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David Benjamin Mixner papers

 Collection
Call Number: MS 1862

Scope and Contents

The papers consist of personal materials, correspondence, compiled family letters, clippings, subject and writing files, photographs,Vietnam protest memorabilia, and audiovisual materials that document David Mixner's life as a gay male, leader in the gay rights movement, author, and political consultant and advisor. There is also a manuscript of the Mixner family genealogy by Patricia Mixner Annison, David's sister; addenda/errata to the family genealogy; and get well cards and photographs of David Mixner, circa 1950s-1960s.

Dates

  • 1924 - 2021

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

The papers are closed until January 1, 2031, unless researchers receive permission in writing to access them from the donor, the person holding power of attorney for the donor, or the executor of the estate of the donor. Researchers wishing to request access should email mssa.assist@yale.edu requesting specific box numbers in order to initiate the permission process, which may take several weeks. Original audiovisual materials, as well as preservation and duplicating masters, may not be played. Researchers must consult use copies, or if none exist must pay for a use copy, which is retained by the repository. Researchers wishing to obtain an additional copy for their personal use should consult Copying Services information on the Manuscripts and Archives web site. Original computer files may not be accessed due to their fragility. Researchers must consult access copies. Copies of commercially produced audiovisual materials contained in this collection cannot be made for researcher use outside of the repository. Original computer files may not be accessed due to their fragility. Researchers must consult access copies.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright is retained by David Mixner for unpublished works he has authored or otherwise produced. After the lifetime of David Mixner but no later than January 1, 2031, copyright passes to Yale University. Copyright status for other collection materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of David Mixner, 2005-2022.

Arrangement

Arranged in six series and multiple additions: I. Personal, 1946-2005. II. Correspondence, 1968-2005. III. Subject Files, 1958-2005. IV. Writings, 1989-2003. V. Clippings, 1968-2005. VI. Audiovisual, 1924, 1964-2004.

Original order for computer files has been maintained. No further arrangement work has been done.

Extent

3.7 Terabytes

157.73 Linear Feet (264 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Catalog Record

A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog

Persistent URL

https://hdl.handle.net/10079/fa/mssa.ms.1862

Additional Description

Overview

The papers consist of personal materials, correspondence, compiled family letters, clippings, subject and writing files, photographs, Vietnam protest memorabilia, and audiovisual materials that document David Mixner's life as a gay male, leader in the gay rights movement, author, and political consultant and advisor. There is also a manuscript of the Mixner family genealogy by Patricia Mixner Annison, David's sister; addenda/errata to the family genealogy; and get well cards and photographs of David Mixner, circa 1950s-1960s.

Biographical / Historical

David Benjamin Mixner, well-known activist, consultant, and author, was born on August 16, 1946, in Bridgetown, New Jersey. He graduated from Woodstown High School and attended Arizona State University (1964-1967) and the University of Maryland (1967). He became a political activist as a young adult and participated in the civil rights movement, the movement against the Vietnam War, and the anti-nuclear movement. He worked for a number of Democratic presidential campaigns, including McGovern for President, Hart for President (national co-chair), Gephardt for President, and Clinton for President (senior campaign advisor). Throughout his adult life he has actively worked with, and provided leadership for gay rights organizations, including Access Now for Gay and Lesbian Equality (ANGLE), Municipal Elections Committee of Los Angeles (MECLA), the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, and for organizations advocating for victims of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). He is the author of Stranger Among Friends, an autobiography; editor of Brave Journeys: Profiles in Gay and Lesbian Courage; author of screenplays, including Dunes of Overveen and Fire in the Soul, and was executive producer of House on Fire, a film regarding AIDS in the African-American community. His consulting firm, DBM Associates, specializes in public policy, and works with individuals, businesses, and governments, in the United States and abroad, especially on projects related to AIDS and gay rights.

Processing Information

Computer files in this collection were imaged or captured by Manuscripts and Archives staff in 2011 for preservation and access. Additional information about actions taken may be available at the repository.

Subjects

Related Names

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the David Benjamin Mixner Papers
Status
Under Revision
Author
compiled by staff of Manuscripts and Archives
Date
January 2006
Description rules
Finding Aid Created In Accordance With Manuscripts And Archives Processing Manual
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository

http://www.library.yale.edu/mssa/
Contact:
Yale University Library
P.O. Box 208240
New Haven CT 06520-8240 US
(203) 432-1735
(203) 432-7441 (Fax)

Location

Sterling Memorial Library
Room 147
120 High Street
New Haven, CT 06511

Opening Hours

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