Manuscripts, correspondence, diaries, minutes and organizational records, notebooks, science fiction writings, poetry, erotica, educational material, photographs, computer disks, textiles, ephemera and memorabilia from writer, historian and gay activist, Jim Kepner (1923-1997). Founder of the Western Gay Archives (later renamed the National Gay Archives and then the International Gay & Lesbian Archives), Kepner began collecting gay- and lesbian-related material in the 1940s and began writing about the gay and lesbian community in the 1950s. A highly active participant in the gay liberation movement, Kepner has been a founding member or board member of numerous gay and lesbian rights organizations, including ONE, Incorporated, PRIDE (Personal Rights in Defense and Education), Gay Community Alliance, Gay Liberation Front, Metropolitan Community Church, Christopher Street West, Southern California Council on Religion and the Homophile, and the Gay Community Services Center. The bulk of this collection consists of Kepner's writings, including autobiographies; non-fiction books and essays about the gay and lesbian community; science fiction publications; journals and notebooks; as well as fiction, poetry and erotica. The collection also consists of Kepner's extensive correspondence files; class material for courses he taught in gay and lesbian studies; and minutes and organizational material for the many organizations in which he has been involved throughout his life.

James Lynn Kepner Jr. was found as an abandoned infant in Galveston, Texas, on September 19, 1923. He was adopted by a railroad worker, James Kepner Sr., and his wife, Mary Christina Peterson Kepner. By 1930, Kepner gained a sister, Ella Nora. Upon graduating from Ball High School in Galveston, Kepner worked in a variety of jobs, including Western Union messenger, waiter and office clerk.Lyn Pedersen

40.4 linear feet. 62 archive cartons + 1 archive binder + 3 oversize flat archive boxes + 1 oversize envelope.

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.