The Gay Peoples Union Collection presents digital copies of primary source materials documenting GPU and Milwaukee’s gay liberation movement. Materials were selected from the following collections held by the Division of Archives and Special Collections of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries: the Gay Peoples Union Records, GPU News, and the Eldon Murray Papers.
Optical disc (including CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, VCD), Analog audiocassette, Open reel tape (unknown material), and Digital audio file (including MP3, WAV, AIFF, etc.)
Carrier types:
Audiotape reel, Computer disc, and Audiocassette
Indexing terms:
Gay Community, Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Gay Liberation Movement, Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Homosexuality, Radio Equipment, Gay Rights, Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and Radio Programs for Gays, Wisconsin Milwaukee
Languages:
English
Genres:
Radio program
Access statement:
Due to their condition, the original audio recordings are restricted, and researchers must use access copies.
Usage statement:
The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).
Inventory description:
Online catalog record and EAD finding Aid
Supporting documentation:
The collection's supporting documents include both an online catalog record and finding aid sponsored by University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Historical relevance:
The Gay Peoples Union (GPU) was the most important gay and lesbian rights organization in Milwaukee during the 1970s. Beginning as a student organization at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the group gradually became a resource for the entire Milwaukee community. It actively embraced mainstream and alternative media outlets in order to educate the general public about homosexuality. GPU also took a leadership role in building an infrastructure for the emerging local gay and lesbian community. It established Milwaukee’s first gay and lesbian community center, operated a telephone counseling service and a venereal disease examination center, and organized a legal defense committee to assist gays and lesbians with paying for legal representation.
Condition note:
Playable with proper equipment and Known damage (repairs needed)
Notes:
Collection consists of the records of the Gay Peoples Union (GPU), the first gay rights organization in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and one of the earliest such groups in the state. Collection documents the history of GPU from its beginnings as a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student organization to its development as the most important gay and lesbian rights organization in Milwaukee in the 1970s. The collection also includes audio recordings of Gay Perspective, a radio program produced by GPU and broadcast on local radio stations from 1971 to 1972, and other public presentations given by GPU members as part the organization's educational mission.