Welcome!

“It is as if this most vital of human concerns is filled with too many dangers to allow it to be studied seriously.” –David B. Goodstein

The Human Sexuality Collection seeks to preserve and make accessible primary sources that document historical shifts in the social construction of sexuality, with a focus on U.S. lesbian and gay history and the politics of pornography. We are actively expanding the Collection and are seeking gifts of personal papers, organizational records, rare books, and periodicals that reflect changing views on sexuality. Through this program, Cornell University is working to ensure that a more complete historical record of sexuality will be available to researchers.

We thank Bruce Voeller and David B. Goodstein for their vision and impetus to create the Human Sexuality Collection. Our advisory committee comprised of political and cultural activists, scholars, librarians, and archivists got us off to a good start and helped us define our direction. Continuing thanks go as well to all the other friends who contribute to the growth and success of this historical resource.