Lichtenberg (Paula) Papers, 1977-2019

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Summary

Title:
Paula Lichtenberg papers
Dates:
1977-2019
Creators:
Lichtenberg, Paula
Abstract:
The Paula Lichtenberg papers contain materials she collected documenting the Bay Area Coalition Against the Briggs Initiative (BACABI) and the Coalition for Human Rights (CHR). Also included are printed materials from various lesbian and gay organizations from the late 1970s and early 1980s, as well as the 1979 March on Washington. Lichtenberg was co-chair of BACABI and corresponding secretary of CHR. A 2025 addition includes materials related to the Bay Area Coalition Against the Briggs Initiative (BACABI), including commemorative panels and exhibitons; correspondence, meeting agendas and minutes, newletters, and ephemera documenting the early years of the GLBT Historical Society; documentation of protests against the Papal visit to San Francisco; a folder of materials related to mystery literature readers; and numerous t-shirts from LGBT organizations and events.
Extent:
2.6 linear feet (1 carton, 2 manuscript boxes, 1 half manuscript box)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Paula Lichtenberg papers. GLBT Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

Paula Lichtenberg was co-chair of Bay Area Committee Against the Briggs Initiative (BACABI) and the papers include pro-gay support statements, correspondence, outreach documents, speeches and articles that illustrate BACABI’s visibility campaign in the Bay Area. There is a speaker’s manual that gives campaign theory and general instructions for speaking. The Campaign and Organizational plan outlines goals and guidelines of the role and responsibilities of different committees. There are flyers from the numerous speak outs, debates and rallies on Proposition 6. The minutes from the coordinating steering committees only cover October and November 1977. Paula Lichtenberg was corresponding secretary of Committee for Human Rights (CHR) and the bulk of the materials are from 1981 through 1983. The minutes of general membership meetings (1981 to January 1984) are extensive and include numerous resolutions. The folder on the Family Protection Act contains the right-wing legislation, notes concerning it, and discussion from a CHR conference on the Act. There is correspondence on various issues such as discrimination, violence, and local and state government actions. The Issues Committee file has a priorities of issues list. There is a small amount of press releases and letters from CHR of San Jose and Santa Clara. The third series of the Lichtenberg Papers consists of flyers and other materials from miscellaneous LGBT organizations and about LGBT-related issues generally dating from the late 1970's through 1980. The Gay Freedom Day Committee 1980 file includes some minutes, articles and flyers on lack of speakers at the parade. GSSO linked terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_003201 A 2025 addition includes materials related to the Bay Area Coalition Against the Briggs Initiative (BACABI), including commemorative panels and exhibitons; correspondence, meeting agendas and minutes, newletters, and ephemera documenting the early years of the GLBT Historical Society; documentation of protests against the Papal visit to San Francisco; a folder of materials related to mystery literature readers; and numerous t-shirts from LGBT organizations and events.

Biographical / historical:

The Bay Area Committee Against the Briggs Initiative (BACABI) was a coalition organized to mobilize opposition to Proposition 6. John Briggs, an Orange County State Senator and son of a fundamentalist preacher, authored and fought for what was popularly called the Briggs Initiative. The proposed ballot initiative would have prohibited schools from employing persons "advocating a homosexual lifestyle." In November of 1978 the Initiative was soundly rejected by California voters. The Coalition for Human Rights (CHR), formed in 1977, was composed of community organizations and individuals for the purpose of helping to coordinate efforts involving human rights for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. They held monthly meetings, where issues of importance to the community were discussed, and conferences.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Paula Lichtenberg in 1998 and 2025.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
1977-2019
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research. Funding for processing this collection was provided by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Preferred citation:

Paula Lichtenberg papers. GLBT Historical Society

Location of this collection:
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, CA 94103, US
Contact:
(415) 777-5455
reference@glbthistory.org
Website