The ONE Archives’ Subject Files consist of more than 8,100 unique files of businesses, organizations, people, and topics primarily documenting twentieth century global lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and ally (LGBTQIA) history and culture. The bulk of the documents are newspaper and magazine clippings along with promotional materials such as advertising fliers, brochures, and mailers for businesses, organizations, and events. To a lesser extent, the files also contain records from organizations, resource lists, questionnaires, and surveys.

The bulk of the ONE Subject Files represent Jim Kepner’s research files along with the files he collected on businesses, organizations, people, and topics. These files reflected Kepner’s eclectic interests, primarily documenting the diversity of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual and ally (LGBTQIA) history and culture. During the 1970s Kepner opened his collections to researchers and the files formed the core of what would become International Gay & Lesbian Archives (IGLA). Kepner recruited volunteers to sort, organize, and file documents and records. After the merger of IGLA and ONE Incorporated in 1994 volunteers continued to collect and maintain the files. As the volunteers gained a greater understanding of archival principles, an effort was made to remove and reconstitute archival collections and records. After more than 60 years of collecting and culling, the files more accurately reflect the mission of ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives to preserve and document LGBTQIA history and culture.

345.0 linear feet. 341 records boxes & 3 flat 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.