One Institute

American gay rights organization Logo of One Institute Founded in 1952, One Institute (formerly One, Inc., and One Archives Foundation) is the oldest active LGBTQ+ organization in the United States, dedicated to telling LGBTQ+ history and stories through education, arts, and social justice programs. Since its inception, the organization has been headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Founding In October 1952, two years after forming Harry Hays' historic gay rights organization, The Mattachine Society, the concept of a magazine focused on homosexual issues was first brought up during a meeting at Hays' residence. In November 1952, ONE Inc. was founded. ONE Inc.'s Articles of Incorporation were signed by Antonio "Tony" Reyes, Martin Block, and Dale Jennings on November 15, 1952. Other founders were Merton Bird, W. Dorr Legg, Don Slater, Chuck Rowland, and Harry Hay, “all of whom sought to unify homosexuals into social action.” Jennings and Rowland were also founders of the Mattachine Society. The name was derived from an aphorism by Victorian writer Thomas Carlyle: "A mystic bond of brotherhood makes all men one." The name was also a nod to referring to a gay person as "one of