Gay and Lesbian Historical Society of Northern California
                              P.O. Box 424280
                          San Francisco, CA  94142


                                   Contact:   C. Glass   415-626-0980
                                              A. Lazere  415-885-6363

                                                          December 13, 1993


                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 IMPORTANT NEW ACQUISITIONS FOR LESBIAN AND GAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ARCHIVES

The Lesbian and Gay Historical Society has acquired the papers of Dr. David 
Kessler and the photographs of Gene Weber, adding to what is rapidly 
becoming the definitive collection of gay and lesbian historical materials 
in Northern California.

Kessler, a psychiatrist, served as president of the Gay and Lesbian Caucus 
of the American Psychiatric Association and as president of Bay Area 
Physicians for Human Rights. In addition to documents and correspondance of 
those organizations, his papers include transcripts of the psychiatric 
testimony in the notorious Dan White trial.

The late photographer Gene Weber left extensive pictorial documentation of 
the erotic subculture of San Francisco's leather community.

Other individuals whose papers are in the archives include activists Phyllis 
Lyon and Del Martin, journalist Mike Hippler, Theatre Rhinoceros' Leland 
Moss, writer Dan Turner, actress/comedienne Pat Bond, and Leonard Matlovich.

The archives contain a wide range of materials from such organizations as 
the Golden Gate Business Association, Community United Against Violence 
(CUAV), the AIDS/ARC Vigil, Black and White Men Together, National Gay 
Rights Advocates, Lesbian Agenda for Action, and Queer Nation. Tapes of the 
popular gay radio shows, The Gay Life and Fruit Punch are held in the 
Historical Society's collection, as well as ephemera such as the costumes of 
the late pop diva, Sylvester.

The Lesbian and Gay Historical Society of Northern California is an 
independent, tax-exempt, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the 
collection and preservation of historically significant materials 
documenting the lives of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transexuals, and 
sexual rebels of all kinds. The Society publishes a newletter and produces 
exhibitions and programs.

For information about membership or access to collections, call 
415-626-0980.