The collection was created and collected by an officer of the Association of Suburban People who wishes to remain anonymous. The Association of Suburban People (ASP) was founded in 1976 as a social and political organization for Metropolitan Detroit gays and lesbians (for most of its history it was primarily a gay male organization). As the name indicates, the ASP reflected the population shift in the Detroit area from the city to the suburbs. By the 1980s the ASP had become the largest LGBT organization in Michigan, and in 1985 it changed its name to South Eastern Michigan Gay and Lesbian Association (SEMGLA) to more accurately describe its mission.
The anonymous creator of this collection was particularly active in the ASP's earlier years, serving as Vice President and chairperson of the Membership Committee (1977-79), Information Officer and chair of the ASP-PAC (1979-80), and Newsletter Editor (1981-82). He remained a member throughout ASP's history.
From the guide to the Anonymous Association of Suburban People officer’s papers, 1973-2004, 1976-1985, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)
