Robert Mitchell "Judge" Coggin Collection (Series VIII)

Title

Description

Robert Coggin founded and led the Suburban Maryland Gay Alliance (SMGA) in 1981 to advocate for gay issues in Montgomery County, MD. In the end of 1982, and by June 1983, the group had changed its name to Suburban Maryland Lesbian/Gay Alliance (SMLGA,) active in Montgomery, Prince George’s and Howard counties, MD. By 1987 it had expanded its mission statewide and changed its name to Maryland Lesbian/Gay Alliance (MLGA). This organization created the bulk of these records related to their advocacy work on gay equality issues, especially its successful work to have Montgomery County adopt a gay-inclusive anti-discrimination policy in 1984. Surveys and questionnaires were sent to candidates for local, state, and federal elections, and many responses were received and the results tabulated for outreach to voters. The Alliance provided pre-election information to voters as well as post-election materials to hold the politicians accountable and prepare for a future election. The collection contains membership information about the organization(s) and their activities, minutes and newsletters of the boards, as well as founding documents. Several different laws, such as the Anti-discrimination ordinance of Montgomery County; of Prince George’s County; of Maryland State; and the US were lobbied for change and inclusion of LGBT-related protections. Also a court case in 1984 about discrimination and even unsuccessful lobby attempts. There are also clippings related to the Alliance’s activities as well as copies of important national news articles related to homosexuality from the 1960s and 70s. Newsletters and fliers collected by Coggin as a member of the local community may be found in the collection, including his participation in various Pride festivals and National Marches for LGBT equality. Collection includes personal papers of Coggin including photographs, wedding and funeral announcements, as well as biographical materials and some of his poetry and short stories--including multiple drafts. There are several large scrapbooks including documents, clippings, and photographs related to his advocacy and work for LGBT equality.

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Contributor

Robert Mitchell "Judge" Coggin

Suburban Maryland Gay Alliance

Suburban Maryland Lesbian/Gay Alliance

Maryland Lesbian/Gay Alliance

Access Rights

Some items are available online. Collection is available for “fair use" to all researchers at the DC History Center as MS 0764 RHP, Series VIII. Material may be protected by copyright.