The Jo Futrell papers date from 1973 to 1997 and measure 1.5 linear feet in 3 boxes. The records are arranged in four series: Common Lives/Lesbian Lives (CL/LL) Administrative (1973-1997), CL/LL Correspondence (1981-1996), Cl/LL Other Women’s Publications (1981, 1986), and CL/LL Photographs (undated).

The CL/LL Administrative series (1973-1997) includes journals and meeting notes detailing administrative meetings for the Common Lives/Lesbian Lives (CL/LL) journal, as well as drafted working statements and a publicity packet for the magazine’s first submission launch. Reviews and criticisms illustrate the magazine’s popularity and some of its faults. Records of lawsuits include a censorship complaint with the University of Iowa and a complaint issued by Shauna Grimm on the basis of discrimination. Financial records and press bills from the birth of the publication show the financial timeline of CL/LL all the way to its bankruptcy in 1997. Original copies of drawings and artwork used in the magazine, as well as the planned layout for the first issue of CL/LL are included.

The CL/LL Correspondence series (1981-1996) consists of correspondence between the CL/LL magazine administration and their subscribers, such as fan mail and other miscellaneous topics. Notable correspondence is the CL/LL response to a racist printing of an author bio and correspondence between CL/LL and incarcerated men asking for subscriptions.

The Other Women’s Publications series (1981, 1986) includes several women’s newspapers and magazines used as inspirational models for CL/LL. The series also includes the Descent to the Roses of the Family chapbook by Judy Grahn, as well as the Sinister Wisdom magazine’s office manual.

The CL/LL Photographs series (undated) contains multiple photographed portraits of women sent into CL/LL.