Michael Robertson papers
Content Description
This collection consists of papers collected or created by Michael Robertson, former President of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley. The materials date from 1971 to 2014. The papers are comprised of newspaper clippings, correspondence, reference articles, administrative documents for the GAGV, ephemera, and and oversized scrapbook. The materials document Robertson's role as President of the GAGV and as a member of the University of Rochester's Gay Student Alliance (GSA). They also document gay rights, marriage equality, health, religion, etc. The oversized scrap book is titled "THe First Ten Years of the Empty Closet" and contains Empty Closet issues bound together, and loose brochures.
Dates
- Creation: c. 1971-2014
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.
Biographical / Historical
There is limited information on Michael Robert Robertson. Michael Robertson served as one of the first elected officers of the GAGV in 1974. Michael was elected to Co-President alongside Pat Coles in 1977. Michael worked for gay liberation and gay rights from as early as the 1970s and continued working in LGBTQ activism and education well into the 2000s.
Full Extent
.75 Cubic Feet (1 flip top box, 1 flat box, and 1 oversized folder.)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
This collection consists of 2 boxes and 1 oversized folder.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Trasferred from the Out Alliance, 2024
Bibliography
Moore, Barbara. “December and January in LGBT History.” Shoulders to Stand On Blog, December 17, 2009. https://shoulderstostandonblog.org/Home/?p=167.
Moore, Barbara. “From Bob Osborne to John Altieri, Gay Alliance Leadership Remains Strong.” Shoulders to Stand On Blog, March 2, 2012. https://shoulderstostandonblog.org/Home/?p=103.
Condition Description
Fair condition. Top portion of the box has some water damage. Issues of Empty Closet are incomplete and fragile.
- Title
- A Guide to the Michael Robertson Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Karen Gray
- Date
- 2025-08-07
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Local History & Genealogy Division Repository
115 South Ave.
Rochester 14604 USA
585-428-8370
585-428-8353 (Fax)
lochistref@libraryweb.org