National Coalition of Gay Sexually Transmitted Disease Services (NCGSTDS)

Founded in 1979 at the Chicago Conference on Current Aspects of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Symposium, the National Coalition of Gay Sexually Transmitted Disease Services (NCGSTDS) worked to improve access to accurate health information and strengthen communication among organizations serving gay and lesbian communities.

Mark Behar, Milwaukee activist and healthcare professional, was a driving force behind this organization.

NCGSTDS published Sexual Health Reports, a nationally circulated newsletter that provided current, factual information about sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, and other health issues to medical and scientific professionals as well as gay and lesbian communities. The publication developed a national reputation and readership.

The organization also helped connect STD and AIDS service providers across the country and served as a liaison among community organizations, the Centers for Disease Control, health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, publishers, and other organizations involved in sexual health.

The coalition remained active for nearly a decade before dissolving in 1988.

The UWM Archives holds the NCGSTDS Collection, including:

• Copies of Sexual Health Reports, originally published as the Official Newsletter of the NCGSTDS
• Correspondence from NCGSTDS chair and editor Mark P. Behar, including requests for information
• Letters to the editor expressing both support for and opposition to the organization
• Pamphlets and reports produced by NCGSTDS and other organizations