LG MS 022 Larry Bliss Collection Finding Aid

Authors

Maeve Wachowicz
Elizabeth Sistare

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-2014

Keywords

Larry Bliss, Maine Lesbian and Gay Men’s Symposium, Equal Protection Portland, South Portland Citizens for Justice, Matlovich Society, Maine Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance, Citizens for a United Portland, Spring for Life Art Auction, LGBT Community in Maine, Nolan McCoy, Memorabilia, Buttons, Banners, Same Sex Partner Benefits

Abstract

Description:

Lawrence (Larry) Bliss was born and raised in California, lived in Maine for twenty years, and returned to California in 2011. He holds Bachelor’s Degrees in History and Political Science and a Master's Degree in Urban Public Administration all from the University of California. He has worked as a middle school and high school teacher and coach and as Director of Career Services and Professional Life Development at the University of Southern Maine. He was elected to the Maine Senate in 2008, representing the 7th district, which includes his hometown of South Portland, as well as Cape Elizabeth and part of Scarborough, having previously spent eight years representing South Portland’s 24th district in the Maine House of Representatives. Bliss has been a member of the Board of Directors of The AIDS Project, the Equity Institute of Maine, the South Portland Citizens for Justice, and the Maine Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance, where he served as Treasurer from 1992-94. He was an advisor to the Equity Fund of the Maine Community Foundation and is a longtime member of the Surfrider Foundation, the Friends of Casco Bay, and the Portland Harbor Museum. Bliss and his partner, Nolan McCoy, have three children. The Collection includes materials related to Bliss’s work in support of the LGBT community in Maine. In particular, there are materials related to events and organizations with which he was involved, including the Maine Lesbian and Gay Men’s Symposium (materials for the years 1976-77, 1979-81, 1983-88, and 1991); Equal Protection Portland; South Portland Citizens for Justice; the Matlovich Society; Maine Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance; Citizens for a United Portland; and the Spring for Life Art Auction. Materials include press clippings, correspondence, financial records, internal memos and meeting minutes, brochures, posters, event programs, stickers, buttons, a mug, and other papers. Some material related to efforts to secure same sex partner benefits for University of Maine employees and L.D. 246 (1993 An Act to Prevent Discrimination) is also present.

Date Range:

1976-2011

Size of Collection:

4 ft.

Comments

Provenance:

The Larry Bliss Collection was donated in 2011 by former Maine state Representative, Senator, and LGBT Collection Advisory Committee member, Larry Bliss.

Ownership and Literary Rights:

The Larry Bliss Collection is the physical property of the University of Southern Maine Libraries. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the creator or her/his legal heirs and assigns.

For further information, consult the Head of Special Collections, susie.bock@maine.edu

Recommended Citation

Larry Bliss Collection, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Collection, Jean Byers Sampson Center for Diversity in Maine, University of Southern Maine Libraries.