Primary Source Set: Lou Sullivan
Lou Sullivan (1951-1991) was a gay and transgender historian, community organizer, and diarist. Sullivan’s diaries chronicle his social and medical transition – as well as his rich emotional and sexual life – from his teenage years in Milwaukee until his death.
Sullivan struggled throughout his early life to understand himself and his gender. As a teenager, he was fascinated by male rock stars (especially the Beatles) and tough, troubled young men. As a young adult, he began dressing regularly in men’s clothing and cruising the Milwaukee bars. After moving to San Francisco and fighting to make himself understood to his therapist and partner, Sullivan transitioned and rapidly became a leader in the transmasculine community. Sullivan published two books — a guide called Information For the Female-to-Male Crossdresser and Transsexual, and a biography of an early 20th century trans man, From Female to Male: The Life of Jack Bee Garland. He also became a founding member of the GLBT Historical Society. In 1986, Sullivan was diagnosed with HIV. He died of AIDS-related complications in 1991, at the age of 39.
Scan from Lou Sullivan’s diaries showing Sullivan with his brother, August 1979. From the Louis Graydon Sullivan papers (#1991-07).
Selected Source Set
Additional Resources
Lou Sullivan Research Guide, includes links to additional digital resources.
Louis Graydon Sullivan papers at the GLBT Historical Society.
General search for Sullivan collections on the Digital Transgender Archive.
Full text of Information For the Female-to-Male Crossdresser and Transsexual on the Digital Transgender Archive.
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