This collection contains records of the ancestry, emergence, and activities of the organization, COLAGE from 1982 to 2000. The bulk of the collection is from 1990 to 1996. The content of the collection focuses on the organization's newsletters, annual conferences, and advocacy work on issues related to custody and adoption rights of gay and lesbian parents. The collection includes newsletters, conference and other events papers, membership surveys, member manuscripts, issues papers including court case transcripts, and operational papers documenting the evolution of the organization.

COLAGE (Children Of Lesbians And Gays Everywhere) emerged in 1990, from within a larger organization of gay and lesbian parents (GLPCI). GLPCI was originally (1982) called Gay Fathers Coalition, but the group changed its name to Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International (GLPCI) in 1987. Among other activities, GLPCI held annual conferences around the country that provided a forum for gay and lesbian parents (and their children) to meet and discuss issues and challenges of being a gay or lesbian parent as well as being the child of a gay and/or lesbian parent. At the 1989 annual conference, several of the children made the parents aware that they had issues that were not being addressed. They made the request to organize and set the agenda for the youth activities at annual conferences. The parents agreed and the group, Just For Us (JFU), led by Hope Berry and Emily Gmerek, was formed. Just For Us created a self-titled newsletter that was made up of the writings and artwork of its members. By 1993, Just For Us was conducting mid-year steering committee meetings, developing a mission statement, connecting children with resources and support services, as well as organizing the annual youth conference (held at the same time and place as the GLPCI annual conferences). It was at this time that Just For Us also decided to change its name to COLAGE. The organization established a national headquarters in San Francisco in 1995. Stefan Lynch, formerly the newsletter editor, stepped into the role of director as a volunteer. In 1997, Felicia Park-Rogers was the first hired director. It is beyond the scope of this collection, but COLAGE organized as a distinct 501(c)3 in 1999. As of 2008, COLAGE includes members of all ages, and continues to work to support children of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender parents.

1.67 linear feet 1 Carton + 1 Manuscript box

Copyright to unpublished manuscript materials has been transferred to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society.

Collection open for research.