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Seeking Stories of Queer California: A Hidden Histories Online ExhibitMain MenuIntroductionGalleriesA guide to each of the online galleries in this digital exhibit, grouped by topic or theme.ArtsAsian & AAPI LGBTQ+ peopleBisexual PeopleBlack LGBTQ+ PeopleCommunitiesDefying ExpectationsGay menHIV/AIDSLatino/a/x LGBTQ+ peopleLesbiansLGBTQ+ DiscriminationLGBTQ+ Life in CaliforniaMarriage and FamiliesPoliticsPrideReligion and SpiritualityTransgender People
LGBTQ+ Activism
1media/Flower Power protest.jpg2024-04-22T11:47:50-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0449879gallery2024-04-30T13:25:53-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0From grassroots organizing to legal advocacy, LGBTQ+ activism has been crucial in championing the queer community. Protests, rallies, marches, and legislative campaigns at local and national levels have brought attention to issues including the discrimination, harassment, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity; marriage equality; transgender rights; and HIV/AIDS awareness. LGBTQ+ activists strive to secure legal protections, healthcare access, and social acceptance for LGBTQ+ people, often collaborating with advocates for racial justice, gender equality, disability rights, and other marginalized communities.
Collection Information
For more information on the materials in this gallery, see their holding institutions.
California Historical Society The Gay Latino Alliance, Market Street Lesbians and Gay Men The Grand Jury's In Town Stonewall Coalition
Center for the Study of Political Graphics Campaign for Military Service poster Connie Norman, AIDS Diva Drag March Homophobia It's Cake, for God's Sake Lesbian Libertys March on Irvine for Lesbian and Gay Rights Prisoners With AIDS Have the Right to Live Prop 8 What Should We Amend Next? Queer Community ≠ Gay Capitali$m Trans People Are People With a Little Makeup, A Straight White Man Can Play Anything!! You Can’t Comb Over Homophobia
1media/lookingforlesbians.jpgmedia/ONE bookshelves.jpg2024-04-11T11:36:57-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Seeking Stories in Queer CaliforniaBeth McDonald11book_splash15150512024-04-26T14:57:45-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
This page has tags:
1media/lookingforlesbians.jpg2024-04-25T15:55:49-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0GalleriesBeth McDonald7A guide to each of the online galleries in this digital exhibit, grouped by topic or theme.structured_gallery2024-04-29T18:53:09-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
Contents of this tag:
1media/CSPG_28808_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T12:38:52-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Prop 8 What Should We Amend Next?, 20082Gay/Straight AllianceThe oposter features a historic black and white photograph of a young black girl standing at a water fountain next to a tree. On the tree is a sign that reads "colored". Pink text over the photo reads "Prop 8 What should we amend next?"media/CSPG_28808.jpgplain2024-04-17T12:39:24-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/Bachardy_Morris Kight_thumb.jpg2024-04-29T11:59:29-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Portrait of Morris Kight by Don Bachardy, 198022AR0657, Pen and ink on paper, 30 x 23 in. Morris Kight was an American gay rights pioneer and peace activist. He is considered one of the original founders of the gay and lesbian civil rights movement in the United States.media/Bachardy_Morris Kight.jpgplain2024-04-29T12:01:04-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/Church leaders at March on Washington1987_thumb.jpg2024-04-29T12:08:57-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Church leaders at the March on Washinton, 19872Reverends Troy Perry and Freda Smith (right) and other church leaders at the March on Washington. October 11, 1987.media/Church leaders at March on Washington1987.jpgplain2024-04-29T12:09:25-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/ACT UP die in 1988_thumb.jpg2024-04-29T14:47:31-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0ACT UP die-in, Sacramento, 19882ACT UP die-in demonstration in Sacramento with people lying on the ground and outlined in chalk in front of the State Capitol (May 8, 1988).media/ACT UP die in 1988.jpgplain2024-04-29T14:47:54-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/Day of decision gay marriage rally_thumb.jpg2024-04-29T15:09:42-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Rally for marriage equality day of decision, 20082Win or lose come together for equality."Blue and white text on black background at the top of the poster and blue and black text on white background on the bottom half of the poster. Illustration on the top half of the poster depicts a raised fist with an abstract background.media/Day of decision gay marriage rally.jpgplain2024-04-29T15:10:00-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSUDH_al_01_07_001_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T14:11:27-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0The Names Project Foundation: AIDS Memorial Quilt booklet, circa 19952Ace Lundon Collectionmedia/CSUDH_al_01_07_001.jpgplain2024-04-17T14:13:34-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/Flower Power protest_thumb.jpg2024-04-29T15:17:03-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Flower Power protest at LAPD, 19682After a police raid of The Patch bar resulted in the detention of patrons, Lee Glaze, the bar owner, bought flowers and led a group to the Los Angeles Police Station Harbor Station to await the release of his patrons. Troy Perry stands fifth from left, Lee Glaze, eighth from left. 1968.media/Flower Power protest.jpgplain2024-04-29T15:17:46-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/March on Sacramento_thumb.jpg2024-04-29T15:46:28-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Sisters at March on Sacramento, 19882Three women holding a sign that reads "Guess which sister is?" at the March on Sacramento for gay and lesbian rights (May 7, 1988).media/March on Sacramento.jpgplain2024-04-29T15:52:00-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CHS_Stonewall Coalition 1977_thumb.jpg2024-04-12T16:45:32-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Stonewall Coalition 19771Stonewall Coalition 1977; California social, protest, and counterculture movement ephemera collection, SOC MOV EPH; Box 1, Folder 13; California Historical Society.media/CHS_Stonewall Coalition 1977.jpgplain2024-04-12T16:45:32-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSPG_49127_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T12:20:33-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Trans People Are People, 20171The poster is black text on a tan and silver background. The text reads: "Trans people are not burdens, trans people are not disruptions, trans people are people."media/CSPG_49127.jpgplain2024-04-17T12:20:34-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/LAPLPhoto_00079419_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T16:45:59-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Gay Demonstration, Hollywood High, 19771Mike Sergieff, Herald Examiner Collection/Los Angeles Public Library. Photograph caption reads, "Thousands participated in the Gay demonstration at Hollywood last night."media/LAPLPhoto_00079419.jpgplain2024-04-17T16:45:59-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/MHL_Araki_Project 10_thumb.JPG2024-04-24T11:10:10-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Gregg Araki Project 10 letter, circa 1988-19941Letter from Gregg Araki, typed on the back of notes for TOTALLY F***ED UP, expressing support for Project 10, an LGBTQ+ support and education program started by Virginia Uribe at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, California, circa 1988-1994.media/MHL_Araki_Project 10.JPGplain2024-04-24T11:10:10-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSPG_9789_thumb.jpg2024-04-16T15:23:15-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Homophobia, 19931It is an unnatural fear and hatred of gay/lesbian people. It robs our country: during the last 10 years, the U.S. military has spent over $500 million to oust lesbain and gay personnel -- even those with excellent records! We support fairness for all citizens, because that's truly the American way.media/CSPG_9789.jpgplain2024-04-16T15:23:15-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/LAPLPhoto_00091744_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T16:48:43-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Support for AIDS Research, 19831Paul Chinn, Herald Examiner Collection/Los Angeles Public Library. Photograph caption dated May 27, 1983 reads, "Some of the 5,000 people who rallied at Westwood Federal Building in support of more AIDS research funds."media/LAPLPhoto_00091744.jpgplain2024-04-17T16:48:43-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSPG_3109_thumb.jpg2024-04-16T15:24:52-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Campaign for Military Service poster, circa 19921media/CSPG_3109.jpgplain2024-04-16T15:24:52-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSPG_49741_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T12:42:10-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0It's Cake, for God's Sake, 20171A black and white photo of a wedding cake. The top layer of the cake is the dome of the United States Capitol building, and the topper of the dome is a figurine of two grooms. The text reads: "It's cake, for god's sake."media/CSPG_49741.jpgplain2024-04-17T12:42:10-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/HSLB_Object_LambdaShirts_thumb.JPG2024-04-18T12:54:36-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Lambda Democratic Club T-shirts, circa 19901Tom Lawson Collection. Lambda Democratic Club is an organization founded to fight for equality through the democratic system.media/HSLB_Object_LambdaShirts.JPGplain2024-04-18T12:54:36-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSPG_34059_thumb.jpg2024-04-16T15:27:31-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0With a Little Makeup, A Straight White Man Can Play Anything!! circa 1990s1Hollywood wants you to play deadmedia/CSPG_34059.jpgplain2024-04-16T15:27:31-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSPG_19530_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T13:08:41-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0March on Irvine for Lesbian and Gay Rights, 19901Orange County Visibility Leaguemedia/CSPG_19530.jpgplain2024-04-17T13:08:41-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/HSLB_Publication_TheCenterNews1986_thumb.jpg2024-04-18T13:05:08-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0The Center News, 19861Historical Society of Long Beach Collection. The Center is a non-profit organization in Long Beach that provides resources to the LGBTQ+ community. These publications represent different times and topics, showing a long expanse of time.media/HSLB_Publication_TheCenterNews1986.jpgplain2024-04-18T13:05:08-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSPG_34015_thumb.jpg2024-04-16T16:10:33-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Connie Norman, AIDS Diva, 19961media/CSPG_34015.jpgplain2024-04-16T16:10:33-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSPG_34010_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T13:10:28-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Prisoners With AIDS Have the Right to Live, circa 19911Unmask the California Death Campsmedia/CSPG_34010.jpgplain2024-04-17T13:10:28-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/HSLB_Story_EllenWard_thumb.jpg2024-04-18T13:19:22-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Profile of Ellen Ward, 20231Historical Society of Long Beach Collection. Part of the “A Woman’s Place: The Exhibition” where more than 70 women from Long Beach were honored. Ward was the owner of the Que Sera bar, an LGBTQ+ rights activist, and a mayor of Signal Hill.media/HSLB_Story_EllenWard.jpgplain2024-04-18T13:19:22-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSPG_Drag March_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T11:59:19-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Drag March, 20231A pair of posters for "A Demonstration Against Anti-LGBTQ+ LegislationTwo posters side by side. Both posters have bright pink backgrounds with the words "Drag March" repeated in black text except for one repeat in yellow. Over the text on one poster is a hand holding a stiletto heel, over the text in the other is a smiling drag queen. The copy at the bottom of both posters reads "A demonstration against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Sunday, April 9, West Hollywood park"media/CSPG_Drag March.jpgplain2024-04-17T11:59:19-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSPG_45687_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T13:13:17-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0You Can’t Comb Over Homophobia, 20171media/CSPG_45687.jpgplain2024-04-17T13:13:17-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/Huntington13_mssMolina_b0239_f11_001_thumb.jpg2024-04-18T15:11:24-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0A letter from the California Lavender Smokefree Network sent to Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, March 31, 19951Box 239, Folder 9, Gloria Molina Papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California Additional description: Molina, who famously favored the color purple, wrote “What is Lavender?” on the letter. Alma Martínez, her chief of staff, attached a note, responding, “I believe it’s a gay/lesbian solidarity color. Learn something new every day.”media/Huntington13_mssMolina_b0239_f11_001.jpgplain2024-04-18T15:11:24-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CHS_The Grand Jurys in Town_thumb.JPG2024-04-12T16:41:36-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Lesbians and Gay Men The Grand Jury's In Town, 19791Lesbians and Gay Men The Grand Jury's In Town, 1979; California social, protest, and counterculture movement ephemera collection, SOC MOV EPH; box 1, folder 13; California Historical Society.media/CHS_The Grand Jurys in Town.JPGplain2024-04-12T16:41:37-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSPG_31486_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T12:02:57-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Lesbian Libertys, 20091An image of two Statues of Liberty standing side by side and holding hands. One holds the torch, the other holds the tablet.media/CSPG_31486.jpgplain2024-04-17T12:02:57-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/UCR_SmithConfer Civil Rights for Lesbians and Gay Men_thumb.jpg2024-04-19T15:02:15-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Cover of manual for "Civil Rights for Lesbians and Gay Men: A Reference Manual for City and County Officials", 19901Kay Berryhill Smith and Connie Confer LGBT activism collection; MS 363; Box 3, Folder 32media/UCR_SmithConfer Civil Rights for Lesbians and Gay Men.jpgplain2024-04-19T15:02:15-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CHS_The Gay Latino Alliance_thumb.jpg2024-04-12T16:44:13-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0The Gay Latino Alliance, Market St., June 24, 19791Joe Altman photographs of the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parades, PC-040; Box 01, Folder 03; California Historical Society.media/CHS_The Gay Latino Alliance.jpgplain2024-04-12T16:44:13-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSPG_57099_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T12:17:47-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Queer Community ≠ Gay Capitali$m, 20101A poster with the words Queer Community ≠ Gay Capitali$m stenciled in a bronze color. The dollar sign in capitalism has been covered over with red, and there are red splatters across the poster.media/CSPG_57099.jpgplain2024-04-17T12:17:47-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/LAPLPhoto_00041676_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T16:37:57-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Arrest of Gay Protester, 19891Chou Ching Yeh, Herald Examiner Collection/Los Angeles Public Library. Arrest of protester at Pan Pacific Hotel, where several other gay protesters were also arrested without incident. The protester wears a T-shirt, "OUT: Orange County Visibility League." The hotel was hosting the "West Coast Symposium on Homosexuality and Public Policy" on October 7, 1989, in Anaheim.media/LAPLPhoto_00041676.jpgplain2024-04-17T16:37:58-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/Abdo Pin Flag_thumb.jpg2024-04-19T16:45:51-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Judy Abdo's pin flag, undated1This flag belonging to the first out lesbian Mayor of Santa Monica includes decades of pins collected by Abdo that relate to the various progressive causes she has supported in her political life, including LGBTQ+ rights.media/Abdo Pin Flag.jpgplain2024-04-19T16:45:52-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0