Will Roscoe

Will Roscoe, born in 1955, is an American activist, scholar, and author based in San Francisco. His early activism began in 1975 with the founding of the Lambda Alliance at the University of Montana, the state's first LGBT organization. He further engaged with national and state-level LGBT advocacy, including an internship at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and forming the Oregon Gay Alliance. Upon moving to San Francisco in 1978, Roscoe was instrumental in securing United Way membership for the Pacific Center for Human Growth, a pioneering LGBT social service agency. He also collaborated with Harvey Milk and was involved with the Radical Faerie movement, co-founding Nomenus and editing writings by Harry Hay, a significant figure in gay liberation.

Roscoe's scholarly work has focused on gender diversity and queer history, particularly within Indigenous cultures and historical religious traditions. His book "The Zuni Man-Woman" earned him the Margaret Mead Award and a Lambda Literary Award. He has received further recognition, including a Monette-Horwitz Achievement Award for his contributions to combating homophobia. His research often explores the intersection of gender, sexuality, and spirituality, examining historical and cultural understandings of non-binary gender roles and same-sex relationships.

Born in 1955, Will Roscoe's career began with significant involvement in LGBT activism. In 1975, he co-founded the Lambda Alliance at the University of Montana, establishing the state's inaugural LGBT organization. His commitment extended to national and statewide efforts, including an internship with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force in 1976 and the formation of the Oregon Gay Alliance the following year. After relocating to San Francisco in 1978, Roscoe spearheaded a successful campaign for the Pacific Center for Human Growth in Berkeley to gain membership with the United Way, a landmark achievement for an LGBT social service agency. He also worked alongside Harvey Milk on the "No on 6" campaign and became involved with the Radical Faerie gatherings, leading to his collaboration with Harry Hay and the co-founding of Nomenus, an organization that supports an LGBT retreat center.

Roscoe's literary and academic work has garnered significant acclaim, particularly his research into gender diversity and queer history. His first book, "The Zuni Man-Woman," received the prestigious Margaret Mead Award and a Lambda Literary Award for gay men's nonfiction, highlighting his contributions to understanding third genders. In 2003, he was honored with a Monette-Horwitz Achievement Award for his scholarship aimed at combating homophobia. His book "Jesus and the Shamanic Tradition of Same-Sex Love" further explored the intersection of spirituality and same-sex relationships, earning a Lambda Literary Award in 2005. Roscoe has also edited important anthologies and works, including writings by Harry Hay and collections on African and Islamic homosexualities, showcasing a broad engagement with diverse cultural and historical perspectives on sexuality and gender.