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Ernie Potvin papers

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: Coll2011-070

Scope and Content

Writings, photographs, correspondence, clippings, mailing lists, pamphlets, flyers, graphic art, award certificates, videotapes, and other material, 1947-1998, from gay activist Ernie Potvin, founder of Puerto Rico's first gay and lesbian rights organization Comunidad de Orgullo Gay. The bulk of the collection documents Potvin's gay activism in Los Angeles and Puerto Rico, and includes photographs from Puerto Rico's first gay pride parade. Also included are videotapes (VHS) of the 1994 International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) conference.

Dates

  • Creation: 1947 - 1998

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

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

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Biography

Born in Massachusetts in 1931, Ernie Potvin moved to Puerto Rico in 1956. He later helped to found one of Puerto Rico's first gay and lesbian rights organizations, Comunidad De Orgullo Gay, in 1972. After moving to Los Angeles in 1976, Potvin worked as an actor, a journalist for local gay publications, and a commercial graphic artist. He volunteered for gay organizations such as the Los Angeles Gay Men's Chorus, Christopher Street West, and the ONE Institute and Archives. Potvin died of heart failure in 1998.

Extent

1.25 Linear Feet (1 box.)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Writings, photographs, correspondence, clippings, mailing lists, pamphlets, flyers, graphic art, award certificates, videotapes, and other material from gay activist Ernie Potvin, 1947-1998. Potvin was a founder of Puerto Rico's first gay and lesbian rights organization in 1972. The bulk of the collection documents Potvin's gay activism in Los Angeles and Puerto Rico.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetically.

Acquisition

Donor and date of acquisition unknown.

Related Materials

Potvin was the art director of the The San Juan Review, 1964-1966. The digitized publication is available at www.sanjuanreview.com.

Processing Information

Formerly box #103-058. Collection processed by Marc LaRoque; revised by Loni Shibuyama, April 2014.

Title
Finding Aid to the Ernie Potvin Papers, 1947-1998
Status
Completed
Author
Marc LaRocque and Loni Shibuyama
Date
© 2014
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Description is inEnglish.
Sponsor
Processing this collection has been funded by a generous grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

Repository Details

Part of the ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, University of Southern California Repository

Contact:
909 West Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles California 90007 United States
(213) 821-2771