Originally written in 2016 for a Festschrift honoring John Coakley, RfA’s archivist and founding board member Mary Kansfield wrote “The Founding of Room for All.” This document outlined the details of RfA’s beginnings primarily beginning in the late 1990s, but also referencing and annotating the larger history of the LGBTQIA-justice movement in the RCA from the late 1970s onward. She updated this piece in early 2020 and offered it back to RfA as a resource in honor of our work.
Thank you to the continued and tireless service of Mary Kansfield as she helps us document our origins. Your work is deeply appreciated, Mary!