Ruth Baetz papers, 1976-1999

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Baetz, Ruth
Title
Ruth Baetz papers
Dates
1976-1999 (inclusive)
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

Restrictions on Use

Creator's copyrights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

Donated by Ruth Baetz, 2016-11-28

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