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Grassroot Queers records, 1993-1997 (inclusive)

Extent:

2 linear feet ((4 document boxes, 2 flat box))

Abstract:

Grassroot Queers was a Philadelphia-based queer activist organization that operated from 1993 through 1999 to fight for equal rights and increased visibility for the LGBTQ community. The Grassroot Queers records, 1993-1997, includes organizational records and ephemera pertaining to their diverse activist efforts and community events.

Held at: John J. Wilcox, Jr. LGBT Archives, William Way LGBT Community Center [Contact Us]

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Bill Goldberg photographs, playbills, and ephemera, 1972-2008 (inclusive)

Extent:

11 boxes ((10 document boxes, 1 oversized box, 1 large folder))

Abstract:

William (Bill) Goldberg (1937-2019?) performed in drag, going under the stage name "Mame," and performed as a supernumerary (non-singing or speaking role) in productions of the Opera Company of Philadelphia. He often attended and hosted parties with friends for anniversaries, birthdays, and other holidays; and attended plays, ballets, operas, and concerts. The collection contains a variety of material types that document Bill Goldberg's interests, hobbies, profession, and social life. The collection is divided into seven series: I. Small photograph albums; II. Large photograph albums and scrapbooks; III. Programs and playbills; IV. Ephemera; V. Correspondence; VI. Clippings; and VII. Oversized.

Held at: John J. Wilcox, Jr. LGBT Archives, William Way LGBT Community Center [Contact Us]

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Tommi Avicolli Mecca collection, 1967-1992 (inclusive)

Extent:

11.25 linear feet (26 document boxes, 3 flat boxes)

Abstract:

Tommi Avicolli Mecca (b. 1951) is a writer, singer/songwriter, performance artist, and activist. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Avicolli Mecca was involved in many Philadelphia-area Gay rights organizations. The collection is comprised of six series: 1) Subject files; 2) Gay Activists Alliance (Philadelphia) records; 3) Gay Media Project (Philadelphia) records; 4) Gay Community Center of Philadelphia records; 5) Photographic slides; 6) Audiovisual material.

Held at: John J. Wilcox, Jr. LGBT Archives, William Way LGBT Community Center [Contact Us]

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Back Stage and Key West records, 1973-1989 (inclusive)

Extent:

.4 linear feet ((1 document box))

Abstract:

Back Stage and Key West were two Philadelphia queer establishments that anchored the brunch and cabaret performance scenes from 1974-1997 and 1982-2008, respectively. The collection contains advertisements, ephemera, photographs, and press from both businesses. The bulk of the collection comprises material from Back Stage, and paints a picture of the enduring necessity of nightlife and queer spaces as anchors in the community for building joy, power, and connection.

Held at: John J. Wilcox, Jr. LGBT Archives, William Way LGBT Community Center [Contact Us]