Andelson Collection

Located on the 2nd floor, it is part of the Ethnic and Gender Studies Library with more than 2,500 volumes documenting lesbian and gay culture and history.

The collection is named in honor or Sheldon Andelson who was the first openly gay person appointed to the University of California Board of Regents, or any other high position in state government. In describing Andelson, the Los Angeles Times called him a "Democratic heavyweight once regarded as the nation's most influential gay political figure" (Dec. 30, 1987). Andelson was born in Boyle Heights, at the time a Jewish enclave of Los Angeles, and went on to a lucrative career in law and real estate. "But he was best known for his political activity--especially for the huge amounts of money he raised for liberal politicians.... Visitors included former Vice President Walter Mondale, from Sen. Gary Hart (D-Colorado), Alan Cranston (D-Calif.) and Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley," noted the Los Angeles Times in Andelson's obituary.

Governor Jerry Brown nominated Andelson for the Regents post, traditionally one of the most prestigious that a governor of California has the power to fill. He survived a nasty confirmation battle and served as University of California Regent from 1980-1986. He was also a member of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, a founder of the Museum of Contemporary Art, director of the ACLU Foundation and served on the Committee of the 1984 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles. He died of complications from AIDS in 1987.

Selected Journals from the Andelson Collection

Advocate

Christopher Street

Conditions

Conmocion

Evergreen Chronicles

GLQ

Harvard Gay & Lesbian Review

James White Review

Journal of Homosexuality

Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services

Lambda Book Report

Out Magazine

Perversions

POZ

Transitions

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