Collection

Dignity/New York, President Michael Olivieri Records

Span Dates: 1980-1986
Bulk Dates:
Volume: 2.5 linear ft.

Description

Dignity/New York collection consists of the personal papers of Micheal Olivieri, past President of Dignity/New York. The collection includes but is not limited to court cases of Dignity v. Benjamin Ward, et. al., personal correspondence, flyers, church bulletins, St. Francis of Xavier Church Board of Directors meeting minutes, and Dignity newsletters. The collection is rich in the early history of the organization, providing a unique insight into the personalities and politics of the organization.

Hist/Bio Note

Michael Olivieri was born in 1943. In 1982 he was elected to serve as President of Dignity/New York. He remained in that leadership role for three years. As President, Michael established Dignity's first AIDS ministry and healing liturgy. He also was a representative to Mayor Koch on the Police Council on Lesbian and Gay Issues. In 1985, he was the main plaintiff against the City of New York for Dignity regarding access to the sidewalk in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral. The Supreme Court eventually ruled in favor of the right to access. Then in 1988, Oliveri served as the coordinator of Catholic Liturgies, which led to the formation of s second Dignity chapter, Dignity/Big Apple, in Manhattan. Olivieri was also founder, active member, and President of the Defenders, Dignity's leather and levi club. Olivieri died of AIDS on February 7, 1993 less than a month after his 50th birthday.

Finding Aid

A finding aid is available at this following link:
https://gaycenter.org/archive_item/dignity-new-york-president-michael-j-olivieri/

Location

The Dignity/New York, President Michael Olivieri collection is held at the National Archives of Lesbian and Gay History in New York.
https://www.gaycenter.org/community/archive/

Tags

Catholic (Roman) | Olivieri, Michael | Dignity | AIDS | New York