Title: Louis Stimac Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1972-1981

Creator:

• Louis Stimac, 1941-1994

Call Number: UWM Manuscript Collection 301

Quantity: .6 cubic ft. (2 boxes)
Repository:

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives Department

Archival Location:

UW-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives / Milwaukee Area Research Ctr. (Map)

Abstract:

The collection consists of subject files assembled by Louis Stimac, documenting his pioneering role to advance gay and lesbian rights in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the 1970s and early 1980s. The collection includes correspondence, scripts for the radio commentary program Gay Freedom, educational materials developed for support groups, and lectures.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-mil-uwmmss0301

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Louis Stimac was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 23, 1941. After graduating from high school, he attended St. Francis Seminary in the Milwaukee suburb of St. Francis for eight years. In the early 1970s, he became involved in the local gay rights movement and was an active member of the Gay Peoples Union (GPU). He was one of three individuals who signed GPU's articles of incorporation in 1972. As a member of GPU, Stimac lectured at schools and churches across the state. He started numerous support groups, including Gay Alcoholics Anonymous and the first gay telephone counseling service in Milwaukee. In 1975 he created Gay Freedom, a five-minute radio commentary program that aired on WUWM. The program debuted on March 10 and addressed included topics such as homophobia, coming out, cross dressing, mental illness, and the gay community in Milwaukee. He wrote essays about homosexuality and compiled a gay history. He was a proponent of research, inclusiveness, and visibility. He died on April 8, 1994.

This collection is composed of Stimac's subject files and includes correspondence, notes, and research materials relating to his activities in the Milwaukee gay rights movement. There is some material representing his involvement with the Gay Peoples Union (GPU), the Gay Community Center Task Force, the Gay Ministry Task Force, and his work with the gay community generally. Material in this collection represents his efforts to educate the public and religious groups about homosexuality. This is shown through correspondence with religious leaders, educational material he assembled, and copies of lectures. He collected articles relating to the portrayal of gays in the media and often made notes and issued responses to publishers. His interest in religion and homosexuality is represented by his work with the Gay Ministry Task Force and a series of talks he gave at the St. Francis Seminary, where he was once a student. His work in creating and hosting the radio commentary program Gay Freedom is represented by scripts and proposals.

Citation Guide for Primary Sources

• Alyn W. Hess Papers. UWM Manuscript Collection 259.

• Donna Utke Papers. UWM Manuscript Collection 233.

• Eldon Murray Papers. UWM Manuscript Collection 256.

• Gay Peoples Union Records. UWM Manuscript Collection 240.

• Miriam Ben-Shalom Papers. UWM Manuscript Collection 237.

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law.

Use Restrictions

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).

Acquisition Information

Dan Fons donated the collection in March 2011 (accession 2010-041).

Processing Information

Rachel Curtis processed the collection in October 2011 (Bob Jaeger supervised).

Box   1 Folder   1	Articles Relating to Homosexuality, 1976-1978, undated
Box   1 Folder   2	Articles Written for Publication, 1976-1981
Box   1 Folder   3	Bibliography, 1974, undated
Box   1 Folder   4	Birth of One Gay Liberationist, undated
Box   1 Folder   5	A Christian Response to Homosexuals, 1972
Box   1 Folder   6	Class Notes, undated
Box   1 Folder   7	Correspondence (Copies), 1973-1978
Box   1 Folder   8	Crime Without a Victim, 1974
Box   1 Folder   9	Diary Notes, 1974, undated
Box   1 Folder   10	Gay Peoples Union, 1975, undated
Box   1 Folder   11	Gay American History: 1528-1969, 1978
Box   1 Folder   12	Gay Community Task Force, 1974
Box   1 Folder   13	Gay Freedom Radio Program, 1974-1975
Box   1 Folder   14	Gay Freedom Scripts, undated
Box   1 Folder   15	Gay Ministry Task Force Justice and Peace Commission, 1973, undated
Box   1 Folder   16	Homosexuality, 1973
Box   1 Folder   17	Homosexuality and the Social Order (speech by Lee C. Rice), undated
Box   1 Folder   18	Homosexuality in America-Milwaukee Free University Class, 1975
Box   1 Folder   19	Judd Marmon's Speech, 1973
Box   1 Folder   20	Liberation Theology, undated
Box   2 Folder   1	The Lincoln Center, undated
Box   2 Folder   2	Mental Health, 1976, undated
Box   2 Folder   3	A Model for Ministry to the Homosexual Community, undated
Box   2 Folder   4	Milwaukee References for Gay Community, 1974, undated
Box   2 Folder   5	Proposed Constitution of the Gay Community at UW-M, undated
Box   2 Folder   6	Reaction to Catholic Herald Citizen Article, 1976
Box   2 Folder   7	Sado-Masochism-Eight Varieties, undated
Box   2 Folder   8	Self Teaching Exams, undated
Box   2 Folder   9	St. Francis Seminary Talks, 1978-1980, undated