Missouri State University Libraries
Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives Collection
Volume: 15 cubic feet
Dates: 1980-Present
Provenance
The first accession was acquired in October 2003, with numerous additions. It was processed in 2007 by Tracie Gieselman-Holthaus with assistance from D.J. Rigdon.
Copyright
This collection may be protected from unauthorized copying by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code).Access
The collection is unrestricted. Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish material from the collection must be obtained from the Department of Special Collections and Archives. Citations should be as follows: Identification of the item, Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives Collection [M018], Department of Special Collections and Archives, Missouri State University.
Biographical/Historical Sketch
The collection was established as a cooperative project with the Missouri State University Libraries, Lambda Alliance, and BiGALA after Missouri State University Professors Holly Baggett and Ralph Smith approached the library in spring 2003. The official opening of the Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives occurred on October 30, 2003.
Related collections:
- Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives Oral History Project [M19]
- BiGALA Collection [in process as of October 2007]
- Drag Queen Album Collection [in process as of October 2007]
Some publications donated to OLGA were incorporated into the department’s rare book collection, searchable through SWAN. These publications include a copy of Lesbian Nuns: Breaking Silence, edited by Rosemary Curb and Nancy Manahan. Rosemary Keefe [Curb] served as department head for the English Department at Missouri State University from 1994 to 1999.
Please contact the Special Collections and Archives Department for information on digitized photographs related to the OLGA collection.
Scope and Content
The Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives (OLGA) strives to document the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender experience in the Ozarks region. The bulk of the materials consist of the founding donation with additionally acquired materials incorporated into the collection. Notes were placed in folders to specify materials given by individuals.
The collection contains many local and regional newsletters such as Blossom, Tri-Life, and GLO, and organizational records that include publications, photographs, and records from organizations like the GLO Center, FOCUS, and PROMO. University related items include records of the Lambda Alliance Organization, the debate over the addition of sexual orientation to the non-discrimination policy, and clippings and correspondence related to MSU’s production of The Normal Heart.
Many original newspaper articles and pages were placed in the Newspapers Box because of important content and/or photos. Copies of these papers/articles can be found in the collection. Oversized materials can be found in the Oversized Materials Box.
The collection is separated into eight series as listed below.
Series I: Organizations: The Organizations series contains records, publications, correspondence, photographs, and newspaper articles and clippings from various local and regional organizations. This series is arranged alphabetically, with folders for each organization arranged chronologically. Please note that the Tolerance Festival/Pride Fest materials can be found with the GLO materials (as ShowMeMOPride is a defunct organization). The photographs for these festivals can be found in separate folders within the GLO materials. Also note that Lambda materials relate to the non-discrimination policy.
Series II: Non-discrimination Policy Debate: This series documents the debate over the inclusion of sexual orientation in Missouri State University’s non-discrimination policy. The first section is from the Sexual Orientation Website, while the second section holds materials related to the debate. Both sections are arranged chronologically.
Series III: Subject Files: The Subject Files series is a collection of publications and clippings covering various topics, such as the Black Tie Affair events, the Bias Crimes Ordinance, various conference presentations, and other topics relevant to the GLBT community. Note that the issues of many short-run publications can be found in this series. This series is arranged chronologically.
Series IV: The Normal Heart: This series houses materials documenting the news coverage and public reaction to Missouri State University’s production of The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer in 1989. Robert Bradley (former head of the Theatre and Dance Department) donated materials such as newspaper articles and correspondence regarding the production. A copy of the Theatre and Dance Department’s scrapbook on The Normal Heart can be found in Box 7. Please note that some correspondence contains copies of news articles and letters from play supporters.
Series V: Oversized Materials: A copy of a scrapbook of clippings can be found in this series.
The clippings relate to gay rights and issues, legal rulings, etc.
Note that oversized items separated from the collection are also found in this series. A separation sheet for each item will be found in the original location.
Series VI: Newspapers: The newspaper series contains newspapers separated from the collection
(a separation sheet for each item will be found in the original location)
and originals of important clippings and pages.
Series VII: Audio/Visual: This series contains audio/visual materials such as VHS cassettes, ¾” cassettes, Beta Cam, audio cassettes, and compact discs. Copies of This Gay Life on VHS and ¾” cassettes are housed in this series, along with audio/visual recordings of interviews and reports relevant to the GLBT community.
Series VIII: Ephemera: A small series containing ephemera from the collection.
Oversized Item: Rainbow Banner: This is a section of the 1.25 mile long banner that was created in 2003 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the rainbow flag as a symbol of LGBT pride. The banner was unfurled in Key West, Florida, and later divided into 250 sections, which were donated to various community organizations. The section in the collection is number 152 and was originally given to ShowMeMOPride (now defunct). The board of the GLO Center then received the banner.
Container List
The container list for this collection is available in PDF format. Adobe Reader is required to view the container list.
