Title: Donna Utke Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1971-1991

Creator:

• Utke, Donna, 1933-2001

Call Number: UWM Manuscript Collection 233

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:

Collection contains works written or presented by Donna Utke, a prominent figure in Milwaukee's feminist and gay/lesbian communities, mainly during the 1970s. It includes book reviews, essays, and public and radio presentations on topics such as sexual inequality, the relationship of feminism and lesbianism, the gay and lesbian rights movement, and literature.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: https://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-mil-uwmmss0233

Donna Utke was a prominent figure in the local Milwaukee feminist and gay/lesbian communities. She was one of five founding members of the Gay Peoples Union (GPU) in 1970 and an active member of Grapevine, the Feminist Writer's Guild, and the Milwaukee chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW). In 1989, she helped found the Lesbian Alliance of Metro Milwaukee (LAMM) and in 1993, Senior Action in a Gay Environment (SAGE). She worked for three decades as a librarian in the Milwaukee Public Library System, frequently contributing book reviews for its newsletter. Utke died on May 19, 2001.

The collection consists mainly of works written or presented by Donna Utke during the 1970s and pertaining to literature, feminism, and the gay and lesbian rights movement. The collection includes book reviews and essays published in both the Milwaukee Public Library System's newsletter, the Milwaukee Reader, and gay and lesbian or feminist publications, such as GPU News, Amazon Quarterly, and Ms. (When writing for gay and lesbian publications, Utke often used the pseudonym "Donna Martin.") The collection also includes presentations given by Utke on local radio programs and at meetings of the Milwaukee Methodist Ministers, the Wisconsin Women's Political Caucus, the Milwaukee chapter of the American Psychiatric Association, and the Midwest Regional Homophile Conference. Utke gave at least one presentation on radio station WRIT; she may have given others on WZMF, which aired weekly gay/lesbian programming in 1971, or WUWM, which continued the program from 1971 to 1972.

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

Jamakaya donated this collection in June 2005 (accession number 2004-065).

Processing Information

Jennifer Motszko processed the collection at the Archives in January 2006.

Box   1 Folder   1	Book Reviews, 1971-1976
Box   1 Folder   2	Book Reviews, 1977-1983, undated
Box   1 Folder   3	Essays, 1972-1980, 1991, undated
Box   1 Folder   4	Public Presentations, 1972-1974, undated
Box   1 Folder   5	Radio Program Presentations, undated