Cover of the New York Times Magazine’s March 12, 1978 issue. In “Miscellaneous Images,” Queer Student Union Collection. MC 109.1, Box 2. Williams College Archives and Special Collections.
John Atteridg ’76 (1954 – 2001) was the only openly gay student on campus in 1976 and played a significant role in founding the Williams Gay Student Organization (WGSO). During his senior spring, he acted as a defender of the WGSO in public discourse on the validity of homosexuality through letters to the Record. In doing so, he gave a voice to queer students at Williams. 
WGSO’s first publication, released Spring 1976; the issue features a poem written by Atteridg. In “John W. Atteridg,” Queer Student Union Collection. MC 109.1, Box 2. Williams College Archives and Special Collections.
This letter to the editor, published in the Record by Atteridg on behalf of WGSO, defends gay rights discourse on campus in response to public ridicule of a previous, similar letter. In “John W. Atteridg,” Queer Student Union Collection. MC 109.1, Box 2. Williams College Archives and Special Collections.
Atteridg struggles with his feelings for his straight best friend, Jon Burbank, and also discusses the larger issues with platonic friendships he faces as a closeted individual in a heteronormative society. In “John W. Atteridg,” Queer Student Union Collection. MC 109.1, Box 2. Williams College Archives and Special Collections.
In 1994, he donated a copy of his journal to the college. The handwritten manuscript reveals his inner struggles with sexuality and relationships with his straight peers, culminating in his
coming out at the end of the journal. In 2001, Atteridg passed away due to complications from HIV; email correspondence between his former professors, relatives, and other queer alumni memorializes him as a valued Williams community member. The documents in this exhibit provide glimpses into the queer college experience at many levels, ranging from personal to campuswide to national.
-Charlotte Hassenforder, Katherine Yang, Hannah Yoon