Title: Mark Behar Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1981-1991

Creator:

• Behar, Mark

Call Number: UWM Manuscript Collection 216

Quantity: .2 cubic ft. (1 box)
Repository:

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Libraries, Archives Department

Archival Location:

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

Abstract:

In 1982 Wisconsin became the first state to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodation. One year later, Governor Anthony S. Earl formed the Council on Lesbian and Gay Issues as an advisory group to make recommendations concerning the implementation of Chapter 112 of the Laws of Wisconsin, popularly known as the "gay rights law." This collection consists of records of the council and includes biennial and final reports, press releases, correspondence, brochures, fliers, surveys, and news clippings. It was compiled by Mark Behar, who served on the council from 1983 to 1987.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-mil-uwmmss0216

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The idea of an advisory group that would advocate for the legal and social equality of gay Wisconsinites was a priority of Governor Anthony S. Earl, who wanted to see the 1982 Chapter 112, Laws of Wisconsin, become "more than words on paper." In January 1983, Governor Earl selected Dane County Board Supervisors Kathleen Nichols and R. Richard Wagner to reach out to gay organizations around the state and assess the needs of sexual minority communities. In February, Nichols and Wagner reported that there was acute need for personal safety, anti-discrimination enforcement in employment and accommodations, law enforcement sensitivity training, and community visibility and acceptance. Governor Earl created the council on March 29, 1983. The council met monthly and had three standing committees: Outreach, Education and Youth; Health, Social Services and Child Custody; and Discrimination and Legal Issues. The council dissolved itself on January 2, 1987 in protest of incumbent Governor Tommy Thompson's promise to terminate the group after taking office.

The collection includes copies of correspondence; press releases; educational and informational ephemera related to health issues, discrimination, and violence against the gay and lesbian community; and news clippings related to the appointment of the council. The most significant sources of information are the council's biennial and final reports which document, in great detail, the efforts and accomplishments of the council as a gay rights advocay group. The reports also provide a detailed history of the council itself, including an inclusive list of its members. The collection was compiled by Mark Behar, who served on the council from 1983 to 1987.

Citation Guide for Primary Sources

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

Mark Behar donated this collection in 2003 (accession 2003-079).

Processing Information

Ismoon Maria Hunter-Morton processed this collection in July 2004 (Michael Doylen supervised).

Box   1 Folder   1	Correspondence, Incoming and Outgoing, 1981-1991
Box   1 Folder   2	Miscellaneous, undated
Box   1 Folder   3	Press Releases, 1984-1987
Box   1 Folder   4	Reports, 1985, 1987