William Carl Saxon diaries

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: Coll2008-015

Staff Only

Scope and Content of Collection

The collection consists of the journals of William Carl Saxon (1954-1992) for the period 1971-1992. The entries are primarily of a psychological nature, and chronicle Saxon's relationships with his family, friends, and his long-time partner, William John "Billy" Lorenz. The entries are extensive for the period 1972-1977, then become increasingly intermittent until 1990, when Saxon was diagnosed with AIDS. The entries from July 1990 until January 1992, document, in a deteriorating hand, the emotional effects of Saxon's struggle with the disease. A single folder contains several photographs of Saxon and Lorenz, Saxon's last will, his last letter to Lorenz, and materials from his memorial service.

Dates

Creation: 1971-1992

Creator

Saxon, William Carl (Person)

Access

The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.

Publication Rights

Researchers wishing to publish materials from this collection must obtain permission in writing from ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives as the physical and copyright holder.

Biography

William Carl Saxon was born in Los Angeles, California, on September 26, 1954. He graduated from Franklin Hugh School in 1972, and received a journalism scholarship from the Los Angeles Times to attend California State University Los Angeles, where he served as president of the Gay Student Union, and from which he graduated in 1979 with a BA in American Studies. Saxon did much volunteer work with the Braille Institute, the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center, and the Suicide Hot Line. He was last employed as a Quality Control Engineer and Customer Service Representative at Champion Irrigation Co. He was diagnosed with AIDS in July 1990, and died of the disease in Los Angeles on February 22, 1992.

Extent

1.4 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Journals, 1971-1992, of William Carl Saxon (1954-1992). The entries are primarily of a psychological nature, and chronicle his relationships with his family, friends, and his long-time partner, William John "Billy" Lorenz, and, from July 1990, the emotional effects of his struggle with AIDS.

Acquisition Information

Gift of William John Lorenz, legatee of William Carl Saxon, September 1, 1994.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Michael P. Palmer, May 5, 2008.

Processing this collection has been funded by a generous grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.