Queer Nation Portland, Oregon Records

Book excerpt: The collection includes materials from the organizations Queer Nation, Act Up, Pink Panthers, and R.A.T.S. from 1990 to 1993, most of which were collected by Andrew Leavitt, a leader of Queer Nation. The records include press releases, news clippings, agendas, sticker masters, posters, leaflets and pamphlets, correspondence, notes, and two photographs. Also included are materials from the conservative anti-LGBTQ group, Oregon Citizens Alliance. The OCA materials include newsletters, pamphlets and affiliated newspapers. Many of the documents in this collection are related to the conflict between the OCA and LGBTQ activist groups, particularly relating to the 1992 Measure 9. Of special importance are: materials relating to the founding of Portland Queer Nation in 1991; the "Queer for a day: An April Fools Day Challenge" event in 1991; protests against of KOPB-TV for the censorship of the documentary Tongues Untied; the OCA condemnation of Police Chief Tom Potter; condemnation and protests of the film Basic Instinct; and the protests against Representative William Dannemeyer's visit to Portland in support of the OCA and Measure 9. It is important to note the overlap and connection between these groups, many of which can trace their origins to ACT UP.