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 LGBTQ periodicals, from scholarly journals to local church newsletters. Some are well-known titles of the LGBTQ 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 physically arranged in Library of Congress (LOC) call number order, and has been processed according to publication type: Serial Publications, Media, Directories - Event Programs - Miscellaneous Publications, and Ephemera.
The Serial Publications series includes all titles that were produced according to a regular publication schedule, with any particular focus or intented readership. It includes popular reading and entertainment materials, journalism and news, scholarly and creative writings, newsletters related to social issues, and erotica. The majority of the titles in this series have been cataloged by title and can be found using the library's search system.
The Media series includes clippings and copies of news articles related to LGBTQ issues, topics, and historical events.
The Directories - Event Programs - Miscellaneous Publications series includes multiple types of publications related to LGBTQ programs, events, resources, directories, and travel guides. The series is arranged by geographic location, and includes the Southeast Michigan area, regional United States, Canada, and some international locations.
The Ephemera series includes items which have been separated from the Robert Gaylor collection of LGBTQ+ books and periodicals. They consist of mailings, flyers, newsletters, and other ephemera that Robert Gaylor received or otherwise acquired from LGBTQ organizations, covering several decades of LGBTQ activism from 1969 to 2005.
Dates
- 1971
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 LGBTQ materials in the 1960s when it was difficult to find information about LGBTQ 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 LGBTQ+ causes.
Professor Gaylor's collecting activities were broad and inclusive. LGBTQ 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 present day.
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