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University of Chicago Library

Guide to the Alan Amberg Gay History Collection 1924-2008

© 2018 University of Chicago Library

Descriptive Summary

Title:

Amberg, Alan. Gay History Collection

Dates:

1924-2008

Size:

9.75 linear feet (12 boxes)

Repository:

Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center
University of Chicago Library
1100 East 57th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.

Abstract:

The materials in this collection were gathered by Alan Amberg as well as his partner, the late Jerry Cohen. Materials cover a wide range of gay and lesbian subject matter, including the beginnings of the Gay Pride Movement in Chicago in the early 1970s; Chicago gay and lesbian organizations and culture during the 1970s-1990s; a substantial amount of material on the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights (October 11, 1987); gay and lesbian publications from the 1970s to the first decade of the 21st century; as well as a modest collection of "The Little Blue Book" series (1924-1930), with volumes that focus on marriage and sex. Although the collection contains some personal papers, especially correspondence relating to Cohen's death, the bulk of the material consists of newsletters, articles, clippings, reports, and audio-visual selections. Materials date from 1924 to 2008, with the bulk of the materials dating from the 1970 to 2000.

Information on Use

Access

The collection is open for research.

Citation

When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Amberg, Alan. Gay History Collection, [Box #, Folder #], Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library.

Biographical Note

Alan Amberg founded LesBiGay Radio in 1994; in 1998, the organization was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame. Amberg was also a columnist for Gay Chicago Magazine, writing on various subjects related to gay and lesbian business. In addition to his accomplishments in journalism and radio, in 2003 Amberg taught Women's and Gender Studies at the Humboldt University of Berlin and the University of Bremen.

His partner Jerrold "Jerry" Cohen (1943 – 1991) was the co-founder and Treasurer of the Chicago Gay Alliance, co-founder of the Chi-Town Squares (a gay and lesbian square dance organization), and Treasurer of Toddlin' Town Performing Arts. Cohen was also an accomplished photographer throughout the gay and lesbian community, contributing his work to the Chicago Gay Alliance Newsletter, the Chicago Gay Crusader, GayLife, BlueBoy, Man's Country, the International Mr. Leather competitions, and others. He even established his own photography studio, A Thousand Words, Unlimited. Cohen began his deep involvement in gay and lesbian community life in 1969 by attending the University of Chicago gay liberation meetings; he was posthumously inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 1993.

Scope Note

The Alan Amberg Gay History Collection is organized into 7 series:

Series I: Personal Papers; this series contains, primarily, correspondence concerning the death of Amberg's partner, Jerry Cohen, as well as buttons related to gay and lesbian rights initiatives in the 1980s. Materials date from 1980 to 2002 and are arranged chronologically.

Series II: Subject Files; this series contains newsletters, correspondence, clippings, etc., related to specific publications, organizations, and events, including Advocates of Gay Action, the International Gay and Lesbian Archives, and the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Materials date from 1924 to 2007 and are arranged alphabetically by title.

Series III: Writings; this series contains Amberg's articles, speeches, and presentations, primarily his column entitled "Our Business" featured in Gay Chicago Magazine. Materials date from 1991 to 2003 and are arranged first alphabetically by title, then chronologically.

Series IV: Writings by Others; the primary item in this series is a typescript draft of Eric Presland's play entitled The Tea Trolley, or A Midsummer Night Scream (1983). Materials date from 1983 to 1991 and are arranged alphabetically by author's last name.

Series V: Jerry Cohen Papers; this series contains correspondence and clippings related to Jerry Cohen's photography for International Mr. Leather, Blueboy Inc., and other gay publications and organizations. Materials date from 1975 to 1982 and are arranged chronologically.

Series VI: Audio-Visual; this series contains music, videos, and recordings of gay and lesbian culture and concerns, including the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus, the Chicago Gay Pride Parade, and Chicago gay history. Materials date from 1970 to 2008 and are arranged first by type, then alphabetically by title.

Series VII: Oversize; this series contains clippings, photographs, and posters pertaining to various subjects, including LesBiGay Radio, the Illinois Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Materials date from 1970 to 2000 and are arranged first by type, then chronologically.

Related Resources

Browse finding aids by topic.

Cohen, Jerry, Photograph Collection

LesBiGay Radio Records

Subject Headings

INVENTORY

Series I: Personal

Box 1   Folder 1

Buttons Related to Gay and Lesbian Rights Issues, circa 1980-1989

Box 1   Folder 2

Twelve Step Program – Correspondence and Pamphlets, 1983-1985

Box 1   Folder 3

Omicron Delta Kappa (ΟΔΚ) – Alumni Highlights, circa 1991

Box 1   Folder 4

Correspondence – Condolences related to Jerry Cohen's death, 1992

Box 1   Folder 5

Correspondence – South Shore Hospital HIV Program, 2002

Box 1   Folder 6

Business Cards, undated

Box 1   Folder 7

Doral Plaza – Brochures, undated

Series II: Subject Files

Box 1   Folder 8

Advocates of Gay Action – Pamphlets and Advertisements, circa 1972

Box 1   Folder 9

Chicago Gay Alliance – Newsletters, 1970-1971

Box 1   Folder 10

Chicago Gay Alliance – Introduction, Constitution, and Political Platform, 1970-1972

Box 1   Folder 11

Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame – Correspondence, Nomination Form, and Newsletter, 1993

Box 1   Folder 12

Chicago Gay Liberation – Newsletters, 1970

Box 1   Folder 13

Chicago Medicine Magazine, 2004-2005

Box 1   Folder 14

Chi-Town Squares – Correspondence, Clippings, and Newsletters, 1988-1990

Box 1   Folder 15

Chi-Town Squares – Photographs, 1988-1990

Box 2   Folder 1

Community Northwest – Vol. 1, No. 2, 1991

Box 2   Folder 2

Deathwatch – Play by Genet – Advertisement, undated

Box 2   Folder 3

Democratic Party of Illinois – Correspondence, Clippings, Press Releases, 1990

Box 2   Folder 4

Democratic Party of Illinois – "How Can I be Heard?" – Pamphlet, 1990

Box 2   Folder 5

Diverse Communications and Health Media Foundation, Inc., 2003

Box 2   Folder 6

Fortune Magazine – "Gay in Corporate America" – Full Issue, 1991

Box 2   Folder 7

Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 13, No. 51 – Full Issue, 1990

Box 2   Folder 8

Gay Liberation – Newsletter, 1970

Box 2   Folder 9

Gay Life: The Midwest Gay Newsletter – Clippings, circa 1970-1989

Box 2   Folder 10

Gay Pride Movement – Related Organizations – Correspondence, Newsletters, and Pamphlets, 1980-1986

Box 2   Folder 11

Himages: Original Designs by Bruce Cegar – Advertisements, Order Form, and Photographs, 1980

Box 2   Folder 12

International Gay and Lesbian Archives – Newsletters, 1981-1984

Box 2   Folder 13

Invest in IMPACT – 5th Annual Founder's Gala – Program and Guide, 1992

Box 3   Folder 1

Little Blue Books, 1924-1930

Box 3   Folder 2

Man's Country Pin-Up Calendar – Notes and Calendar, 1976

Box 3   Folder 3

Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center, 2004 [1/2]

Box 3   Folder 4

Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center, 2004 [1/2]

Box 3   Folder 5

Moderator's Guide – Begin Again, 2000

Box 3   Folder 6

Newsweek Magazine – "Gay America" and "Gay Students" – Photocopies and Full Issues, 1983-1984

Box 3   Folder 7

Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center – Panel on Clinical Practices for the Treatment of HIV Infection, 2000

Box 3   Folder 8

Shared Practices: Managing Patients Living with HIV/AIDS, 2007 [1/2]

Box 3   Folder 9

Shared Practices: Managing Patients Living with HIV/AIDS, 2007 [2/2]

Box 3   Folder 10

Shocking Gray – Gay and Lesbian Catalog, 1991

Box 4   Folder 1

Teaching in Germany – Correspondence and Reading Materials, 1990-2002

Box 4   Folder 2

Toddlin' Town Performing Arts, Inc. – Correspondence, Reports, and Budgets, 1980-1983

Box 4   Folder 3

Travel Guides for London and San Francisco, 1980-1983

Box 4   Folder 4

University of Maryland – Gay and Lesbian Jewish Life – Newsletters and Clippings, 1984-1988

Box 4   Folder 5

University of Maryland – Gay Organizations and Events – Correspondence, Announcements, and Clippings, 1981-1982

Box 4   Folder 6

Washington D.C. Area – Gay and Lesbian Issues – Clippings, 1980

Series III: Writings

Box 4   Folder 7

Case Presentation: A Low Cost Complete Social Marketing Infrastructure – Printed Copies of Powerpoint Presentation, 2003

Box 4   Folder 8

Gays and Lesbians Reinvent "Family Values" – Conscious Choice – Clippings, 1992

Box 4   Folder 9

Keeping the Promises You Make… – National Minority AIDS Council – Printed Copies of Powerpoint Presentation, undated

Box 4   Folder 10

Our Business – Gay Dollars: Part 1 – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 14 – Clippings and Full Issues, 1991

Box 4   Folder 11

Our Business – Gay Dollars: Part 2 – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 15 – Full Issue, 1991

Box 4   Folder 12

Our Business – Gay Dollars: Part 3 – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 17 – Full Issue, 1991

Box 4   Folder 13

Our Business – Doing What You Love – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 19 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1991

Box 4   Folder 14

Our Business – The Leather Ed Sullivan Show – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 21 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1991

Box 4   Folder 15

Our Business – Andersonville Business Snapshots – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 23 – Full Issue, 1991

Box 4   Folder 16

Our Business – A Look at Tom Tunney of Ann Sather – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 25 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1991

Box 5   Folder 1

Our Business – Do It Yourself… Part 1 – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 27 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1991

Box 5   Folder 2

Our Business – Do It Yourself… Part 2 – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 29 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1991

Box 5   Folder 3

Our Business – What Makes a Gay Resort: Part 1 – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 31 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1991

Box 5   Folder 4

Our Business – Focus + Quality + Staying Power = Success! – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 35 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1991

Box 5   Folder 5

Our Business – Potpourri – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 37 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1991

Box 5   Folder 6

Our Business – The New "Old Boy Network": Part 2 – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 41 – Clippings and Photocopy, 1991

Box 5   Folder 7

Our Business – Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is… Part 1 – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 43 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1991

Box 5   Folder 8

Our Business – Public Relations 101: Or Dress Your Issues for Success – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 45 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1991

Box 5   Folder 9

Our Business – Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is… Part 2 – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 47 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1991

Box 5   Folder 10

Our Business – New Year's Wishes and Resolutions – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 15, No. 3 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1992

Box 5   Folder 11

Our Business – Potpourri – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 15, No. 8 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1992

Box 5   Folder 12

Our Business – Public Relations 102 – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 15, No. 12 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1992

Box 5   Folder 13

Our Business – Harassment – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 15, No. 14 – Clippings and Full Issue, 1992

Box 5   Folder 14

Speeches – Monograph and Typescript Drafts, 1981-1987

Box 5   Folder 15

Wilmont: For Those Coming to Chicago – Gay Chicago Magazine – Vol. 14, No. 14 – Clippings and Full Issues, 1991

Box 5   Folder 16

Working With Creative Professionals – Talking to the Boss – Photocopies, 1992

Series IV: Writings by Others

Box 6   Folder 1

Jay Mortensen – Color Trends Drawn from Global Influences – Photocopies, 1991

Box 6   Folder 2

Eric Presland – The Tea Trolley, or A Midsummer Night Scream – Typescript Draft, 1983

Box 6   Folder 3

Unidentified Scripts, undated

Series V: Jerry Cohen Papers

Box 6   Folder 4

Gay Press Association – Correspondence, Monograph Notes, Newsletters, and Clippings, 1975-1981

Box 6   Folder 5

Published Photographs by Jerry Cohen – Blueboy, Clothesdick, and Numbers – Magazines and Clippings, 1977-1982

Box 6   Folder 6

International Mr. Leather and Blueboy Inc. – Correspondence and Monograph Notes, 1980-1981

Series VI: Audio-Visual

Box 7

Audio Cassette - Ain't it a Grand and Glorious Noise! - San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, 1980

Box 7

Audio Cassette - Take Control: The result is in you (2 Copies), 1999

Box 7

Audio Cassette - Toma Control: El resultado está en tí (2 Copies), 1999

Box 7

Audio Cassette - What's it Mean?: HIV Lab Tests & You, 2000

Box 7

Audio Cassette - ¿Qué Significa?: Pruebas de Labratorios para ti y el V.I.H., 2000

Box 7

Audio Cassette - 5 Unlabeled Cassette Tapes

Box 7

CD - Boy George and Culture Club: at Worst… the Best of, 1993

Box 7

CD - Cher: Believe, 1998

Box 7

CD - Catie Curtis: Truth from Lies, 1996

Box 7

CD - Melissa Etheridge: Your Little Secret, 1995

Box 7

CD - Michael Feinstein: Pure Gershwin, 1987

Box 7

CD - George Friedrich Handel: Concerti a du cori, 1997

Box 7

CD - Eddie Izzard: Definite Article, 1996

Box 7

CD - Eddie Izzard: Unrepeatable Live, 1995

Box 7

CD - Paula James: Special Request, 2002

Box 7

CD - Nedra Johnson: Testify, 1998

Box 7

CD - Patti LaBelle: Love Songs, 2000

Box 7

CD - K.D. Lang: Invincible Sampler, 2000

Box 7

CD - K.D. Lang: Shadowland, 1988

Box 7

CD – Stephen Lewis - Massey Lectures: Race Against Time, 2005

Box 7

CD - George Michael: Faith, 1987

Box 7

CD - Bette Midler: Experience the Divine, 1993

Box 7

CD - Morrissey: The Best Of, 2001

Box 7

CD - RuPaul: Supermodel of the World, 1993

Box 7

CD - Suzanne Palmer, 1999

Box 7

CD – Various Artists - The Derivative Duo: Opera for the masses, 1993

Box 7

CD – Various Artists - Glad to be Gay, 1998

Box 7

CD – Various Artists - I Am Woman, 1996

Box 7

CD – Various Artists - Jeffrey Soundtrack, 1995

Box 7

CD - Village People: The Best Of, 1994

Box 7

CD – Honey West: Take Honey West Home, 1997

Box 8

VHS - A Beautiful Mind/Queer Eyes, undated

Box 8

VHS - Chicago Gay Men's Chorus: H.M.S. Pinafore, 2000

Box 8

VHS - Chicago Pride Invitational: Our Crowning Touch, 1999

Box 8

VHS - Chitrahar, July 24, 2004

Box 8

VHS - Chitrahar, December 18, 2004

Box 8

VHS - For My Kids & Good Safe Loving - Diverse Communications, 2004

Box 8

VHS - For My Kids & Good Safe Loving - Diverse Communications, 2004

Box 8

VHS - For My Kids & Good Safe Loving - Diverse Communications, 2004

Box 8

VHS - For My Kids & Good Safe Loving - Diverse Communications, 2004

Box 8

VHS - Kevin's Room, 2001

Box 8

VHS - Kevin's Room 2 - Trust, 2003

Box 9

VHS - Oprah/Ellen, undated

Box 9

VHS - Truth in Action: "Broadcast Media: Multi-Voices," 2000

Box 9

VHS - The Times of Harvey Milk, 1984

Box 9

VHS - Velvet Goldmine, 1998

Box 9

VHS - What Makes a Family? – Lifetime Original Movie, 2001

Box 9

Betamax Digital Video Cassette - Boat Cruise Along Chicago Lakefront - Color Silent, 3:47 Minutes, 1970 (For Access to Master and Copy, Please See Staff)

Box 9

Betamax Digital Video Cassette - Allerton Park PKMC and Gay Pride Parade - Color Silent, 29:01 Minutes, 1970 (For Access to Master and Copy, Please See Staff)

Box 9

Betamax Digital Video Cassette - Gay Pride Parade - Color Silent, 9:37 Minutes, 1970 (For Access to Master and Copy, Please See Staff)

Box 10

Film Reel - Boat Cruise Along Chicago Lakefront - Color Silent, 3:47 Minutes, 1970

Box 10

Film Reel - Allerton Park PKMC and Gay Pride Parade - Color Silent - 29:01 Minutes, 1970

Box 10

Film Reel - Gay Pride Parade - Color Silent, 9:37 Minutes, 1970

Box 10

DVD - Hedwig and the Angry Inch, 2001

Box 10

DVD - Kevin's Room I & II, 2003

Box 10

DVD - Out & Proud in Chicago, 2008

Box 10

DVD - Overcoming Addictions and Barriers, 2005

Series VII: Oversize

Box 11   Folder 1

Banner - Gay Pride Banner, circa 1970

Box 11   Folder 2

Clippings – Chicago Gay Liberation, 1970

Box 11   Folder 3

Clippings – Chicago Gay Pride, 1971

Box 11   Folder 4

Clippings – Gay and Lesbian Entertainment, 1975-1992

Box 11   Folder 5

Clippings – Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area – Gay and Lesbian Issues, 1980

Box 11   Folder 6

Clippings – University of Maryland – Gay and Lesbian Jewish Life, 1980-1985

Box 11   Folder 7

Clippings – The Washington Blade, 1984-1987

Box 11   Folder 8

Clippings – National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, 1987 [1/2]

Box 11   Folder 9

Clippings – National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, 1987 [2/2]

Box 11   Folder 10

Clippings – Democratic Party of Illinois, 1990

Box 11   Folder 11

Clippings – Illinois Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 1990

Box 11   Folder 12

Clippings – Outlines, 1990

Box 12   Folder 1

Clippings – Windy City Times, 1990

Box 12   Folder 2

Clippings – Chicago Tribune – Articles on Gay Rights and Free Speech, 1992-1998

Box 12   Folder 3

Clippings – USA Today – Gay Rights, 1993

Box 12   Folder 4

Clippings – The Washington Post – National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay, 1993

Box 12   Folder 5

Clippings – News-Star – LesBiGay Radio, 1999

Box 12   Folder 6

Windy City Times – Radio Free Chicago, 1999

Box 12   Folder 7

Photograph - The Importance of Being Earnest – Photograph by Jennifer Girard, 1990

Box 12   Folder 8

Poster - Chicago Gay Men's Chorus Presents: H.M.S. Pinafore, 2000

Box 12   Folder 9

Poster - Sam Barber: Exhibition of Recent Paintings, 2000

Box 12   Folder 10

Poster - LesBiGay Radio: Live on the Belmont Stage, undated

Box 12   Folder 11

Poster - LesBiGay Radio Chicago, undated