228

Joseph Fairchild Beam

1954-1988

Joseph Beam memorial program. 1989.

4 pages on one folding photocopied sheet, plus smaller insert sheet with a 1951 hymn; minimal wear. Philadelphia, 5 January 1989.

Joseph Fairchild Beam of Philadelphia was a central figure in the Black gay literary scene of the 1980s. In addition to his published poetry and short stories, he edited the seminal "In the Life: a Black Gay Anthology" and was the founding editor of Black/Out magazine. He is credited with popularizing the term "In the Life" to describe the LGBTQ+ experience.

This program features a portrait of Beam on the cover, a short biography, order of services, and a solicitation for a scholarship fund in his honor (the Joseph F. Beam Memorial Scholarship is still granted to Temple University students). Serves were conducted by the Rev. Darlene C. Garner of the Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia. Activist and poet Craig G. Harris, who served with Beam in the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays, performed the scripture reading.
8 1/2 x 7 in. (21.6 x 17.8 cm.)

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