A letter from Phil Johnson to Circle of Friends board members outlining the history of the organization.

The Circle of Friends, founded in 1965, was the first gay organization in Dallas, Texas. Phil Johnson, a founding member, also founded the Dallas Gay Historic Archives. Since it was illegal to be openly gay in Texas until 2003, Circle of Friends partnered with straight allies to help protect its members from harassment and discrimination. This letter from Phil Johnson, on Circle of Friends letterhead, was written to the organization’s board members. It includes a brief description and history of the organization and highlights partnerships among religious clerics, straight people, and gay advocates.