Donald F. Baker Collection (The Dallas Way)
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No requestable containers
Scope and Contents
This collection contains the papers, photographs, publications and artifacts of Donald F. Baker, a gay rights activist in Dallas, TX. Items also include correspondence, workshop materials, brochures, press clippings, court filings, awards, certificates, newsletters, and plaques related to Baker's work with the Dallas Way and the local LGBT community in Dallas.
Dates
- Creation: 1975-2000
- Creation: Majority of material found in 1985-1996
Creator
- Baker, Donald F. (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Some items in this collection may be restricted to protect sensitive information.
Conditions Governing Use
Reproduction and publication of materials in this collection are subject to the policies of the UNT Archives and Rare Books department. Copyright restrictions may apply.
Biographical or Historical Information
Donald F. Baker (1947-2000) was a teacher who lost his job for coming out as a gay man during a television interview in 1977. Baker was a founder of the Dallas Gay Political Caucus along with Louise Young, Dick Peeples, Steve Wilkins and Jerry Ward and he was also president of the Dallas Gay Alliance. Don Baker received widespread acclaim from his involvement as the primary plaintiff (with the backing of the Texas Human Rights Foundation) in the Baker vs. Wade case, which challenged the 21.06 law, a Texas code which bans homosexual conduct of any kind. Baker’s victory in the case was also a huge civil rights victory for the LGBT community and he is hailed as a pioneer for the work he accomplished. This collection features materials from the case including correspondence, interviews, clippings, case files and additional documentation of the case. The law was reinstated in 1986 and it was not until the Lawrence vs. Texas case of 2003 that the 21.06 law was ruled permanently unconstitutional.
In addition to his activist work, Baker also served as director for Community Productions, a Dallas theater and dance group which specialized in performances for the gay community. Materials from this organization are also included in this collection.
After spending most of his years in Dallas, Baker moved to Boston where he lived for the remainder of his life. Beyond the 21.06 ruling, Baker was involved in conferences, presentations and the publishing of articles (included with this collection) which brought more attention to gay rights causes. Don Baker passed away in 2000, after a seven year battle with cancer.
Note written by
Extent
4.00 boxes
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection contains the papers, photographs, publications and artifacts of Donald F. Baker, a gay rights activist in Dallas, TX.
Arrangement Note
These materials are arranged into three separate series, which reflects the original order of the collection. Series 1: Papers includes the arrangement of documents, as well as some photographic materials. Series 2: Publications contains issues of the Dallas Voice. Series 3: Artifacts contains three dimensional objects.
Physical Access Requirements
This collection is stored off-site and requires a minimum of 24 hours notice prior to use. The entirety of the collection has been digitized and is available in the Portal to Texas History. Blue text represents a hyperlink to the digitized materials in the Portal.
Source of Acquisition
The Dallas Way
Method of Acquisition
Gift
Accruals and Additions
2015-002
- Title
- Donald F. Baker Collection (The Dallas Way)
- Author
- S. Ivie and H. LaRock
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the University of North Texas Special Collections Repository
University of North Texas, Willis Library
1155 Union Circle # 305190
Denton TX 76203 US