%xmlchars; ]> ms2156 Guide to the Tacie Dejanikus papers, 1967-1992 Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Special Collections Research Center, The Gelman Library, The George Washington University 2006
2130 H. St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20052 Phone: 202-994-7549 Email: speccoll@gwu.edu
Machine-readable finding aid derived from Re:discovery database program and converted into xml; Code template by Archives and Information Associates (http://archivesandinformation.com), Alexandria, Virginia . 2006 Finding aid written in English Guide to the Tacie Dejanikus Papers, 1967-1992 MS2156 Special Collections Research Center, The Gelman Library, The George Washington University
Washington, D.C.
Special Collections Staff, 2006 Jennifer King, 2006

copyright 2006 The George Washington University. All rights reserved.

 Descriptive Summary Dejanikus, Tacie Tacie Dejanikus papers, 1967-1992 MS2156 4.25 Linear feet Collection contains correspondence, research notes, articles, pamphlets, periodicals, news clippings, audio cassette tapes, banners, tee shirts, books, buttons (informational artifacts) and photographs. These materials range in date from 1967- 90 (bulk 1975 -85). It includes organizational and personal staff information about the Off Our Backs collective, a feminist journal; activities, informational, and promotional material for social and civic activism groups including Women's Liberation Zap Action Brigade,"ZAP," the American University's Women's Union, women's health, health clinics and various feminist conferences; memorabilia from the National Committee to Free Sharon Kowalski, interviews and lectures of feminist writers, and a variety of feminist and lesbian publications. The George Washington University, The Gelman Library, Special Collections Research Center
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 English Information for Users Preferred citation

Tacie Dejanikus papers, Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University.

 Restrictions on Access

Some records may be restricted.

 Acquisition Information

In 2005, Tacie Dejanikus donated this collection which is now part of the Gay and Lesbian Archive housed at George Washington University.

 Restrictions on Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

 Historical or Biographical Note

Tacie Dejanikus (1952 ca. -), a social and political activist, fought for women's and gay and lesbian rights as part of numerous organizations in the Washington, D.C. area. She wrote for feminist journals, participated in protest marches, and chaired social and politically minded organizations. Dejanikus lived in Chevy Chase, Maryland as a child at 7102 Ridgewood Avenue. In her late twenties, she joined the "Off Our Backs" collective, a D.C. based feminist journal. Over the next decade, her activities included interviewing various feminists and lesbians in D.C., writing for "Off Our Backs," and participating in protest activities throughout the area. Dejanikus and five other women from the Women's Liberation Zap Action Brigade were arrested on April 23, 1981, for disrupting a U.S. Senate hearing discussing the "Human Life Bill." All were released on bond for one hundred dollars and stood trial on July 6, 1981. Dejanikus continued her social and political activism, but professional disagreements compelled her to leave the "Off Our Backs" collective in 1985. In 1988 she helped form and co-chair the National Committee to Free Sharon Kowalski. She remained involved until 1991 when the Minnesota appeals court returned Sharon Kowalski to her partner Karen Thompson's custody. Throughout the course of her activities, Dejanikus protested for civil rights and health care concerns, including breast cancer, AIDS, and birth control. These papers document her and other's activities giving researchers a window into feminist and lesbian concerns as debated and protested in the Washington, D.C. area.

 Collection Scope and Content

This collection contains correspondence, research notes, articles, pamphlets, periodicals, news clippings, audio cassette tapes, banners, tee shirts, books, buttons (informational artifacts) and photographs. These materials range in date from 1967- 90 (bulk 1975 -85). It includes organizational and personal staff information about the Off Our Backs collective, a feminist journal; activities, informational, and promotional material for social and civic activism groups including Women's Liberation Zap Action Brigade,"ZAP," the American University's Women's Union, women's health, health clinics and various feminist conferences; memorabilia from the National Committee to Free Sharon Kowalski, interviews and lectures of feminist writers, and a variety of feminist and lesbian publications.

Please note: each box in this collection contains material from many different series. This explains, for example, why the box listing for series 4 starts with box 1, but folder 22. The previous folders in box 1 are from different series and are listed elsewhere in the finding aid.

 Collection Organization

Organized into five series: Off Our Backs, Social and Civic Activism, The National Committee to Free Sharon Kowalski, Interviews and Lectures, and Publications.

 Subject Terms Individuals Dejanikus, Tacie Corporate Entities Topics Feminist theory Lesbian and gay experience Lesbian feminism Protest movements Civil rights Gay rights Sexuality & culture Rape Protest movements Geographic Locations Washington (D.C.) Detailed Description of the Records MS2156 Series 1 Off Our Backs, 1973-1985 0.5 Linear feet

This series contains correspondence, statements, memoranda, notes, publications, and a tee-shirt. They range in date from 1973- 85, and represent Dejanikus' involvement in the Off Our Backs Organization. This series includes select publications of "Off Our Backs" from 1973-84. Official and personal materials from the organization are placed before "Off Our Backs" publications.

 1 Off Our Backs, undated

1 1 Detert - Moriarty, Judith, 07/27/1982

1 2 Off Our Backs 1984 and 1985, 1984-1985

1 3 Off Our Backs Management, 1983

1 4 Off Our Backs, A Women's News Journal, 07/1973-12/1977

1 5 Off Our Backs, A Women's News Journal, 01/1978-06/1978

1 6 Off Our Backs, A Women's News Journal, 07/1978-01/1979

1 7 Off Our Backs, A Women's News Journal, 05/1979-11/1979

1 8 Off Our Backs, A Women's News Journal, 12/1979-05/1981

1 9 Off Our Backs, A Women's News Journal, 06/1983-12/1983

1 10 Off Our Backs, A Women's News Journal, 01/1984-05/1984

2 Off Our Backs, undated

2 1 Off Our Backs [1/2], 1974-1983

2 2 Off Our Backs [2/2], 1974-1983

2 3 Off Our Backs, photograph, 1974-1983

2 4 [Off Our Backs] Budget 1983, 1983

3 Off Our Backs, undated

3 1 Off Our Backs [T-shirt], undated

MS2156 Series 2 Social and Civic Activism, 1975-1990 2 Linear feet

This series contains news clippings, pamphlets, memoranda, notes, correspondence, and buttons (informational artifacts). They range in date from 1975-90 and represent a wide range of women's, lesbian and gay rights issues including the activist organization ZAP, health care concerns, American University's Women's Union, and protests against pornographic films.

 1 Social and Civic Activism, undated

1 11 American University Women's Union [1/2], 1977

1 12 American University Women's Union [2/2], 1977-1978

1 13 Donna Jean Walters, 1975

1 14 Feminist and Lesbian Literature and Activities, 1979-1987

1 15 Movie Protest "Charlotte", 1975 ca.

1 16 Pornography and Movie Protest, 1981 ca.

1 17 Social Activism, 1979 ca.

1 18 Publication workshop, 1981

1 19 Women's health and health clinics, 1975-1980

2 Social and Civic Activism, undated

2 5 Culturally Yours, 1987

2 6 D.C. Feminism, Correspondence, 1985-1988

2 7 D.C. Feminism 70s and 80s, 1980-1990

2 8 Feminist resource, Notebook Project, 1983

2 9 Outreach list of duplicates, 1987 ca.

2 10 Women make great leaders [bumper sticker], undated

2 11 ZAP [women's liberation zap action brigade] 1981, 1981

Contains court summons for Dejanikus and other related items to her arrest.

 6 Social and Civic Activism, undated

Collection of buttons (informational artifacts)

 6 1 Trays of buttons (informational artifacts), undated

Contains 4 trays of buttons (informational artifacts). Topics include protesting for gay rights, breast cancer awareness, AIDS awareness, presidential candidates, and domestic violence. Includes one button from the National Committee to Free Sharon Kowalski.

 MS2156 Series 3 The National Committee to Free Sharon Kowalski, 1988-1991 0.5 Linear feet

This series consists of an signed book, certificate, banners, tee shirts and buttons (informational artifacts) from the National Committee to Free Sharon Kowalski co-chaired by Tacie Dejanikus from 1988-91. In 1983 Sharon Kowalski was permanently disabled in a car accident and a legal battle ensued over guardianship between Donald and Della Kowalski, Sharon's parents, and Karen Thompson, Sharon's partner. Supporters of Karen Thompson formed The National Committee to Free Sharon to support Thompson's efforts in removing Sharon from her parent's custody and placing her under Thompson's own care. The court would place Sharon Kowalski under Thompson's care in December of 1991.

 1 The National Committee to Free Sharon Kowalski, undated

1 20 "Why can't Sharon Kowalksi Come Home" By Karen Thompson and Julie Andrzejewski [autographed], 1988

1 21 National Committee to Free Sharon Kowalski, 1989-1992

Includes a pamphlet, certificate, and correspondence

 3 The National Committee to Free Sharon Kowalski, undated

3 2 Bring Sharon Home [T-shirt], undated

3 3 Let there be love, Free Sharon Kowalski [T-shirt], undated

3 4 Nat Comm to Free Sharon Kowalski [banner], undated

3 5 Free Sharon Kowalski [banner], undated

3 6 Free Sharon Kowalski [banner], undated

3 7 Image [may be of Karen Thompson], undated

MS2156 Series 4 Interviews and Lectures, 1975 ca.-1985 ca. 0.75 Linear feet

This series contains notes, newspaper clippings, photographs, and audio cassette tapes. This includes news clippings, notes, and interviews with Michelle Cliff regarding her book, "Claiming An Identity They Taught Me To Despise." Also included are interview notes with Stephanie Liu concerning her thoughts on being a lesbian and personal correspondence, photographs, and news clippings sent by Liu to Dejanikus after Liu moved to Hong Kong.

 1 Interviews and Lectures, undated

1 22 Lesbian Oral History, 1980

1 23 Michelle Cliff, 1981

1 24 Michelle Cliff, photograph, 1981

1 25 Stephanie Liu's Interview, 1978-1979

1 26 Stephanie Liu's Interview, Newspaper, 09/28/1979

1 27 Stephanie Liu's Interview, photographs, 1979

1 28 [Taber], Martha, 03/10/1983

2 Interviews and Lectures, undated

2 12 Laurie McLaughlin's speech, anti-rape week, 1983

4 Interviews and Lectures, undated

4 1 Lesbian Rights Project, Roberta Achtenberg, 11/22, undated

4 2 Roberta Achtenberg, undated

4 3 Rita Arauz, Latina Lesbians, 11/20/1982

4 4 Arlene - DREDF [KiCorbett?], undated

4 6 Asian lesbians, 11/22/1982

4 7 JEB [Joan E. Biren], 06/29/1982

4 8 Michelle Cliff, 02/21/1981

4 9 K. Corbett, Disability Rights Edu + Defense [Fund?], 01/23/1982

4 10 DES [Action ?] National Nancy Address, 11/22/1982

4 11 Feminist Law Collective, 08/17/1982

4 12 Feminist Law Collective, 08/17/1982

4 13 Feminist Law Collective, 08/17/1982

4 15 Marcia Freedman, undated

4 16 Debra [George], undated

4 17 Debra [George], 10/20/1981

4 18 Household Workers Project, undated

4 19 ICI -3, Natalie + Carol, 11/22/1982

4 20 ICI -3, 11/22/1982

4 21 ICI - A women's place (4), 11/18/1982

4 22 ICI - 4, undated

4 23 Ivan Illich vs The Women, Berkeley, U[niversity] of CA [California], 11/19/1982

4 24 Ivan Illich vs The Women, 11/19/1982

4 25 Interview with Rita Jolie [Mulier?], Belgium women from Lilith, 04/20/1982

4 26 Linda Krieger, 11/15/1982

4 27 cont'd Linda Krieger, 11/15/1982

4 28 Laura X, Women Against Jamie Baldino Aga[?]t, 11/11/1982

4 29 Laura X, 11/11/1982

4 30 A reading, Lesbian Studies, undated

4 31 Ellen [Mutari?], Where's movement going., 10/11/1982

4 32 Janet Walkup, WAVPM, 11/15/1982

4 33 Natural Women's mailing list, 11/23/1982

4 34 N. Polikoff - child custody, undated

4 35 N. Polikoff - child custody, undated

4 36 Diana Russel, Rape in marriage, 11/11/1982

4 37 Diana Russel, 11/11/1982

4 38 Carol Seajay, 11/16/1982

4 39 Carol Seajay, 11/16/1982

4 40 "Sally" - sexual harassment [1/2], undated

This cassette tape was attached to another cassette tape.

 4 41 "Sally" - on sexual harassment at her college [2/2], undated

This cassette tape was attached to another cassette tape.

 5 Interviews and Lectures, undated

5 1 Stephanie [1/2], undated

This cassette tape was attached to another cassette tape.

 5 2 Stephanie [2/2], undated

This cassette tape was attached to another cassette tape.

 5 3 Interview with Marlene Wicks, one of the oob [Off Our Backs] founders [1/2], 01/07/1980

This cassette tape was attached to another cassette tape.

 5 4 Interview with Marlene, co-founder of oob [Off Our Backs] [2/2], 01/07/1980

This cassette tape was attached to another cassette tape.

 5 5 Alice Wolfsin, CDRR, 11/17/1982

5 6 Alice Wolfsin, cont'd, 11/23/1982

5 7 Alice Wolfsin, 11/23/1982

5 8 Untitled cassette tapes, undated

4 unmarked cassette tapes

 MS2156 Series 5 Publications, 1967-1990 0.5 Linear feet

The materials in this series includes periodicals, guides, a coloring book, a music songbook, informational booklets from 1967-90. The majority of these publications are from feminist, lesbian, or women's groups

 1 Publications, undated

1 29 "Abortion, a women's right to choose" A guide to abortion in teh D.C. area, Washington's Women's Center, undated

1 30 Amazon Quarterly, "Lesbian Lifestlyes" vol. 1, no. 4; vol. 2, no. 1, 1973

1 32 The Black Scholar "Black Women's Liberation" vol. 4, no. 6-7, 03/1973-04/1973

1 34 "Clara and Concha in a nursing home romance" by j.d., 1977

1 35 "Cunt Coloring Book" Tee Corinne, 1975

1 36 Gap Tooth Girlfriends: An Anthology, 1981

1 37 Gold Flower, vol. 3, no. 11, 03/1974

1 38 Heliotrope, 1976

1 39 Heresies, a feminist publication on art and politics, vol. 2, no. 4, issue 8 "Third World Women, the politics of being other", 1979

1 40 Heresies, vol. 3, no. 1, issue 9 "Organized, women, divided", 1980

a feminist publication on art and politics

 1 41 "I am my Lover" by Joani Blank and Honey Lee Cottrell, 1978

1 42 Lavender Women, lesbian/feminist newspaper, vol. 4, no. 5, 12/1975

1 43 The Lesbin Tide, 01/1976-04/1976

A feminist lesbian publication, written by and for the rising tide of women today

 1 44 "Love, politics, and rescue in lesbian relationship" an essay by Diana Rabenold, 1990

1 45 Love your enemy? the debate between heterosexual feminism and political lesbianism, 04/1981

1 46 "Loving Women" by the Nomadic Sisters, 1975

1 47 Marilyn Gayle, "dyke music," a songbook, 1977

1 48 "More than a choice, women talk about abortion", 1978 ca.

1 49 Motive, vol. 32 no. 1, "Lesbian/Feminist issue" , 1972

1 50 Notes from the third year: women's liberation, 1971

1 51 "the playbook for women about sex" by Joani Blank, 1979

1 52 Redstockings, "Feminist Revolution", 1975

1 53 "Salir a la luz como lesbiana de color" or Coming out colored by Maya Chumu, 1980

1 54 Scum Manifesto, Valerie Solanas edition, 1967

1 55 Strong women's conference, follow up booklet, 11/1977

Graphics support from Off Our Backs

 1 56 Women's liberation: an anthropological view, 1976

1 57 "Women locked up" Women, a journal of liberation, vol. 3, no. 3, 1972

1 58 "Women organizing the office" by the Women's Work Project, 1978

2 Publications, undated

2 13 Moonstorm, Lesbian Feminist Newsletter for Women, issue 23, 1980

2 14 The Wree-View, bulletin of women for racial and economic equality, 1976-1978

2 issues: May [pilot issue], 1976 and Septemeber/October 1978, vol. 3, no. 4