This collection consists of articles, books, leaflets, newsletters, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, periodicals and position papers that document the evolution of attitudes and approaches to lesbian, gay, and bisexual people and organizations from 1932-1995. There are a few items dating from before 1969, which reflect the predominant assumptions about the pathological nature of homosexual identity. Most of the collection dates from 1970 to 1980 and documents the political struggles of lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals to oppose homophobic discrimination in U.S. society. Some material reflects conservatives' efforts to oppose gay liberation struggles and some documents images of lesbians and gay men in the mainstream media and legal professions during the 1970s. The majority of the material, however, documents gay and lesbian liberation movement of the 1970s, especially in college and university settings. Also of interest are numerous newsletters, periodicals and leaflets that document lesbian organizing in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts.
