In a year which proved to be like no other came publication of the historical biography, MORRIS KIGHT: HUMANIST, LIBERATIONIST, FANTABULIST: A Story of Gay Rights and Gay Wrongs (Process Media/Feral House). After a long labor of love, the launch for this important work was quickly adapted to abide with social-distancing protocols. The book was greeted with positive reviews and support from Kight’s contemporaries, those who knew and loved him best. I had the pleasure to know Morris during the last ten years of his life and with his blessing it was an honor to tell his story. I am grateful for the experience, challenges and rewards alike.

I have a diverse background in network, syndicated, and cable television, including 12 years at Paramount Studios where I worked in almost every department. The last four, I worked in television development for UBU Productions (Family Ties, Duet, Shooter, and others). We developed original programming for network television. I wrote a half-hour episode of Big Brother Jake (“True Lou”) for the Family Channel. 

While working my “day job” in the early-to-mid 1980s, I also contributed to the underground art scene in Los Angeles, creating and producing video exhibitions: “Henry Miller on Video” (Llasa Club, 1984), “Stripped,” a video and still photo essay (Gibson Photo Studio, 1986). I have done historical research and produced independent documentaries (On These Shoulders We Stand, 2009; Upstairs Inferno, 2015; The Other Side: A Queer History’s Last Call, 2013).

In the early 2000s, I participated in the by-invitation-only Wordsmiths Playwriting Workshop at the Los Angeles Theatre Center.

Additionally, I’ve researched and written a number of successful grants from private foundations for various projects. Recently I completed the creation of an archive for an international social services agency, AIDS Healthcare Foundation Archive. I coordinated and facilitated the donation of the Janet Cunningham Papers, a significant addition to the Punk Archive at UCLA Special Collections and the Henry W. Peck Collection to ONE Archives at the USC Libraries. 

As a certified yoga therapist, I specialize in neurological issues. Pre-Covid, my private and semi-private therapeutic sessions were in demand. When the necessary public health restrictions are lifted, I look forward to returning to this work.

Updates to come, including an announcement regarding a donation of the Mary Ann Cherry Collection to ONE Archives that will include all of my Morris Kight research as well as some adjunct files.

In the meantime, please drop a line, include a few words. It’s always nice to hear from you.

—    Mary Ann