Gateway: FTM Mentoring Through Newsletters

Timeline

April 1979 -First Issue of Gateway
July 1979 - Lou Sullivan becomes editor of Gateway
March 3, 1980 - Lou Sullivan's first letter David
October 21, 1980 - Lou Sullivan's third letter David
September 1987 - First Issue of FTM

Dear David: 3/4/1980

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Gateway: The Newsletter

Despite it's name, the Golden Gate Girls/Guys' (GGG/G) newsletter is almost entirely focused on the needs of MTF and transvestite readers. The address label on the first few issues reads "Golden Gate Girls."

Gateway: Issue 1
TV Repair Cartoon

Lou Sullivan's Influence

Looking at the Gateway, it is easy to see the moment that Lou begins editing the newsletter.

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In addition to a more professional look, Lou adds parity to the information. If an issue would focus on passing tips for (trans)women, the next issue would focus on (trans)men.

Lou transforms the Gateway so that trans individuals can still obtain the information about how to successfully pass without personally attending group gatherings. This change in the newsletters transforms them from the small town newspaper format to a tool for mentoring that trans individuals could use internationally.