Gallagher, J. Ray

Biographical Note

J. Ray Gallagher was a firefighter and activist whose myriad interests, ranging from gay rights to local and international politics, were expressed in letters sent to numerous public officials and offices. During the 1970s and early 1980s, Gallagher was an outspoken gay candidate for public offices, including Santa Monica City Council, U.S. Congress, and California State Assembly. He left the Los Angeles area in 1985 and moved to Louisville, Kentucky.

From the guide to the J. Ray Gallagher Papers, 1970-1985, (ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives)