Non-gay ministers working with the Circle of Friends provided protection for members as there was a general hostility and blatant discrimination against the gay community.
The organization was meant to help foster a sense of community amongst the Gay & Lesbian population, improve relations with the non-gay population, and work with straight allies to prevent harassment and discrimination. The Circle of Friends, was the first gay organization in Dallas, established in 1965 by Phil Johnson. Contact UNT Special Collections ( for information on how to best keep these materials, or to donate a collection.
We would like to encourage people within those communities to keep documents, photographs, and other LGBTQ related materials to preserve these stories for future generations. Many stories are not represented within the LGBTQ Archive at UNT, especially those of the BIPOC and Trans communities. The history presented here is an overview of major events, but is not the full story of Dallas LGBTQ history and culture. Pride in Dallas is presented by the University of North Texas Special Collections, and features materials found in the LGBTQ Archive.
