Archives West Finding Aid
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Ruth Baetz papers, 1976-1999
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Baetz, Ruth
- Title
- Ruth Baetz papers
- Dates
- 1976-1999 (inclusive)19761999
- Quantity
- 0.90 cubic feet (3 boxes including 3 sound cassettes)
- Collection Number
- 6155 (Accession No. 6155-001)
- Summary
- Interview transcripts, manuscript drafts, correspondence, and other papers related to Seattle writer and counselor Ruth Baetz and her book, Lesbian Crossroads
- Repository
-
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Access to portions of the collection is restricted. Contact University of Washington Libraries Special Collections for details.
- Languages
- English
Biographical NoteReturn to Top
Ruth Baetz began dating women in college and was closeted from her family until 1976. In that year, her mother rejected Baetz in a series of letters after she came out and began interviewing women for Lesbian Crossroads. At the time, people could be fired and lose their housing, friends, parents, and custody of their children for being a lesbian. Half of the women interviewed for Baetz's book requested anonymity and some published under pseudonyms. Her book was unusual at the time as it explored the experiences of women of different races, ethnicities, physical abilities, ages, classes, and life circumstances. Baetz earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington and provided counseling services to lesbians at the Seattle Counseling Services for Sexual Minorities and at Family Services. She lives in Seattle with her wife.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
The Ruth Baetz papers contain interview transcripts, working files, manuscript drafts, book reviews, notes, sound cassettes of radio interviews, and other publicity and ephemera related to Baetz’s book Lesbian Crossroads. Also included is correspondence, including personal correspondence between Baetz, her parents, and her siblings when Baetz came out as a lesbian, as well as other correspondence and writings related to Baetz’s career as a social worker and her personal identification as a lesbian woman.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Box/Folder | ||
| 1/1 | Contracts and agent notes | 1979-1981 |
| 1/2 | Naiad Press | 1981-1987 |
| 1/3 | Other writings | 1979-1983 |
| 1/4 | Promotion and miscellaneous papers | 1980-1993 |
| 1/5 | Lesbian newspapers | 1986-1992 |
| 1/6 | Workshops | 1980-1981 |
| 1/7 | Book organizations | |
| 1/8 | Coming out letters to and from Baetz's parents and other family members | 1976-1987 |
| 1/9 | Letters to and from Baetz's sisters | 1976-1986 |
| 1/10 | Lesbian Crossroads Manuscript Part I | |
| 1/11 | Lesbian Crossroads Manuscript Part II | |
| 2/1 | Classifications and organizations | undated |
| 2/2 | Original transcripts | 1977-1978 |
| 2/3 | Original transcripts | 1976-1980 |
| 2/4 | Releases | 1978-1979 |
| 2/5 | Other writings by Ruth Baetz | 1977-1983 |
| 2/6 | Sound cassettes of radio interviews for Lesbian Crossroads | 1970s-1980s |
| 3/1 |
Lesbian Crossroads
Transcripts
Restricted.
|
1970s |
| 3/2 |
Lesbian Crossroads
Transcripts
Restricted.
|
1970s |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Authors, American--Washington (State)--Seattle
- Lesbian authors--Washington (State)--Seattle
- Lesbians' writings
- Lesbians--Washington (State)--Seattle
- Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)
Personal Names
- Baetz, Ruth--Archives
- Baetz, Ruth--Family
- Baetz, Ruth--Interviews
