Jay Blotcher Papers
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Date
Creator
Extent
Extent
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Language of Materials
Abstract
Jay Blotcher represented the lives of gay and lesbian people through his work as a journalist, publicist, freelance writer, film producer and activist. The Jay Blotcher Papers contain print, media, ephemera, and clothing materials documenting the Lesbian and Gay Rights Movement, AIDS activism and queer activism in the 1990s. The collection includes media releases and other publicity for ACT UP and Queer Nation, two major AIDS and queer advocacy organizations as well as the Anti-Violence Campaign, The American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR), and several smaller organizations.
Biographical Note
Jay Blotcher represented the lives of gays and lesbians through his work as a journalist, publicist, freelance writer, film producer, and activist. His earliest work on queer activism was a feature on the Gay Student Organization in his college newspaper, The Daily Orange. Blotcher produced work on The American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR), Michelangelo Signorile and numerous other individuals and grassroots organizations. In 1987, he joined ACT UP New York, represented the group at the International AIDS Conferences in Montreal, Amsterdam and Yokohama, and served as Media Coordinator for the organization from 1989-1990. Blotcher was also a founding member and Media Coordinator for Queer Nation New York, and the executive producer of the Anti-Violence Campaign. He was deeply involved in HIV/AIDS activism and queer activism in New York and internationally, both as a professional and as an activist.
Arrangement
This collection has been arranged into four series:
Series I: Files and Printed Materials;
Series II: Media;
Series III: Ephemera;
Series IV: Clothing.
Where possible, the collection retains Jay Blotcher's own organization. Materials in Series I: Printed Materials are arranged alphabetically.
Scope and Contents
The Jay Blotcher Papers (1987-2001) contain print materials, media, ephemera and clothing documenting the Lesbian and Gay Rights Movement, HIV/AIDS Activism and Queer Activism in the 1990s. The collection includes media releases and other publicity for ACT UP and Queer Nation, two major AIDS and queer advocacy organizations as well as the Anti-Violence Campaign, The American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR), and several smaller organizations.
Subjects
Organizations
Genres
Topics
Places
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open without restrictions.
Use Restrictions
This collection is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use materials in the collection in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Preferred Citation
Suggested format for citing materials in a collection: Identification of item, date; Jay Blotcher Papers; MSS 137; box number; folder number or item identifier; Fales Library and Special Collections, New York University Libraries.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by Jay Blotcher in May 2003. The accession number associated with this gift is 2003.137.
Born-Digital Access Policies and Procedures
Born-digital materials have not been transferred and may not be available to researchers. Researchers may request access copies. To request that material be transferred, or if you are unsure if material has been transferred, please contact NYU Special Collections (special.collections@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596) with the collection name, collection number, and a description of the item(s) requested. A staff member will respond to you with further information.
Audiovisual Access Policies and Procedures
Access to some audiovisual materials in this collection is available through digitized access copies. Researchers may view an item's original container, but the media themselves are not available for playback because of preservation concerns. Materials that have already been digitized are noted in the collection's finding aid and can be requested in our reading room.
Audiovisual materials that have not been preserved may not be available to researchers. Materials not yet digitized will need to have access copies made before they can be used. To request an access copy, or if you are unsure if an item has been digitized, please contact NYU Special Collections (special.collections@nyu.edu, 212-998-2596) with the collection name, collection number, and a description of the item(s) requested. A staff member will respond to you with further information.
Separated Materials
Select periodicals have been separated from the collection and cataloged individually in Bobcat: "Lisp" periodical, 1995.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Decisions regarding arrangement, description, and physical interventions for this collection prior to 2025 are unknown.
Revisions to this Guide
Edition of this Guide
Repository
Series I: Files and Printed Materials
Scope and Contents note
This series contains clippings, press releases and typescripts relating to Jay Botcher's work as Media Coordinator for ACT UP and Queer Nation as well as materials relating to his work as a publicist for gay and lesbian authors and organizations from 1987-2002.
ACT UP: Auction for Action invitation, Broadway, New York, December 3, undated
ACT UP: FBI Files, undated
ACT UP New York: Yokohama, 1994
ACT UP: Political funeral, undated
ACT UP: Rafsky, Bob, undated
ACT UP: Tenth anniversary action, 1997
Activism and demonstrations, undated
AIDS and queer clips. Begins September 19, 1991, ca. 1991
AIDS and the media, undated
AIDS education postcards, undated
Alan Klein Media Relations media list. September 1, 1994, 1994
American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR): AIDS awareness campaign with Kenneth Cole, 1995
AmFAR: Information packet, 1997
AmFAR: Lordly and Dame Inc. Booking Agency, 1995
Animal Rights. United Action for Animals and International Society for Animal Rights., 1991
The Anti-Violence Campaign, 1991
The Anti-Violence Campaign: MTV and VHI Anti-gaybashing ads, 1992
The Anti-Violence Campaign: press clips and related articles, ca. 1992
The Anti-Violence Project: Susan Sarandon public service announcement, 1990
Astra Pharmaceutical: price inflation of AIDS drug Foscavir AIDS activists and organizations protest., 1991-1992
Behrman, Andy: clippings, cards, interviews, undated
Behrman, Andy: "Electroboy" typescript, 2001
Blotcher, Jay: personal media list, undated
Brooklyn AIDS Task Force: press release, 1991
Canadian National AIDS Clearinghouse: postcard, undated
Centaur Dance Theatre, 1994
The Center: media releases, 1991
Cinema, Queers and AIDS, undated
Comedy Central: Out There II, 1994
Comedy Central: S. Robbe, 1993
d'Adesy, Anne-Christine, undated
Donat, Hank "Popcorn in the Morning" typescript, undated
A few good queers, undated
The Flirtations. Gay musical group., 1992
Gay City Health Project, Seattle Washington, 1995
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD): Mediagram campaign, 1991
GLAAD: Trojan War, 1991
"Gotham gals hanker for other hunks" [Jay Blotcher quoted in article] New York Post. July 16, 1993, 1993
"Hallowe'en Mystery" by Jay Blotcher, grade 5. Martin E. Young School, undated
Harry Paul and Associates letterhead, undated
Hennelly, Christopher: Police brutality case, 1991
Hetrick-Martin Institute: Volunteer orientation packet, undated
Housing Works "Demonstrators Slam Lack of AIDS Housing" Newsday article. September 13, 1993, 1993
"In the Life" media releases, clippings and program guides, undated
Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies. Working group on funding. "Creating Communities: Giving and Volunteering by Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender People.", 1998
International Conference on AIDS. Postcard for the 11th conference, Vancouver Canada. July 7-12, 1996., 1996
"Johnny Guitar" with Ryan Landry and Kandi Kane. Presented by the Gold Dust Orphans Antro Theatre, Provincetown MA, undated
Lesbian and Gay Directory of Services and Resources, 1997
Lesbian and Gay People of Color Steering Committee Participating Organizations, undated
Lesbian and Gay Teachers Association Media advisory, undated
Media Mavens resources list. November 17, 1989, 1989
Military Murders, Gay Ban, Petrelis in Japan, undated
Mr. Leather New York -- Organizing committee certificate of recognition, 1996
National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association convention. "Making Waves" Hyatt Regency, Miami FL. September 5-8, 1996, 1996
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Press release, 1991
New York Advertising and Communications Network membership directory, 1996-1997
NYC Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays [PFLAG] salutes Dick Ashworth. May 11, 1998, 1998
Nocturnal, 1993
Outfest. Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, 1997
Out Loud lesbian and gay cultural and business expo., 1994
"Out There" comedy special, 1993
Out Write: the fifth national lesbian and gay writers conference., 1995
Percy William. "Outing: Shattering the Conspiracy of Silence", 1994
Planet Q: The Queer Comedy Troup. "Homo Alone, Lost in Colorado", 1993
POZ: Health, Hope and HIV. March 1997., 1997
Project Inform: treatment information packet., undated
Public Impact Media Consultants: queer media list, August 1994., 1994
Queer Nation, 1990
Queer Nation letterhead, undated
Rainbow Run for the end of AIDS, 1990
Reed, Phillip. City Council candidate, 1997
RFSL: the Swedish Federation for Gay and Lesbian Rights. "Lesbian and Gay the Swedish Way.", 1994
Sadownick, Douglas. "Sacred Lips of the Bronx" press packet., undated
Senior Action in a Gay Environment (SAGE) Dance Marathon at the Limelight., 1991
SAGE Dance Marathon at the Roxy., 1992
SAGE tribute to Lorenz Hart, 1991
Sedarbaum, Ed. New York State Senate campaign, 1997
Sex Information and Education Council of the US (SEICUS) Study Guide #2: Homosexuality., undated
"Sex is...exploring the meaning of sex and sexuality..." Film by Marc Huestis and Lawrence Helman., 1993
Signorile, Michelangelo: columns, undated
Signorile, Michelangelo: "Life Outside" Armistead Maupin quote., 1997
Signorile, Michelangelo: publicity for "Life Outside", undated
Signorile, Michelangelo: "Life Outside" typescript, undated
Signorile, Michelangelo: "Outing Yourself" News from Randomhouse, undated
Signorile, Michelangelo: "Outing Yourself" project planner, multiple dates
Signorile, Michelangelo: "Outing Yourself" typescript, undated
Signorile, Michelangelo: "Queer in America" College tour bookings., 1995
Signorile, Michelangelo: "Queer in America" press packet, undated
Signorile, Michelangelo: "Queer in America" typescript, undated
Signorile, Michelangelo: Speaking engagements, undated
Television, Queers and AIDS, undated
United Voices, United Visions committee lists, June 10, 1995., 1995
"Voices from the Front" Frameline release, 1992
"When AIDS Ends" by Andrew Sullivan, New York Times Magazine, November 10, 1996, 1996
"Wilde" special screening invitation, 1998
Series II: Media
Scope and Contents note
Audio cassettes, microcassettes, floppy disks and videocassettes containing articles, interviews, music and programs relating to Jay Blotcher's activism and interests.
Conditions Governing Access
Audiovisual and born-digital materials have not been preserved and may not be available to researchers.
The Glass Spider Tour, David Bowie in Concert. Giants Stadium, NJ August., undated
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
Original format: Microcassette, Sony MC60
Burroughs Welcome Coverage, April 25, 1989
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
Original format: Microcassette, AIWA MC-30
MacLeod, undated
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
Original format: Microcassette, Maxell MC-60
Meat Puppets and Marianne Faithfull, undated
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
Original format: Microcassette, Sony MC60
Mildred Pierced, May 11, 1987
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
Original format: Microcassette, Sony MC60
Rollerena, undated, inclusive
Part 1, Tape 1
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Format: Microcassette, AIWA MC-30; Duration: 61 minutes; Preservation Note: Very poor audio.
Audio
Part 1, Tape 2
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Format: Microcassette, Sony MC60; Duration: 107 minutes; Preservation Note: Very poor audio.
Audio
Phone Messages, July and September, 1991, inclusive
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
Original format: Microcassette, TDK
Phone Messages, undated
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
Original format: Microcassette, Panasonic RT-30MC
Unlabeled tape, 1994-1996, inclusive
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
Original format: Microcassette, Panasonic MC-30
Unlabeled tape, undated
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
Original format: Microcassette, TDK MC60
Alternet Gay and Lesbian Radio for South Florida: Program #26, March 7, 1993
Scope and Contents
Label reads: "Adoption ban for gays ruled unconstitutional in Sarasota; Florida lawmaker from Davie withdraws civil rights bill; Navy claims gay sailor was murdered by gay ex-lover; California city legally defines 'family'; This gay in history did it on stage: Colin Higgins; A report on gay women in the military; Making an artistic statement: art about AIDS; To buy or not to buy: that is the question of boycotts; Music: Hosework! and Dykes!!"
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
Original format: Audiocassette, TDK D60
Larry King Show, Michelangelo Signorile, May 19, 1993
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
Original format: Audiocassette, unmarked
ACT UP on 60 Minutes, featuring Peter Staley, Bob Rafsky and Marina Alvarez, November 15, 1992
Video compilation of erotica in mainstream TV and film by SF journalist Jim Provenzano / Jay's Jo Jumpin Joy Juice Jumble, undated
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
Note on tape says: "Tape snapped, needs mending"
Outweek articles and Tetris, undated
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
3.5 inch floppy disk, unlabeled
Outweek, SYR Mag Files, Games files, undated
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
3.5 inch floppy disk, 3M double side 1.0 MB
Resume 1995, Applications and Utils., Out Mag pieces, Out Loud expos, GAA reunion, Comedy Skits, Miles, Lisp, New article ideas, 1260 LSM, Splash, 1995, inclusive
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
3.5 inch floppy disk, TDK MF-2HD
Queer in America, undated
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
3.5 inch floppy disk, Fuji film, MF2DD
Queries, Joey Pons 2145, Cruse, Out-Gean, undated
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
3.5 inch floppy disk, 3M DS, HD 1.4 Mb
Sex Club Article, complete; profile of Howard Cruse, January 29, 1996, inclusive
Conditions Governing Access
Currently unavailable until duplication occurs.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
3.5 inch floppy disk, HD
Sex Clubs, Howard Cruse article, undated
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements note
3.5 inch floppy disk, HD
Series III: Ephemera
Scope and Contents note
Materials including pins, nametags, pens and magnets relating to Jay Blotcher's activism and professional work for Queer Nation, ACT UP and the Lesbian and Gay rights movement.
Square button. "ACT UP Fight Back Fight AIDS", undated
Circular button. "Queer in America", undated
Circular button. "He's Gotta Have It!", undated
Circular button, missing pin. "Try 31. For a Change. WNYC-TV" Paper pink triangle with words "our time" pasted on., undated
circular button. "Silence=Death", undated
Rectangular button. "Rainbow Run for the End of AIDS San Francisco to Vancouver. June 7th-August 4th 1990. In Honor of Tom Waddell and Keith Haring.", 1990
Circular button. "Hot Sex Now", undated
Circular button. "Ramrod Anniversary XVI", undated
Circular button. [Trans activist, Marsha P. Johnson], undated
Circular button. "ACT UP", undated
Circular button. "Silence=Mort 1989 Silence=Death project", 1989
Lighter, undated
Rectangular sticker. "PM Chretien We're Dying for a National AIDS Strategy", undated
30 round stickers. "Queer in America", undated
Postcard from the Beverly Prescott hotel. " 'When a shower just won't do' The Beverly Prescott's King Jacuzzi Room", undated
Rectangular Magnet. "The Pants Too? Yes, Please Donate. Out of the closet thrift store and AIDS healthcare foundation.", undated
XI International Conference on AIDS nametag. "Jay Blotcher- The Front Page" With Durex pen., undated
Necklace. One side "ACT UP for a cure" Opposite side "1992 March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation.", 1992
One pencil. " 'Pageant' - NY's Nightly Beauty Contest", undated
One pen. "Wolf Talk Radio 1490AM, 96.7 FM", undated
Series IV: Clothing
Scope and Contents note
Series IV contains t-shirts and a sweatshirt related to Jay Blotcher's professional career, activism and interests. All of series IV is located in Box 5, which is an OVERSIZE box.
