Robert Gaylor collection of LGBTQ Periodicals
Scope and Contents
The majority of LGBTQ periodicals in the Robert Gaylor collection were published in Southeast Michigan or the state of Michigan as a whole, but a smaller portion of the collection includes publications from other parts of the country and abroad, determined solely by Robert Gaylor's travels or friends' gifts. They include all types of LGBT periodicals, from scholarly journals to local church newsletters. Some are well-known titles of the LGBT press in Michigan, like Between the Lines or the Gay Liberator (published by the Gay Liberation Front of Detroit in the 1970s), while others are lesser known, one-off outlets.
The collection is roughly arranged by type of periodicals: scholarly, political and activist, news and popular, entertainment and erotica, directories and event programs, flyers and newsletters. Publications evolve or diversify, so some periodicals cover two or more types.
Some of the Gaylor collection periodicals have been cataloged by title and can also be found using the library's search system.
Dates
- 1971-2013
Conditions Governing Access
The Robert Gaylor collection of LGBTQ Periodicals is open for research.
Copyright
Copyright has not been transferred to Oakland University. Researchers are responsible for seeking copyright permissions before publishing items from the collection.
Biographical note
Robert Gaylor worked as a librarian at Oakland University from 1965 to 2001 when he obtained professor emeritus status. Professor Gaylor began collecting GLBT materials in the 1960s when it was difficult to find information about LGBT communities and issues. He not only collected books and periodicals, but also volunteered at various libraries and organizations, raised money to help educate others, and advocated for literacy and LGBT causes.
Professor Gaylor's collecting activities were broad and inclusive. LGBT periodicals such as the Cruise magazine, a Detroit-Ferndale publication, were available at local gay bars, which he would visit weekly to pick up the latest edition for his collection. He subscribed to many other magazines and newspapers as early as the 1960s.
Extent
36 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
LGBTQ periodicals from the Detroit area, Michigan, the United States and beyond, collected by Robert Gaylor from the 1960s to the 2010s.
Processing
Processed by Dominique Daniel, February 2023.
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Oakland University Archives and Special Collections Repository
Kresge Library
100 Library Drive
Rochester MI 48309 USA