Collection Timeline

1953 to 2026

1953
The first pro-gay magazine in the United States, published by One, Inc starting in 1953. Charges brought forth by the U.S. Postal Service against the magazine for obscenity resulted in the landmark free speech case One, Inc. v. Olesen from the Supreme Court, upholding free speech protections for homosexual content.

1956
The first nationally distributed lesbian publication in the United States. Published by the Daughters of Bilitis, Incorporated, it appeared monthly from 1956 to 1970.

1960
A medical textbook published by American endocrinologist and sexologist Harry Benjamin in 1966 with The Julian Press. The text is notable for its examination of transsexualism not as a psychological issue, but rather as a somatic disorder that should be treated through medicine.

1966
The Transsexual Phenomenon

1968
Poem published in the Grinnell College student underground newspaper "The Pterodactyl."

1971
DRAG: The International Transvestite Quarterly was published starting in 1971 by Mardi Gras Enterprises, Inc., Founded and edited by Lee Brewster, an early transgender rights activist, drag queen, and early founder of the first U.S Pride.

1972
Anonymous author writes to the editors of the Scarlet and Black calling attention to the social plights of homosexuals at Grinnell College, citing social isolation and hiding part of themselves. The author calls for greater community among homosexuals on campus and bringing isolated social groups together for collective action.
Duane Taylor '73 writes in response to a prior letter to the editor on Febuary 2nd, 1972 on the plight of homosexuals, expressing support for the author's message.

1974
Reader-submission focused journal published on rural queer life starting in 1974 in Grinnell, IA.
The Lesbian Tide (1971–1980) was a lesbian periodical published in the United States by the Los Angeles chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis. It was the first US magazine to use the word "lesbian" in the title.
Page from Scarlet and Black featuring two letters to the editor by anonymous authors. One encourages interested parties to contact Campus Chaplain Dennis Haas for information on a meeting of homosexuals. The second discusses the presence of lesbians on campus from a lesbian.

1985
Editorial from the Scarlet and Black expressing discontent at a memorandum passed supporting the creation of a Gay Resource Center by the Student Government Association in 1986.

1986
Gay is Ok Photo
Letter to the Editor by Matt Rickett arguing for having gay in the name of a LGBTQ+ resource center rather than the adminstration proposal of a Human Resource Center in 1986.
News article in the Scarlet and Black on the founding of the Human Resource Center, currently known as the Stonewall Resource Center in 1986 at Grinnell College.

1987
Events calendar for the first Grinnell College Gay Pride Week in 1987 hosted by the Grinnell College Gay Community (GCGC).

1988
This series of internal college memos between Bill Deminoff, Director of College Relations, and George Drake, former President of Grinnell College, discusses an effort by Todd Shepherd ‘90 in 1988 to make gay students eligible for affirmative action under the college’s affirmative action policy.

1989
Printed report by the first Director of the HRC/GRC, David D. Clark on the state of the resource center over the first three years of operation.
Meeting notes from the Committee of Student Life from March 9, 1989 discussing allowing same-sex couples off-campus for housing under symbolic marriages.

1992
This is the definitive collection of Mapplethorpe's black-and-white photographs, drawing on the full range of his work, from the early Polaroids to the haunting self-portraits taken shortly before he died. It has been prepared in collaboration with the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, which was established by the artist to provide funds for AIDS research and photographic projects.--BOOK JACKET
Handbook for volunteer Stonewall Resource Center monitors from the 1992-1993 academic year.

1993
Printed email with what is believed to be the first constitution of the Stonewall Coalition (StoneCo) from 1993.

1996
AIDS Memorial Quilt created by Grinnell College students in 1996.
VHS tape from the Stonewall Resource Center's 10th Anniversary celebration.

2000
News article in the Scarlet and Black on the reinstallation of the Grinnell College Christian Fellowship (GCCF) and the prior suspension of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship on non-discrimination grounds.

2004
News article in the Scarlet and Black on the relocation of the Stonewall Resource Center in 2004 following the demolition of the Younker Memorial Medical Center and before the construction of the Joe Rosenfield Center.
Poster promoting a debate on marriage equality that was hosted by the Student Campaign for Increased Political Engagement (SCIPE) and sponsored by the Rosenfield Program in Public Affairs, International Relations, and Human Rights in 2004.

2005
Periodical running from 2005-2006 on matters of diversity and campus life at Grinnell College published by the Grinnell College Student Publications and Radio Committee.

2006
Undated flier detailing the resources and student organizations for LGBTQ+ student life at Grinnell College.
Recordings of the Fall 2007 Queer People of Color Drag Show. It is a full recording of the show, and also contains a short edited trailer for the drag show compiled from student performers and emcees
News article in the Scarlet and Black on the first Queer People of Color Drag Show at Grinnell College.

2009
Literary and arts magazine focused on gender and sexuality published by the Grinnell College Student Publications and Radio Committee.

2011
Photography and interviews at the biannual Grinnell College Queer people of color (QPOC) Drag show between fall 2008 and spring 2011 in Grinnell, Iowa in a compiled volume published by the Grinnell College Student Publications and Radio Committee.

2014
Poster from 2014 promoting Queer Cultures Week, a version of Gay Pride Week.

2019
Johanna Meehan Oral History Interview for the LGBTQ+ Oral Histories of Central Iowa Project
Rick Rose Oral History Interview for the LGBTQ+ Oral Histories of Central Iowa Project

2026
Bruce Koff '75 Oral History Interview for the Grinnell Queer History Project