Legal papers, correspondence, meeting minutes, newsletters, pamphlets, publicity material, photographs, clippings, research material, financial records, manuscripts, handwritten notes, card catalogs, audiotape, ephemera and other material from philanthropist and (female-to-male) transgender/transsexual activist, Reed Erickson (1912-1992). Having built his wealth through oil investments and other entrepreneurial endeavors, Erickson founded the Erickson Educational Foundation (EEF) in 1964, a charitable foundation primarily created to support transgender, transsexual, and gender identity research and services. The bulk of this collection is related to the activities of the EEF, research material on gender identity, as well as Erickson's relationship with the gay and lesbian organization, ONE, Incorporated, which he supported financially for nearly twenty years. The collection also includes some material on Erickson's personal life, including material related to Erickson's children, his former wives, and his health- and drug-related complications in the last years of his life.

Reed Erickson was born in El Paso, Texas, on October 13, 1917. Initially named Rita Alma Erickson, Erickson assigned female at birth. Erickson spent most of his early life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating high school, Erickson attended Temple University. Erickson moved with his family to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, resulting in a transfer to Louisiana State University. Erickson moved back to Philadelphia after graduating from Louisiana State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. In the early 1950s, Erickson returned to Baton Rouge, working in his family's business before starting his own company making stadium seating, Southern Seating. In 1962, Erickson's father passed away, leaving him the family business, which he successfully ran until 1969 when he sold it for 5 million dollars.

5.6 Linear Feet 15 boxes.

Researchers wishing to publish material must obtain permission in writing from ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives as the physical owner of the material. Note that permission to publish does not constitute copyright clearance. ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives can grant copyright clearance only for those materials for which we hold copyright. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain copyright clearance for all other materials from the copyright holder(s).

The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.