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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+ ActivismLGBTQ+ DiscriminationMarriage and FamiliesPoliticsPrideReligion and SpiritualityTransgender People
LGBTQ+ Life in California
1media/Crossdressing women 1.jpg2024-04-24T20:38:55-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0449879gallery2024-04-30T15:25:01-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Many of the photographs and ephemera in this exhibit are not only symbols of queer experience, defiance, or activism. They are windows into people's day-to-day lives. With family and friends, at work or at leisure, they are evidence of queer people simply living their lives, not unlike the thousands of other people from other communities they interact with. While the LGBTQ+ experience is unique and special in many ways, it is, at its core, a human experience.
Collection Information
For more information on the materials in this gallery, see their holding institutions.
California History Section, California State Library Contact: A Directory of Gay, Homosexual, and Lesbian Feminist Organizations and Resources Gay & Lesbian L.A. history map Gay U.S.A. '76 broadside> The Prodigal, Vol. II, No. 20 Fun Map Palm Springs/San Diego
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/Crossdressing women 2_thumb.jpg2024-04-29T15:03:50-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Two cross-dressing women, undated3media/Crossdressing women 2.jpgplain2024-04-29T15:04:37-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/Crossdressing women 1_thumb.jpg2024-04-29T15:01:29-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Two cross-dressing women, undated3media/Crossdressing women 1.jpgplain2024-04-29T15:04:59-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/Crowd at GCS 1971_thumb.jpg2024-04-29T15:07:17-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Crowd at Gay Community Services Center, 19713media/Crowd at GCS 1971.jpgplain2024-04-29T15:18:36-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSUDH_Two Gentlemanly Figures_thumb.png2024-04-25T10:24:38-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Having A Drink on Catalina Island, undated2A black and white photograph of two feminine figures in suits and hats on Santa Catalina Island. One figure is pouring a beverage into a cup in the other figure's hand.media/CSUDH_Two Gentlemanly Figures.pngplain2024-04-25T10:25:09-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/CSUDH_Finocchios_thumb.png2024-04-25T10:10:47-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Finocchio's: House of the Fabulous Female Impressonators, undated2A postcard of Finocchio's, that was a nightclub and bar in San Francisco. It shows five female impersonators standing in the back and five sitting in the front. The steps are a black and white checkered pattern and the background appears to be the stage. From left to right, starting in the back, a performer is wearing a bright pink robe with light pink feather lining, a silver patterned dress, silver shoes, and bright pink long earrings. Next the performer is wearing a pink and gold robe with a high collar, a pink dress, and a pink wig. The center performer is wearing a bright pink dress with a black belt. Next the performer is wearing a black and silver waistcoat with bright pink harem pants. At the end of the back row is a performer in a dark purple robe and dress, with peacock feathers and a peacock feather headdress. The five women in the front row are seated, all in similar 1920s flapper dancer outfits in different colors. From left to right, the first two women are turned slightly to the left and are in light purple outfits with pink feather headbands. In the center, facing forward, she is in a yellow dress with a green feather headband. Next, turned slightly to the right, she is in a dark purple dress and a dark purple feathered headband. Lastly, also turned to the right, she is in an orange dress and has an orange feathered headband.media/CSUDH_Finocchios.pngplain2024-04-25T10:27:08-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
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/SMHM Beebe 3.2.5334_thumb.jpg2024-04-19T16:23:50-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Ginger Rogers Beach, 19411Bill Beebe Collection, 3.2.5334 and 3.2.5335. The stretch of Will Rogers State Beach at the bottom of West Channel road is fondly known as “Ginger Rogers Beach” among the LGBTQ+ community. It has been a gay beach hangout since the 1940s.media/SMHM Beebe 3.2.5334.jpgplain2024-04-19T16:23:51-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/cabk_contact_Rocco_thumb.jpg2024-04-15T15:20:08-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Contact: A Directory of Gay, Homosexual, and Lesbian Feminist Organizations and Resources, 19771The 7th Imperial Court de Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA. Periodicals collectionmedia/cabk_contact_Rocco.jpgplain2024-04-15T15:20:10-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/Homestead_EDITED men in drag and inscription_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T16:21:49-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Men in drag, circa 1900s, image (front) and inscription (back)1A cabinet card photograph of two men dressed as women with an inscription on the back "To Daddy, His first wife. Los Angeles. Calif." ca 1900s.media/Homestead_EDITED men in drag and inscription.jpgplain2024-04-17T16:21:49-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/SMHM_Crystal Beach_thumb.jpg2024-04-19T16:36:51-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Bathers on Crystal Beach, 19201Fred Basten Collection, 170.2.67. Located in the strip between Ocean Park and Hollister Avenue, Crystal Beach was a well-known gay-friendly beach during the post-war period. Many gay bars and taverns lined the oceanfront, and the Crystal Beach and Rendezvous Ballroom bathhouses (the latter visible in the background of this photo) were well-known cruising spots.media/SMHM_Crystal Beach.jpgplain2024-04-19T16:36:51-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/Homestead_Couple kissing_thumb.jpg2024-04-17T16:24:24-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Two women embracing and kissing, 19231A photograph of two women embracing and kissing each other, dated December 6, 1923.media/Homestead_Couple kissing.jpgplain2024-04-17T16:24:24-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/Main Street 170.2.58_resized_thumb.jpg2024-04-19T16:38:24-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Main Street, Santa Monica, undated1170.2.58 Santa Monica History Museum, Fred Basten Collection. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Main Street played host to several gay and lesbian bars, including The Pink Elephant Saloon (1973-1985) located at 2810 Main, Bar Sinister (1978-1981) located at 2709 Main, and Pier XII (1969-1976) located at 2722 Main.media/Main Street 170.2.58_resized.jpgplain2024-04-19T16:38:24-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/camp_LACounty_2000_gay_lesbian_LA_history_thumb.jpg2024-04-15T17:01:08-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Gay & Lesbian L.A. history map, 20001Maps collectionmedia/camp_LACounty_2000_gay_lesbian_LA_history.jpgplain2024-04-15T17:01:08-07:00Beth 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/WAClark_Bx_12_f_9_WACjr_portrait_thumb.jpg2024-04-19T15:17:39-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Portrait of William Andrews Clark, Jr., 19251Murillo Studios, Portrait of William Andrews Clark, Jr., 1925; Pre-1934 Clark Institutional Archives, Box 12/Folder 9, UCLA William Andrews Clark Memorial Librarymedia/WAClark_Bx_12_f_9_WACjr_portrait.jpgplain2024-04-19T15:17:40-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/capd_Prodigal_001_thumb.jpg2024-04-16T12:42:23-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0The Prodigal, Vol. II, No. 20, May 21, 19711Circulating Periodicals collectionmedia/capd_Prodigal_001.jpgplain2024-04-16T12:42:24-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/WAClark_Bx_11_Fld_5_H_Post_Portrait_thumb.jpg2024-04-19T15:19:20-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Portrait of Harrison Post, 19201: Consuelo Kanaga, Portrait of Harrison Post, 1920; Pre-1934 Clark Institutional Archives, Box 11/Folder 5, UCLA William Andrews Clark Memorial Librarymedia/WAClark_Bx_11_Fld_5_H_Post_Portrait.jpgplain2024-04-19T15:19:20-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
1media/WAClark_vestibule_ceiling_thumb.jpg2024-04-19T15:20:47-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Clark Library vestibule ceiling, 19251Allyn Cox, Clark Library vestibule ceiling, 1925, photographed by Reed Hutchinson, 2015; UCLA William Andrews Clark Memorial Library. Caption: According to Clark Library oral history, the male nudes featured across the library’s vestibule ceiling all have the face of Harrison Post, William Andrews Clark, Jr.’s lover.media/WAClark_vestibule_ceiling.jpgplain2024-04-19T15:20:48-07:00Beth 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/Muscle Beach 3.2.3920_resized_thumb.jpg2024-04-19T15:43:36-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0Mr. Muscle Beach Contest, 19501Bill Beebe Collection, 3.2.3920. At its original location in Santa Monica, Muscle Beach was a gathering place for fitness gurus and bodybuilding enthusiasts. In the 1940s and 1950s, it was also a cruising spot for gay men and women, and the advent of physique photography with Muscle Beach models often featured homoerotic portraits.media/Muscle Beach 3.2.3920_resized.jpgplain2024-04-19T15:43:36-07:00Beth McDonald0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0