Finding aid to the J. J. Belanger papers
Coll2011-035
Kyle Morgan
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: J. J. Belanger papers
creator:
Belanger, J. J. (Joseph John Bertrund)
Identifier/Call Number: Coll2011-035
Physical Description:
6 Linear Feet
4 archive boxes, 2 clamshell boxes
Date (inclusive): 1937-1994
Abstract: The papers comprise the subject files; audiotapes and photography; and correspondence, notes and other personal records of
Joseph John Bertrund Belanger, known as J. J. Belanger, 1937-1994. Belanger was a military serviceman in the 1940s and 1950s,
member and officer in the Mattachine Society in the 1950s and 1960s, a volunteer in numerous causes in the 1970s and 1980s,
and a collector of LGBT history, especially of AIDS-related materials of the mid-to-late 1980s.
Arrangement
The files are arranged in the following series:
Series 1. Personal papers, 1937-1992
Series 2. Subject files, 1952-1994
Series 3. Audiotapes and photographs, 1942-1990
Scope and Contents
The collection comprises the personal papers, subject files, audiotapes, and photography of J. J. Belanger, 1937-1994. The
personal papers consists of correspondence, notes, military records, reference material, and other personal material covering
Belanger's life from 1937-1990.
The subject files contain clippings, promotional materials, research articles, pamphlets and flyers, legal records, meeting
minutes, newsletters, and other like materials documenting non-AIDS-related institutions which Belanger was involved with
as well as AIDS-related material collected by Belanger. Of special note in these files is the Mattachine Society address book
maintained by Belanger in 1958 as the society's Director of Public Relations.
The open-reel audiotapes and photographic prints were created and/or collected by J. J. Belanger, 1942-1990. Of special note
are the military era photographs from 1942-1960, documenting Belanger, his friends, and fellow service men.
Biography
Joseph John Bertrund Belanger was born February 19, 1925, in Edmonton, Canada. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from
1942 to 1944 where he was awarded a Defense Medal, Canadian Voluntary Service Medal, and War Medal for his World War II service.
He worked odd jobs in Vancouver and Calgary until 1954 when he joined the United States Air Force. He served for five years,
earning the Aviation Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Outstanding Airman of the 26th Air Refueling Squadron, numerous other commendations,
and a promotion.
Belanger became a member of the Mattachine Society in the early 1950s, but resigned in 1953 after an incident with police
threatened to bring negative publicity to the organization. However, Belanger maintained contact with Hal Call and in 1958
became the Mattachine Society's Director of Public Relations. In 1959 he was voted out of the post, but still remained a member
of the society.
Since the 1950s Belanger has lived in either San Francisco and Los Angeles, although the particulars of his life are documented
only sporadically. He was the Los Angeles coordinator of the Eulenspiegel Society in the 1970s. In the 1980s he was politically
involved with the San Francisco chapter of the Stonewall Gay Democratic Club, where he ran and lost a bid for treasurer in
1988. Also in the 1980s he volunteered for Project Inform and was a member of the Quarantine Fighter’s Group. Belanger was
also a devoted collector of LGBT history, especially of AIDS-related materials of the mid-to-late 1980s.
(The Mattachine years were referenced from James T. Sears'
Behind the Mask of the Mattachine, Harrington Park Press, 2006.)
Processing Information
Processing this collection has been funded by a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The collection has been culled from boxes A248, 103-12, 103-17, 103-59, 103-81, 103-119, 103-127, 103-135, 103-193, 103-254,
103-283, 103-293, 103-294, 103-334, 104-35, 104-96, 104-130.
Because the subject file materials of this collection overlap the content of the ONE Subject Files collection, only a sample
of these materials have been retained in this collection. Because the AIDS-related files comprised the largest volume of the
single-topic material, these materials as well as materials from organizations in which Belanger was actively involved were
retained. These materials will provide a consolidated resource of these topics as well as an example of the distinctive annotation
style of J. J. Belanger. See the Separated Materials note for a list of the subject files that were separated for integration
into the ONE Subject Files collection.
Collection processed by Amanda Meyncke and Kyle Morgan, September 2011.
Access
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.
Publication Rights
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).
Separated Materials
The following records have been deaccessioned: 1) personal files unrelated to any LGBT activism or history; 2) personal files
other than J. J. Belanger's; 3) non-LGBT-related subject files; 4) non-LGBT-related mass mailings; and 5) duplicate material.
Most LGBT-related clippings, mass mailings, and promotional material have been integrated into the ONE Subject Files.
Deaccessioned publications include:
Ellis, Dr. Albert, and Dr. Albert Abarbanel.
The Encyclopedia of Sexual Behavior. Jason Aronson, Inc.: New York, 1973.
Wolman, Benjamin B. (ed.)
. Handbook of General Psychology. Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1973.
San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Day Parade and Celebration program, June 26, 1988.
Periodicals integrated into the ONE periodical collection include unannotated issues of:
Dialogue, volume 1, number 1 (1964).
Frontier Athletic Club Bulletin/Newsletter and the Frontier Athletic Club's
The Mighty, c1959-1968 (assorted issues).
Gay, volume 1, numbers 11, 12; volume 2, number 1.
Horseshit: The Offensive Review, number 3 (1968).
PRIDE, Personal Rights through Defense and Education, volume 1, number 1 (May 1956).
San Francisco Bay Guardian, volume 21, number 26 (1987).
Assorted unannotated AIDS-related newsletters, 1986-1989, including
Minnesota AIDS Project, PWA Voice, Stonewall News, D.A.I.R. Update, ACT UP San Francisco, NAPWA News, Healing AIDS, PI Perspective,
ATIN, BETA,
and the
Exchange.
Preferred Citation
Box #, folder #, J. J. Belanger papers, Coll2011.035, ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, Los Angeles, California
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Gays in the military
AIDS (Disease)
Belanger, J. J. (Joseph John Bertrund)
Personal papers Series 1.
1937-1992
Physical Description: 0.7 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents
The papers comprise the calendars, correspondence, notes, clippings, bulk mailings, leases, court records, erotic short stories,
receipts, and samples of assorted reference material of J. J. Belanger, 1937-1992. The papers include content related to
his military service, friends and relatives, activities and interests, and notable aspects of his housing history. The papers
also provide examples of his unique annotation and writing style.
Arrangement
The papers are arranged in alphabetical order.
Box 1, Folder 1
Calendars
1971-1992
Scope and Contents
Comprises annotated calendars and date planners for 1971, 1986-1988, and 1991-1992.
Box 1, Folder 29
Card catalog, personal
undated
Box 1, Folder 2-5
Correspondence and notes
1937-1992
Physical Description: [4 folders]
Scope and Contents
Includes correspondence from Michael Hughes and "MHH" as well as three letters of an unknown language (1939-1941). Note that
not all letters were written to J.J. Belanger.
Box 1, Folder 6-7
Erotography
undated
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Scope and Contents
Contains unattributed erotic fiction stories.
Box 1, Folder 8
Involvements and interests
1978-1983
Scope and Contents
Includes records of subscriptions, memberships, donations, events and entertainment attended, travel groups, purchases, and
insurance.
Box 1, Folder 9-10
Rich McKirkeby correspondence and submissions
1986-1990
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Scope and Contents
Contains correspondence, notes and submissions from Rich McKirkeby to J.J. Belanger. Includes 6 photographs.
Box 1, Folder 11-14
Military service records
1944-1959
Physical Description: [4 folders]
Scope and Contents
Includes documentation of service history, awards, commendations, and personal actions.
Box 1, Folder 15
Property: Edna Roma, William Christopher, and Don Slater
1965-1973, undated
Scope and Contents
Contains records regarding financial and ownership issues of concerning 3358 Hamilton Way, Los Angeles CA, 90026. Includes
9 photographs.
Box 1, Folder 16
Personal records, notes, receipts, etc.
1940-1983
Scope and Contents
Includes intermediate school diploma, passport and certificate of birth.
Box 1, Folder 17-18
Reference material and notes, sample
1949-1992
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Scope and Contents
Contains a sample of personal notes as well as annotated articles, clippings, mass mailings, legal summaries, contacts, receipts,
reports, correspondence, local services fliers, basic calendars, a San Francisco map, a psychiatric article from 1949, and
an Otis employment test.
Box 1, Folder 19
Rental records
1986-1992
Scope and Contents
Comprises records of a program to house those with AIDS at the Ambassador Hotel. Includes 6 photographs of unknown objects.
Box 4, Folder 31
Scrapbook
1943-1981
Scope and Contents
Primarily materials regarding Belanger's military service from 1956-1960, including 5 black-and-white photographs. Also includes
his 1943 identity card for the Royal Air Force.
Subject files Series 2.
1952-1994
Physical Description: 3.2 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents
The records consist of a sample of subject files maintained by J. J. Belanger, 1952-1994. The records include clippings, correspondence,
press releases and other promotional materials, research articles, pamphlets and flyers, legal records, meeting minutes, newsletters,
and other like materials.
The LGBT organizations files document institutions which Belanger was involved with: The Eulenspiegel Society, Gay Caucus,
Mattachine Society, and Stonewall Democratic Club. Of special note in this section is the Mattachine address book maintained
by Belanger in 1958 as the Director of Public Relations.
The AIDS-related subject files include people, organization, event, research, treatment, pharmaceutical, general topic and
reference documents collected by Belanger, the bulk from 1985-1992. Those institutions which Belanger was directly involved,
such as Project Inform and Mankind Research Foundation, contain the most in-depth coverage.
Arrangement
The records are arranged in the following order: 1) General: LGBT organizations; 2) AIDS: people, organizations, and events;
3) AIDS: research, treatment, and pharmaceuticals; and 4) AIDS: topics and general reference. Each section's files are arranged
in alphabetical order.
General: LGBT organizations Subseries 2.1.
1952-1992
Box 1, Folder 20
Eulenspiegel Society
1971-1978
Box 1, Folder 21-22
Gay Caucus
1975-1977
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 1, Folder 23-25
Mattachine Society
1952-1965, 1979, undated
Physical Description: [3 folders]
Scope and Contents
Includes foundational documents, notes, reports, articles, and other materials including an interview outline for sexual inversion
by Elver Barker and an address book maintained by Belanger in 1958 as the Director of Public Relations.
Box 1, Folder 26-28
Stonewall Democratic Club
1978-1992
Physical Description: [3 folders]
Box 2, Folder 1-2
Stonewall Democratic Club, newsletters and Gerry F. Parker records
1975-1989
Physical Description: [2 folders]
AIDS: people, organizations, and events Subseries 2.2.
1979-1993
Box 2, Folder 3-4
AIDS Foundation, directories
1985-1988
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 2, Folder 5
AIDS Initiative Campaign
1987-1988
Box 2, Folder 6
AIDS Treatment News
1987-1988
Box 2, Folder 7
American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR)
1987
Box 2, Folder 8
California local health officers, papers
1987
Box 2, Folder 9
Centers for Disease Control
1986-1987
Box 2, Folder 10
Citizen Committee Opposing Quarantine
1986-1987
Box 2, Folder 11-12
Community Research Alliance
1985-1991
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 2, Folder 13
Community Research Initiative
1986-1990
Scope and Contents
Includes People with AIDS materials.
Box 2, Folder 14-16
Conferences and meetings, general
1985-1990
Physical Description: [3 folders]
Box 2, Folder 18
Demonstrations and protests, general
1987-1992
Box 2, Folder 19
Documentation of AIDS Issues and Research (DAIR)
1985-1987
Box 2, Folder 22
Ham, Hotline for Homophiles
1985-1988
Box 2, Folder 24
International Gay Association
1985-1991
Box 2, Folder 25
Lobby for Individuals Freedom and Equality (LIFE)
1987
Box 2, Folder 26-27
Mankind Research Foundation
1979, 1988
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 2, Folder 28
March on Washington
1987-1992
Box 2, Folder 29
Mobilization against AIDS
1985-1987
Box 2, Folder 31
National Lawyers Guild (NLG)
1984-1987
Box 2, Folder 32
Organizations, general
1984-1987
Box 2, Folder 33-36
People with AIDS (PWA)
1985-1989
Physical Description: [4 folders]
Scope and Contents
Includes Committee Research Initiative, New York City materials.
Box 2, Folder 37
Positive Action
1987-1992
Box 2, Folder 38
Profit Strategy Letter
1987
Box 3, Folder 1-2
Project Inform
1985-1991
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 3, Folder 3
Stop AIDS Foundation
1988-1990
Box 3, Folder 4
Stop AIDS Project
1985-1987
Box 3, Folder 5
Surgeon General C. Everett Koop
1987-1988
AIDS: research, treatment, and pharmaceuticals Subseries 2.3.
1981-1992
Box 3, Folder 6
AIDS and other manifestations of HIV infection, manuscript
undated
Box 3, Folder 7
AL-721 (active lipid)
1987-1988
Box 3, Folder 8-10
Alternative therapies
1984-1989
Physical Description: [3 folders]
Box 3, Folder 12
Dextran Sulphate
1987-1989
Box 3, Folder 13
Drug buyers club and physician lists
1988
Box 3, Folder 14-15
General pharmaceuticals
1981-1992
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 3, Folder 16
Genetic sciences
1986-1991
Box 3, Folder 17
Immune system boosters
1987
Box 3, Folder 18
Medical records
1986-1989
Box 3, Folder 20-21
Psychological issues
1987-1988
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 3, Folder 22
Psychosomatic and holistic therapies
1987
Box 3, Folder 23-24
Research and treatment
1987-1992
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 3, Folder 27-32
Treatment
1986-1991
Physical Description: [6 folders]
AIDS: topics and general reference Subseries 2.4.
1967, 1979-1994
Box 3, Folder 35
Conspiracy theories
1987-1992
Box 3, Folder 36-38
Education
1979-1991
Physical Description: [3 folders]
Box 4, Folder 3-4
Fundraising
1985-1990
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 4, Folder 5-6
General reference, photocopies
1986-1990
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 4, Folder 7
Government reports
1986-1987
Box 4, Folder 10
Legal,
Living with AIDS, manuscript
1988
Box 4, Folder 11
Legal, ninth amendment
1990
Box 4, Folder 12-13
Legislation
1986-1990
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 4, Folder 14
Medicare and medical
1986-1987
Box 4, Folder 16-17
News and opinion pieces
1984-1994
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 4, Folder 18-19
Politics
1984-1990
Physical Description: [2 folders]
Box 4, Folder 22
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)
1985-1989
Box 4, Folder 24-28
Social services
1985-1992
Physical Description: [5 folders]
Box 4, Folder 30
Women, babies, IV drug users and bisexuals
1987
Audiotapes and photographs Series 3.
1942-1990
Belanger (J.J) photographs, sample
Physical Description: 2.1 Linear Feet
Scope and Contents
The series consists of audiotapes and photographs created and/or collected by J. J. Belanger, 1942-1990. The photographs issue
primarily from two photograph albums and document Belanger's life from 1942-1990. Of special note are the military era photographs
from 1942-1960, documenting Belanger, his friends, and fellow servicemen. Five of the six audiotapes were created in 1972
primarily regarding the Metropolitan Community Church and "CIC"; the sixth discusses LSD. The audiotape descriptions have
been transcribed as written on the audiotape sleeves with semicolons used to indicate line breaks.
Separated Materials
Open-reel tapes have been separated to the ONE audiovisual collection.
Item ARR0193
5/1/72 9:15am - Side #1, Side #2;
Steve P vs Troy CIC;
and Larry et al.;
9:55am Lynn Snyder;
v depressed (10 or more mg Thorazine);
[?] Thain - Pac. Phone;
Bernstein/Fallett vs Phone Co. Thain;
Kwan // PUC - Mrs. Brockett Mr. Wiseman;
To: Mrs. Boris Jacoby;
Al Thain - (Mr.;
Karen Stevens/ Lynn - 5/3/0030 to 0055
1972
Physical Description: [Scotch recording open-reel audiotape, tartan series 144, .5 ml polyester]
Item ARR0194
5-14-72 - 10:30am;
Tom Ritt - FM - KPFK - 90.7;
Gwen Adams - 10:50am 10:47am;
Re: CRA Termination;
5/14/72 11am 11:30am MCC;
11:40 to 1pm;
Gwen Adams /CRA
1972
Physical Description: [Scotch recording open-reel audiotape, tartan series 144, .5 ml polyester]
Item ARR0195
Track 1 (4/29/72, 1/2 hr; file subject: MCC/CIC):
MCC/CIC 0 Roland - John;
Re: Apr. 27/8 - Taped;
Apr. 29, 1972 - 1:15/30;
Later - Steve Potter;
vs John;
Steve vs. Jerry L MCC;
Long Beach - Phoenix
Track 2 (5/12-13/72, 1 1/2 hr): Lennon-Yoko vs immigration;
Cavett Show;
Slater
1972
Physical Description: [Sound open-reel audiotape, .5 ml polyester]
Item ARR0196
Track 1 (4-25-72; file subject: part "conf.", daily (gen.) info):
Lynn Snyder - Counselee ;
TV - potential trsx;
Info: from Dr. Richard Green;
Bill Lambert - "ONE" Re:TV;
trnsx counseling - 15 yrs;
Chase / Rays - 1 referrals - 3 people available;
CIC - Ann of Westlake down comm. Jim Chase - Re: Mark Dorian;
Leslie Abbott - Dave Wilcox - CRA - Dir. of Planning - bkgrnd data;
Phillip Peters//8pm Ken Mrs. Miller - St. Vincents - Yvonne;
Jon Reuschel - 8:30pm 10pm Jim Chase/Jay Stanly vs SAG actors equity
1972
Physical Description: [Sound open-reel audiotape, .5 ml polyester]
Item ARR0197
Index #: MCC #1; file subject: homosexuality;
MCC Rev Troy D. Perry pre-recorded (30 min; 3-5-72);
MCC Perry - KFAL (25 min; 3-19-72)
1972
Physical Description: [Sound open-reel audiotape]
Item ARR0198
ON L.S.D. July 28, 1968, TV 5 - KTLA
1968
Physical Description: [unidentified open-reel audiotape, .5 ml polyester]
Item ARR0329
John Speaks - Hilary Hughes
August 21, 1960
Box 5
Photographic prints
1942-1959
Scope and Contents
The photographs primarily issue from an album documenting J.J. Belanger's life from age 17 to 34, 1942-1959. A few photographs
from this same era have been included at the beginning of the box, with the photographs from the album following. The bulk
of the photographs issue from 1952-1960, covering pre-enlistment (1952-1954), enlistment with the United States Air Force
(1954-1959), and post-enlistment (1959-1960). The photographs primarily consist of images of J.J. Belanger and his male friends
both in military service and out.
Processing Information
The photographs have been preserved in archival sleeves, while the album's context has been preserved both through photocopies
of the original album pages and retention of the now empty album pages.
Box 6
Photographic prints
1982-1990
Scope and Contents
The photographs document J.J. Belanger's life from 1982-1990. The first section contains photographs from a 1982 album, mostly
showing Belanger's interaction with an unknown family. The second section contains pictures of Belanger and his friends from
1984-1990, including a series of him with Harry Hay. The second section also contains six photographs of an AIDS-vigil in
San Francisco.