Little People of America
First North American organization supporting people with dwarfism.
Little People of America (LPA) is a nonprofit organization classified as a 501(c)(3). It offers support, resources, and information for people with dwarfism and their relatives. The group was started in 1957 by actor Billy Barty, who informally invited people of short stature to a gathering in Reno, Nevada. Originally called Midgets of America, the name changed to Midgets and Dwarfs of America in 1960 after members with dwarfism pointed out that there were more dwarfs than midgets in the group. That first meeting of 21 people eventually became Little People of America, which by 2023 had over 7,500 members. LPA operates 73 local chapters that hold regular meetings, plus an annual weeklong conference. It also publishes a quarterly national newsletter called *LPA Today*. LPA was the first little people organization in North America; Little People of Canada was founded later, in 1984.
In 2009, during LPA’s National Conference, the organization held a press conference and issued a public statement to address the word “midget,” which many in the dwarfism community consider a slur. This statement came after an episode of *Celebrity Apprentice* that used the word multiple times and included a justification of it by celebrity Jesse James. LPA issued a press release and public statement arguing that the term is offensive to the dwarfism community and should not appear on broadcast television or radio.
Membership in LPA is restricted to people who are 4 feet 10 inches (147 cm) or shorter, or who have been diagnosed with one of the more than one hundred forms of dwarfism. It is also open to their families, and to anyone who “demonstrate[s] a well-founded interest in issues relating to Little People Matter, and dwarfism.”
Quick Facts
- Predecessor
- Midgets of America; Midgets and Dwarfs of America
- Formation
- 1957
- Founder
- Billy Barty
- Tax Id
- 94-2965067
- Purpose
- provides support, resources, and information to individuals with dwarfism and their families
- Headquarters
- Sonoma, California, US
- Membership
- 7,500
- Num Members Year
- 2023
- Leader Title
- Executive Director
- Leader Name
- Deb Himsel
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Little People of America was founded in 1957 when actor Billy Barty informally called upon people of short stature to join him in a get-together in Reno, Nevada. The original association was known as Midgets of America until 1960, when the name was changed to Midgets and Dwarfs of America after people with dwarfism complained that there were more dwarfs than midgets. That original meeting of 21 people evolved into LPA, which as of 2023 has more than 7,500 members.
LPA has 73 local chapters that meet regularly, as well as an annual weeklong conference. They publish a quarterly national newsletter titled LPA Today. LPA is the first North American little people organization, with the Little People of Canada incorporating in Canada in 1984.
During the 2009 National Conference, LPA held a press conference and issued a public statement regarding the use of the word 'midget', which is considered offensive by many people with dwarfism. The statement was made in response to an episode of Celebrity Apprentice that featured multiple uses of the word and justification by celebrity Jesse James. LPA issued a press release and public statement over the use of the word on broadcast television, stating that 'the word "midget" is considered offensive to the dwarfism community and should not be seen or heard on TV or radio.'
Reader's Guide
Little People of America holds significance as the first North American organization dedicated to supporting individuals with dwarfism and their families. Founded in 1957 by actor Billy Barty, it began with a small gathering of 21 people and has grown to over 7,500 members by 2023. The organization provides resources, support, and information through 73 local chapters and an annual weeklong conference, as well as a quarterly publication, LPA Today. Its legacy includes advocacy against the use of the word 'midget', which many in the dwarfism community consider offensive. In 2009, LPA held a press conference and filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission after an episode of Celebrity Apprentice used the term. The organization's membership is limited to people 4 ft 10 in and under, those diagnosed with any of over a hundred forms of dwarfism, their families, or those with a well-founded interest in dwarfism issues. LPA's founding predates the Little People of Canada, which incorporated in 1984.
Did You Know?
- LPA was originally called Midgets of America until 1960.
- LPA filed a complaint with the FCC in 2009 over the use of the word 'midget' on Celebrity Apprentice.
- The Little People of Canada incorporated in 1984, after LPA's founding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Little People of America?
Little People of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides support, resources, and information to individuals with dwarfism and their families. It holds the distinction of being the first organization in North America dedicated specifically to serving the dwarfism community.
Who founded Little People of America and when?
Actor Billy Barty started the group in 1957 by hosting an informal gathering of 21 people of short stature in Reno, Nevada. The name evolved over time—beginning as Midgets of America, shifting to Midgets and Dwarfs of America in 1960 after members noted the majority had dwarfism—before landing on the current title.
Who can join Little People of America?
Eligibility extends to individuals who are 4 feet 10 inches or under, people with dwarfism, their family members, and others with an interest in the community. By 2023 the membership had grown past 7,500 people.
What is LPA Today?
LPA Today is the publication tied to Little People of America, serving as one of the channels through which the organization shares resources and information with its members and the wider community.
Why is Little People of America considered important?
It was the first North American group created specifically to advocate for and support people with dwarfism, and it has sustained that role for over six decades. What began as a single 21-person meetup in 1957 has expanded into a large nonprofit with more than 7,500 members.
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