Privacy Project Fact Sheet
- Title:
- Privacy Project Fact Sheet
- Alternate Title:
- Privacy Project Fact Sheet
- Collection:
- Persuasive Maps: PJ Mode Collection
- Creator:
- National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
- Date:
- 1986
- Posted Date:
- 2024-04-25
- ID Number:
- 2496.01
- File Name:
- PJM_2496_01.jpg
- Style/Period:
- 1960 - Present
- Subject:
- Other Moral & Social
Politics & Government - Measurement:
- 22 x 28 sheet (centimeters, height x width)
- Notes:
- Shortly after the 1986 Supreme Court decision in Bowers v. Hardwick upholding state laws criminalizing sodomy, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force established the "Privacy Project" to focus on reforming those laws. The Project's Director (and entire staff) was Sue Hyde, whose name appears at the lower right of the "Fact Sheet." Sheyn 2009, 13-17.
Hyde was hired in October 1986, and it seems likely that she produced this handbill shortly thereafter. The large map boldly illustrates those states with sodomy laws ("Unfree" states) and those with none ("Free" states). It also includes a variety of relevant information, including the statutory language of 10 states and a list of the "Dirty Dozen" states with the longest maximum penalties. Two tables provide a window into the objectives of the Project. One describes the "Reform Outlook" in the 26 states with sodomy laws, grouped by "Very Close," "Best Chances," "Not Impossible," and "Longshots." The other table offers "Three Clues to Progress to Look For" as the Project moved forward.
This leaflet appears primarily intended for distribution at meetings and demonstrations of supporters of LGBT rights, rather than to persuade doubting legislators or the general public. Its focus is expressed in boldface text at the bottom center of the page: "Contributions and Volunteers needed!" The text at the bottom right is to the same objective: "The Privacy Project seeks strong-willed activist-oriented men and women to help reform sodomy statutes. Long hours, no pay, but work can bring rich rewards of sexual freedom and gay and lesbian liberation."
While the Fact Sheet is undated, it is cited as a 1986 work in a Los Angeles report on Family Demographics published in May 1987. Blackstone 1987, S43.
Cornell University Library is pleased to present this digital collection of Persuasive Maps, the originals of which have been collected and described by the private collector PJ Mode. The descriptive information in the “Collector’s Notes” has been supplied by Mr. Mode and does not necessarily reflect the views of Cornell University. - Format:
- Image
- Rights:
- For important information about copyright and use, see http://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/copyright.