 2
Miscellaneous Journal Articles & Newspaper Clippings
c. 1966 - 1988
Reference Materials Subseries 1.3.
1966-1987
Physical Description: 0.7 Linear Feet
Subseries Scope and Content
This subseries consists of correspondence as well as surveys and studies related to health, crime, and homosexuality. It also
includes interview transcripts and court case documents.
Studies and Surveys
1966 - 1987
Box 4, Folder 3
Criminal Population Hopper
1966 - 1969
Box 4, Folder 4
Forensic Psychologists
1980 - 1987
Box 4, Folder 5
Gay Relationships Survey
1979 - 1980
Box 4, Folder 6
Hepatitis B Gay Male Vaccine Study
1984
Box 4, Folder 7
Homicide Study Sampling
1968 - 1980
Box 4, Folder 8 - 9
Study of Lesbians & Gay Men in Pre-Professional Training
1979 - 1980
Box 5, Folder 1
Systematic Observation Sheet
1967
Box 5, Folder 2 - 5
Preliminary Hearing Transcripts
1982
Box 5, Folder 6
California v. Michael Miller Discovery Motion
1986
Teaching and Administration Series 2.
1968-1988
Physical Description: 0.6 Linear Feet
Series Scope and Content
This series consists of student papers, lectures, notes, memoranda and course administration documents related to Humphreys'
work teaching sociology courses at Southern Illinois University (1968 - 1970), State University of New York at Albany (1970
- 1972) and Pitzer College (1972 - 1986).
Course Administration
1966 - 1988
Box 6, Folder 1
Southern Illinois University Employment
1968 - 1970
Box 6, Folder 2
Credit Union Managers Course
1976 - 1980
Box 6, Folder 3
Claremont Graduate School Criminal Justice Program
1979 - 1983
Box 6, Folder 4
Dr. Joseph Harry Faculty Appointment Papers
1974 - 1979
Box 6, Folder 5
Graduate School Recommendations
1984 - 1985
Box 6, Folder 6
Pitzer College Course Schedule
1987 - 1988
Box 6, Folder 7
Crime in Mass Society Course
1966 - 1986
Box 6, Folder 8
Occupations & Subcultures Course
1976 - 1988
Box 6, Folder 9
Crime and Criminal Justice Course
1985 - 1986
Box 6, Folder 10 - 11
Sociology of Sexual Interaction Course
1987
Box 14, Folder 1
The Sociology of Homosexuality Colloquium
1970
Box 6, Folder 12
Miscellaneous Course Administration and Memoranda
1985 - 1987
Student Papers
1969 - 1988
Box 6, Folder 13
Occupations & Subcultures Student Papers
1976 - 1988
Box 7, Folder 1
Occupations & Subcultures Student Papers
1976 - 1988
Box 7, Folder 3
Chris Macauley's Dissertation
Undated
Box 7, Folder 4
Mason Sommers' Dissertation
1982
Box 7, Folder 5
Miscellaneous Student Papers
1969 - 1978
Professional Activities Series 3.
1967-1987
Physical Description: 0.8 Linear Feet
Series Scope and Content
This series consists of peer reviews, speeches, memoranda, minutes, flyers, newsletters and clippings related to Humphreys'
professional activities. Included in this series are presentations and consultations he conducted as well as his involvement
on committees and boards of directors for such professional associations as the International Academy of Sex Research and
the National Committee for Sexual Civil Liberties.
Box 7, Folder 6
Patrick Biernacki: Addicts & Snowball Sampling
1979
Box 7, Folder 7
Brian Casey Study
Undated
Box 12, Folder 4
Gerald P. Jones Papers [OS]
1978 - 1981
Box 7, Folder 8
Mary R. Laner Papers
1979
Box 7, Folder 9
J. Robert Lilly Papers
1977 - 1980
Box 7, Folder 10
Charles H. McCaghy Papers
1979 - 1983
Box 8, Folder 1
David P. McWhirter & Andrew M. Mattison Papers
1978
Box 12, Folder 5 - 6
Stephen O. Murray Papers [OS]
1978 - 1984
Box 8, Folder 3
Richard P. Smith Paper
Undated
Box 8, Folder 4 - 5
Miscellaneous Peer Reviews
1973 - 1987
Conference Presentations, Speeches & Consultation
1969 - 1984
Box 12, Folder 7
Predicting the Unpredictable Presentation [OS]
1974
Box 8, Folder 6
University of Oklahoma Speech
1980 - 1981
Box 8, Folder 7
Psychological Rape Film Consultation
1983
Box 14, Folder 2
Sociology papers and other writings
1971, undated
Scope and Contents
Includes papers by Harold Nelson and Roger O'Toole.
Box 8, Folder 8
Miscellaneous Academic Presentations
1969 - 1984
Committees, Boards and Professional Associations
1967 - 1987
Box 8, Folder 9
Alternative Lifestyles
1977 - 1983
Box 8, Folder 10
Gay Academic Union
1978 - 1983
Box 8, Folder 11
International Academy of Sex Research
1981 - 1987
Box 12, Folder 8
National Committee for Sexual Civil Liberties [OS]
1979 - 1980
Box 8, Folder 12
P.L.E.A. - Incest Survivors
1987
Box 8, Folder 13
Society for the Study of Social Problems
1967 - 1982
Personal Series 4.
1951-1988
Physical Description: 1.6 Linear Feet
Series Scope and Content
This series consists of correspondence, ephemera, legal papers, newspaper clippings, vitae, manuscripts and photographs from
Humphreys' personal files. Material in this series relates to his political activism, experience as an Episcopalian priest,
altercation with a Washington University professor, trial and subsequent imprisonment for leading an antiwar demonstration.
Also included are biographical material and miscellaneous personal papers.
Correspondence
1951 - 1988
Political Activism
1975 - 1985
Box 10, Folder 3
"CBS Reports: Gay Power, Gay Politics"
1980
Box 10, Folder 4
Los Angeles Black & White Men Together
1981 - 1984
Box 10, Folder 7
Newspaper Clippings
1975 - 1983
Box 10, Folder 8
Biographical Material and Vitae
1952 - 1987
Box 10, Folder 9
Trinity Episcopal Church
1955 - 1965
Box 11, Folder 1 - 2
Washington University Incident
1968
Box 13, Folder 9-11
Washington University student notebooks
1965-1967
Box 12, Folder 9
United States v. Robert Allan Laud Humphreys Trial & Appeal [OS]
1970 - 1972
Box 11, Folder 5
Personal Papers
1952 - 1987
Box 13, Folder 12
Photographs
undated
Physical Description: [2 photographic prints]
Scope and Contents
One image of a New York pride parade and one image of Humphreys with Brian Wilson.