manosca112 Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Alliance Records, 1976-[ongoing] Finding Aid Finding aid prepared by Anne Lozier. Encoding funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Smith College Archives
Northampton, MA
© 2003

Smith College. All rights reserved.

 Finding aid encoded using Perl scripts and edited in XMetal 2.0. Encoded by Laura Cutter. 2003-06-10 Finding aid written in English. 2005-09-23 manosca112 converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02-5c.xsl (sy2003-10-15). Smith College Archives Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Alliance Records, 1976-[ongoing] Finding Aid RG 80 Anne Lozier 2003 Encoding funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

© 2003 Smith College. All rights reserved.

 Collection Overview Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Alliance Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Alliance Records1976-[ongoing] RG 80 3 boxes (1.04 linear ft.) Smith College Archives
Northampton, MA
Student organization. The Records of the Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Alliance document the organization's history, maintenance, goals, and obstacles met while trying to attain those goals. The records also provide an insight into the social issues surrounding lesbianism and how they've changed since the organization's inception, while at the same time providing a look at the lifecycle and campus perception of the LBTA. Types of materials include correspondence, surveys, campus flyers, photographs, and newspaper articles. English. Biographical Note

The Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Alliance grew out of several significant events in the 1970s. In 1973, the newly formed Women's Resource Center hosted Smith College's first "Women's Weekend", at which a workshop on lesbianism was held. From this workshop, an underground organization called Sophia's Sisters, was founded. This organization was denied chartering and funding, and being unable to create a visible campus presence, was forced to disband in 1975. The Lesbian Alliance (LBA) was founded the following year (and chartered in 1977) by Jennet Inglis and Liza McKinley, both Class of 1978. Despite frequent hostility and funding difficulties, the organization grew. In 1984, the college administration closed Hover House, a predominantly lesbian resident house. However, by this time, the LBA had a strong foothold on campus, and was gaining widespread acceptance. In 1988, as bisexual women gained more visibility and the lesbian/gay rights movements expanded, the Lesbian Alliance officially changed its name to the Lesbian Bisexual Alliance. The organization changed its name to what it is known as today, the Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Alliance (LBTA) some time between 1999 and 2002 (exact date is unknown).

 Scope and Contents of the Collection

The Records of the Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Alliance consist mainly of administrative material that document the organization's history and maintenance. There is also a large component of correspondence to and from campus administrators, outlining the organization's goals, and examining the obstacles met while trying to attain those goals. This is a collection that may be useful to anyone researching the lifecycle and campus perception of student organizations. These records also provide an insightful look into the social issues surrounding lesbianism and how they've changed over the decades since the organization's inception. Types of materials include correspondence, meeting minutes, budget proposals, surveys, campus flyers, photographs, and newspaper articles.

Organization of the Collection

This collection is organized into six series:

I. Administrative Records II. Correspondence III. Events IV. Photographs V. Surveys VI. Newsclippings Arrangement of the Collection

Material is arranged chronologically.

Information on Use Terms of Access and Use

The collection is open to researchers according to the regulations of the College Archives, with the exception of five linear inches of restricted student surveys.

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission is required for publication beyond "fair use."

Preferred Citation

Please use the following format when citing materials from this collection:

Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Alliance Records, Box #, Smith College Archives.

 History of the Collection

The Records of the Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Alliance were donated to the College Archives by the LBTA in 1983 and 2003.

Processed by Anne Lozier.

 Search Terms Smith College--Students. Lesbians--Massachusetts--Northampton. Bisexual women--Massachusetts--Northampton. Women college students--Massachusetts--Northampton. Series I. Administrative Records, 1976-2002 1 History, Charters, by-laws, structure. 1976-1995 1 Financial Material, Budget proposals 1976-2001 1 Board Meeting Minutes and Agendas 1976-2002 1 Bias, Memos and material to and from LBTA relating to bias crimes, complaints on campus, and the forming of the Committee on Bias Complaints. 1976-1993 1 LBTA Space/Library ca. 1985-1992 1 Newsletters 1977-1993 1 Miscellaneous notes and memoranda 1977-1993 Series II. Correspondence, 1970-1980 1 Letters and reminisces of LBA members, others, Includes student paper "The Lesbian Alliance: A Study of Minority Group and Liberal Tolerance" 1979 1 General 1976-1993 Series III. Events, 1976-1999 2 Flyers 1976-1999 2 Flyers n.d. 2 Coming Out Day 1990-1993 Workshops/Seminars 2 LBA Seminar Evaluations Questions Panel 1977 2 Miscellaneous programs and schedule of events n.d. 2 Five College Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Studies course offerings 1991-1992. Series IV. Photographs, 1988, 1992-1994 2 Photographs: members, events Series V. Surveys, 1982-1993 2 Mainly material related to 1983 student survey, includes correspondence to and from Jill Conway. Other survey sample forms. 2 Student Survey results (RESTRICTED) May 1983 Series VI. Newsclippings, 1971-1993 2 Clippings from The Smith College Sophian, n.d. or annotated. 1971-1991 2 Hover House press packet 1983-1984 2 Clippings and articles from other Smith publications. 1976-1992 2 Clippings and articles from non-Smith publications. 1983-1993 Index to article titles in The Smith College Sophian, see Reading Room for originals. Letters to editor: 1971 2 "Homosexuality," The Sophian, February 4, 1971 2 "Homosexuals supported," The Sophian, February 12, 1971 2 Livesay, Debbie, "Homosexuals supported," The Sophian, February 12, 1971 2 "Gay world," The Sophian, February 12, 1971 1975 2 Miller, Melissa, "Gay/straight split explained," The Sophian, October 16, 1975 2 McKnight, Michele, "Gay/straight article questioned," The Sophian, October 23, 1975 1979 2 Jessop, Susan and Pincus, Betsy, "Do not ignore Lesbian Alliance," The Sophian, February 1, 1979 2 Marresse, Mary-Lynn, "Alumna sees growing paranoia," The Sophian, April 2, 1979 2 Perry, Vanessa, and Ellman, Barat, "Anti-Lesbian reaction disappoints," The Sophian, April 2, 1979 2 Unsworth, Richard P., Rev., "Chaplains address Lesbian Alliance funding," The Sophian, April 2, 1979 2 Herboldsheimer, Ramona, "How the Lesbian Alliance uses funds," The Sophian, March 5, 1979 2 Reidenbach, Faith, "Secretary of SFC explains Lesbian Alliance budget recommendations," The Sophian, March 5, 1979 2 Bushby, Faith B., "A matter of sexual preference," The Sophian, March 8, 1979 2 Jopling, Mary, "Silent majority: speak out," The Sophian, March 8, 1979 2 McKnight, Lisa, "SFC: Re-analyze proposals," The Sophian, March 8, 1979 2 Miller, Sandra, "Not for all women," The Sophian, March 8, 1979 2 Geibel, Victoria, "Member of "silent majority" speaks out," The Sophian, March 12, 1979 2 Peterson, Lisa, "Obtain unity by funding "factions"," The Sophian, March 12, 1979 2 Reidenbach, Faith, "Letter's argument refuted," The Sophian, March 12, 1979 1982 2 "Rumor hurts," The Sophian, October 7, 1982 2 "Harassment fosters learning," The Sophian, September 30, 1982 2 "Workshops help overcome homophobia," The Sophian, November 11, 1982 2 Correction, November 11, 1982 2 "Clearing confusion," The Sophian, November 15, 1982 2 Women's Resource Center, "Inadequate procedure," The Sophian, November 15, 1982 1983 2 Wallace, Barrie, "Freedom of expression," The Sophian, April 21, 1983 2 "Lesbian Alliance: Smith is for Lovers," The Sophian, April 28, 1983 2 Stout, Kathryn, "Lesbian Alliance: Smith is for Lovers," The Sophian, April 28, 1983 1985 2 Griffiths, Heidi and Lavine, Rachel, "Invasion of privacy," The Sophian, October 3, 1985 2 Corvi, Anne, "Lesbian Alliance clarified," The Sophian, October 3, 1985 2 "Reactionary behavior at LA meeting," The Sophian, October 21, 1985 2 "Sexual definition raises conflict," The Sophian, October 24, 1985 1990 2 Kamps, Julie, "Student endorses Coming Out Day," The Sophian, October 11, 1990 2 Kressy, Sarah, "Pink triangles represent love," The Sophian, October 11, 1990 2 Moore, Betsy, "Students praise Tenney residents for courage," The Sophian, December 3, 1990 2 "Reports show need for action," The Sophian, December 3, 1990 2 "RCA condemns incidents," The Sophian, December 3, 1990 2 Kavner, Julie, "Tyler House victimized in incident," The Sophian, December 6, 1990 1991 2 Parrot, Jodi M. and Klotko, Lebasi, "Lose the hatred," The Sophian, April 4, 1991 2 Adamson, Joanna, "Context misunderstood," The Sophian, April 11, 1991 2 Bolyn, Elizabeth, "Queers read this unjustly criticized," The Sophian, April 11, 1991 2 Godley, Sophie, "Act as straight allies for gays," The Sophian, April 8, 1991 2 Rhodes-Conway, Satya, "Act against homophobia," The Sophian, April 25, 1991 1993 2 Feldwick, Jennifer A., "Campus chalking," The Sophian, October 21, 1993 2 Miller, Jennifer, "Campus chalking," The Sophian, October 21, 1993 Articles 1973 2 Hill, Amy, "Weekend workshop helps lesbians examine dilemma," The Sophian, April 12, 1973 2 Levin, Ann, "Lesbian role examined," The Sophian, November 8, 1973 2 "Dialogue: Sophiasisters cope with misunderstanding," The Sophian, November 1, 1973 1976 2 Bishop, Daphne, "Conway expresses views on controversial issues," The Sophian, Vol. 25, no. 7, November 11, 1976 2 "Women's Resource Center redefining purpose," The Sophian, November 15, 1976 1979 2 Kuropat, Rosemary, "Gay students share experiences," The Sophian, February 26, 1979 2 Brickell, Sally Ann, "SFC proposes '79-80 budget to Senate," The Sophian, March 1, 1979 2 McCormick, Cindy, "Activities fee to increase," The Sophian, March 8, 1979 2 Smith, Robin Lynn, "Groups get additional funds," The Sophian, March 8, 1979 2 Murtagh, Anne T., "No funds to factions," The Sophian, March 8, 1979 2 "Make a study of the budget," The Sophian, March 12, 1979 2 Salzer, Elizabeth A.J., "View fellow students with compassion," The Sophian, March 12, 1979 1982 2 Chapman, Cate, "Women's Resource Center seeks new image," The Sophian, September 30, 1982 2 Burns, Suzanne, "Holly Near to give concert at Smith," The Sophian, October 7, 1982 2 Yum, Cathy, "Lesbian workshop dispels fears," The Sophian, November 8, 1982 1983 2 The Smith College Lesbian Alliance, "Golden re-appointment decision questioned," The Sophian, January 31, 1983 2 Carlisle, Kate, "Four ages of women," The Sophian, April 28, 1983 2 "Lesbians organize event," The Sophian, April 28, 1983 2 Mannis, Wendy, "Lesbians seek end to harassment," February 14, 1983 2 Hassett, Jody, "Administration puts restrictions on student run workshops," The Sophian, October 3, 1983 2 Garrow, Suzanne, "Workshop deferral checks student's freedom," The Sophian (typed draft in LBTA records), October 3, 1983 2 "Alliance demands changes in School policy," The Sophian, October 24, 1983 2 Mahoney, Eileen, "Conway accepts advice, houses rate workshops," The Sophian, vol.32, no. 16, November 14, 1983 1984 2 "Senate continues budget hearings of College organizations," The Sophian, March 8, 1984 1985 2 "Alliance reviews plans," The Sophian, Vol. 34, no. 5, September 30, 1985 2 O'Laughlin, Paula, "Student questions Smith liberalism," The Sophian, October 3, 1985 2 Streeter, Jane, "Recognizing the lesbian/straight split: everyone's loss," The Sophian, October 21, 1985 2 Lavine, Rachel, "Target basic issue, realize heterosexual privilege," The Sophian, November 11,1985 2 "Porn on campus," The Sophian, November 11, 1985 2 Chapman, Laura, "Feminism includes all," The Sophian, November 11, 1985 2 LeBlanc, Adrian Nichole, "Speaker expounds on gay rights," The Sophian, Vol. 34, no. 16, November 14, 1985 2 "National Gay Task Force examines lesbian and gay ideas," The Sophian, November 14, 1985 1989 2 "Special Edition: Racial Tension at Smith," vol. 37, no. 41, 1989 2 Fronek, Laurie, "Student receives homophobic note," The Sophian, March 9, 1989 2 Rahmin, Jesmin, "Religious beliefs do not imply homophobia," The Sophian, March 9, 1989 1990 2 Fitzgerald, Alexandra, "College forms subcommittee on lesbian and bisexual issues," The Sophian, Vol. 39, no. 28, February, 1990 2 "Information leads to an informed choice," The Sophian, April 16, 1990 2 Earnshaw, Nancy, "LBA coordinates annual march," The Sophian, April 26, 1990 2 Krasik, Erin, "SGA sponsors B-Glad Week to promote awareness," The Sophian, vol.39, no. 37, 1990 2 Clemons, Kendra, "Report of homophobic incidents increases on campus," The Sophian, vol. 40, no. 20, 1990 1991 2 "HIV testing needed at Smith," The Sophian, February 21, 1991 2 Ulrich, Gretchen, "LBA resources available," The Sophian, April 18, 1991 2 Wetherall, Diana Rael, "Anonymous HIV testing to be offered by health services," The Sophian, vol. 41, no. 6, 1991 2 Imajo, Anika and Miller, Susan, "Campus events reflect recent legislation," The Sophian, December 5, 1991 2 Clemons, Kendra, "Investigation follows threatening incident," The Sophian, vol. 40, no. 22, 1991 2 Weinberg, Emily, "Gayla Week celebrates lesbian, gay and bisexual culture," vol. 40, no. 33, March 11, 1991 1993 2 "Discourse not anonymity," October 21, 1993 2 Drew, Maria Elena, "Anonymous signs counter chalking on Coming Out Day," The Sophian, Vol. 43, no. 4, October 21, 1993 2 Fischer, Karin and Potash, Jennifer, "Smith conservatives celebrate Coming Out Day," The Sophian, vol. 43, no. 10, 1993 (undated articles, see LBTA Records) 2 "Comments on chalking," The Sophian, n.d. 2 Farabee, Mindy, "LBA coffee house provides more than just Folger's," n.d. 2 "Groups react to formal changes," The Sophian, n.d. 2 Suszko, Stephanie, "Discrimination of the future?," The Sophian, n.d. 2 Bergin, Caitlin, "Smith women consider family values," The Sophian, n.d. 2 "Women's needs come first," The Sophian, n.d. 2 Bryant, Linda, "Homophobia is everywhere," The Sophian, n.d. 2 Anonymous, "To the editors," The Sophian, n.d. 2 Laehmann, Kathrine, "Religion major defines Alliance," The Sophian, n.d. 2 Davis, Sue and Wender, Jocelyn, "T-shirts," The Sophian, n.d. 2 Baskys, Loretta, "More biblical passages quoted," The Sophian, n.d. 2 Burger, Ann M., "Homophobia unacceptable," The Sophian, [1990] 2 Godley, Sophie, "National Coming Out Day," ca. 1991 Full issues collected: (see bound volumes in reading room) 2 The Sophian, vol. 34, no. 16, 1985 2 The Sophian, vol. 34, no. 24, 1986 2 The Sophian, vol. 34, no. 29, 1986 2 The Sophian, vol. 39, no. 8, 1989 2 The Sophian, vol. 39, no. 19, 1989 2 The Sophian, vol. 40, no. 20, 1991 2 The Sophian, vol. 40, no. 22, 1991 2 The Sophian, vol. 40, no. 25, 1991 2 The Sophian, vol. 40, no. 26, 1991 2 The Sophian, vol. 40, no. 33, 1991 2 The Sophian, vol. 40, no. 41, 1991 2 The Sophian, vol. 43, no. 4, 1993 2 The Sophian, vol. 43, no. 10, 1993 2 The Sophian, March 9, 1989