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Seeking Stories of Queer California: A Hidden Histories Online Exhibit

Communities

LGBTQ+ communities come in many forms: social networks, support groups, advocacy organizations, and cultural events. The creation of third spaces, whether by assimilating an existing space or creating a new one, was an act of defiance, a way to be seen and accepted, and a method for survival. Queer communities and spaces can be focused on a single group or embrace people from all backgrounds and experiences, but all provide avenues for connection, support, and advocacy, enabling members to uplift each other, challenge societal norms, and create positive change.

Collection Information

For more information on the materials in this gallery, see their holding institutions.

California Historical Society
Hey Young Lesbians Flyer

California History Section, California State Library
Beverly Cinema Club broadside
Contact: A Directory of Gay, Homosexual, and Lesbian Feminist Organizations and Resources
Fun Map of Palm Springs and San Diego
Outcast bar poster
The Prodigal newsletter
Stud bar poster

Historical Society of Long Beach
The Center News
Details matchbook
First Ladies Memorial Dance Marathon button
Melissa Etheridge Gold Album
Membership card to the 1350 Club

The Huntington Library
Letter to Gloria Molina

LAPL Photograph Collections
Gay Dating Service Head

Santa Monica History Museum
Bathers on Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach Bathhouse
Ginger Rogers Beach
The Golden Bull
Highways Bar
Main Street, Santa Monica
ShoreBar, formerly the S.S. Friendship

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Women applauding Marie Cartier at a party celebrating her graduating from Claremont College with a PhD in theology. Hot Java coffeehouse was transformed into a gay women's bar from the 1950s. The Front row: Marie Cartier in cap and gown and Carolyn Weathers in rhinestone glasses. Middle row: unknown, Jayne Doolittle-Swanson in striped shirt and Jeanne Cordova in hat. Back row, mostly obscured, Pat Lamis in hat, unknown woman with hands in air. May 22, 2010. Women applauding Marie Cartier at a party celebrating her graduating from Claremont College with a PhD in theology. Hot Java coffeehouse was transformed into a gay women's bar from the 1950s. The Front row: Marie Cartier in cap and gown and Carolyn Weathers in rhinestone glasses. Middle row: unknown, Jayne Doolittle-Swanson in striped shirt and Jeanne Cordova in hat. Back row, mostly obscured, Pat Lamis in hat, unknown woman with hands in air. May 22, 2010.
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Director of Library and Archives, North Baker Research Library, California Historical Society, 678 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Consent is given on behalf of the California Historical Society as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner. Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.