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Seeking Stories of Queer California : A Hidden Histories Online Exhibit
Main Menu
Introduction
Galleries
A guide to each of the online galleries in this digital exhibit, grouped by topic or theme.
Arts
Asian & AAPI LGBTQ+ people
Bisexual People
Black LGBTQ+ People
Communities
Defying Expectations
Gay men
HIV/AIDS
Latino/a/x LGBTQ+ people
Lesbians
LGBTQ+ Activism
LGBTQ+ Discrimination
LGBTQ+ Life in California
Marriage and Families
Politics
Pride
Religion and Spirituality
Transgender People
Contact: A Directory of Gay, Homosexual, and Lesbian Feminist Organizations and Resources, 1977
1
media/cabk_contact_Rocco_thumb.jpg
2024-04-15T15:20:08-07:00
Beth McDonald
0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
44987
1
The 7th Imperial Court de Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA. Periodicals collection
plain
2024-04-15T15:20:10-07:00
Beth McDonald
0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
This page has tags:
1
media/Crossdressing women 1.jpg
2024-04-24T20:38:55-07:00
Beth McDonald
0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
LGBTQ+ Life in California
Beth McDonald
9
gallery
2024-04-30T15:25:01-07:00
Beth McDonald
0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
Contents of this tag:
1
media/Crowd at GCS 1971_thumb.jpg
2024-04-29T15:07:17-07:00
Crowd at Gay Community Services Center, 1971
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2024-04-29T15:18:36-07:00
1
media/Crossdressing women 2_thumb.jpg
2024-04-29T15:03:50-07:00
Two cross-dressing women, undated
3
plain
2024-04-29T15:04:37-07:00
1
media/Crossdressing women 1_thumb.jpg
2024-04-29T15:01:29-07:00
Two cross-dressing women, undated
3
plain
2024-04-29T15:04:59-07:00
1
media/CSUDH_Two Gentlemanly Figures_thumb.png
2024-04-25T10:24:38-07:00
Having A Drink on Catalina Island, undated
2
A 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.
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2024-04-25T10:25:09-07:00
1
media/CSUDH_Finocchios_thumb.png
2024-04-25T10:10:47-07:00
Finocchio's: House of the Fabulous Female Impressonators, undated
2
A 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.
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2024-04-25T10:27:08-07:00
1
media/CSPG_28808_thumb.jpg
2024-04-17T12:38:52-07:00
Prop 8 What Should We Amend Next?, 2008
2
Gay/Straight Alliance
The 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?"
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2024-04-17T12:39:24-07:00
1
media/Muscle Beach 3.2.3920_resized_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T15:43:36-07:00
Mr. Muscle Beach Contest, 1950
1
Bill 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.
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2024-04-19T15:43:36-07:00
1
media/CSPG_19530_thumb.jpg
2024-04-17T13:08:41-07:00
March on Irvine for Lesbian and Gay Rights, 1990
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Orange County Visibility League
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2024-04-17T13:08:41-07:00
1
media/CSUDH_lgbtq_001_thumb.jpg
2024-04-17T14:20:27-07:00
Mother Vol. 1, no. 1, June 1971
1
LGBTQ Publications Collection
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2024-04-17T14:20:27-07:00
1
media/SMHM Beebe 3.2.5334_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T16:23:50-07:00
Ginger Rogers Beach, 1941
1
Bill 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.
plain
2024-04-19T16:23:51-07:00
1
media/Homestead_EDITED men in drag and inscription_thumb.jpg
2024-04-17T16:21:49-07:00
Men in drag, circa 1900s, image (front) and inscription (back)
1
A 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.
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2024-04-17T16:21:49-07:00
1
media/SMHM_Crystal Beach_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T16:36:51-07:00
Bathers on Crystal Beach, 1920
1
Fred 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.
plain
2024-04-19T16:36:51-07:00
1
media/cabk_contact_Rocco_thumb.jpg
2024-04-15T15:20:08-07:00
Contact: A Directory of Gay, Homosexual, and Lesbian Feminist Organizations and Resources, 1977
1
The 7th Imperial Court de Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA. Periodicals collection
plain
2024-04-15T15:20:10-07:00
1
media/Homestead_Couple kissing_thumb.jpg
2024-04-17T16:24:24-07:00
Two women embracing and kissing, 1923
1
A photograph of two women embracing and kissing each other, dated December 6, 1923.
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2024-04-17T16:24:24-07:00
1
media/Main Street 170.2.58_resized_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T16:38:24-07:00
Main Street, Santa Monica, undated
1
170.2.58 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.
plain
2024-04-19T16:38:24-07:00
1
media/cavf_lgbtq_maps_0001_thumb.jpg
2024-04-15T15:29:49-07:00
Fun Map Palm Springs/San Diego, 1991
1
Vertical Files: Gay and Lesbian
plain
2024-04-15T15:29:50-07:00
1
media/Huntington13_mssMolina_b0239_f11_001_thumb.jpg
2024-04-18T15:11:24-07:00
A letter from the California Lavender Smokefree Network sent to Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, March 31, 1995
1
Box 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.”
plain
2024-04-18T15:11:24-07:00
1
media/camp_LACounty_2000_gay_lesbian_LA_history_thumb.jpg
2024-04-15T17:01:08-07:00
Gay & Lesbian L.A. history map, 2000
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Maps collection
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2024-04-15T17:01:08-07:00
1
media/WAClark_Bx_12_f_9_WACjr_portrait_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T15:17:39-07:00
Portrait of William Andrews Clark, Jr., 1925
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Murillo Studios, Portrait of William Andrews Clark, Jr., 1925; Pre-1934 Clark Institutional Archives, Box 12/Folder 9, UCLA William Andrews Clark Memorial Library
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2024-04-19T15:17:40-07:00
1
media/cams_kilgore_b006_f002_gay_usa_thumb.jpg
2024-04-16T12:36:27-07:00
Gay U.S.A. '76 broadside, 1976
1
Ray N. Kilgore LGBTQ ephemera collection
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2024-04-16T12:36:27-07:00
1
media/WAClark_Bx_11_Fld_5_H_Post_Portrait_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T15:19:20-07:00
Portrait of Harrison Post, 1920
1
: Consuelo Kanaga, Portrait of Harrison Post, 1920; Pre-1934 Clark Institutional Archives, Box 11/Folder 5, UCLA William Andrews Clark Memorial Library
plain
2024-04-19T15:19:20-07:00
1
media/capd_Prodigal_001_thumb.jpg
2024-04-16T12:42:23-07:00
The Prodigal, Vol. II, No. 20, May 21, 1971
1
Circulating Periodicals collection
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2024-04-16T12:42:24-07:00
1
media/WAClark_vestibule_ceiling_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T15:20:47-07:00
Clark Library vestibule ceiling, 1925
1
Allyn 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.
plain
2024-04-19T15:20:48-07:00
1
media/oedipus golden bull.jpg
2024-04-22T15:06:00-07:00
Beth McDonald
0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
Communities
Beth McDonald
7
gallery
2024-04-30T11:34:21-07:00
Beth McDonald
0fdc6d8696ca8ca12c571f0f59d3d5703e5e4ab0
Contents of this tag:
1
media/Crowd at GCS 1971_thumb.jpg
2024-04-29T15:07:17-07:00
Crowd at Gay Community Services Center, 1971
3
plain
2024-04-29T15:18:36-07:00
1
media/Studio-One_Backlot_rocco_couple_dancing_thumb.jpg
2024-04-29T13:20:10-07:00
Couple dancing at Studio One, undated
2
plain
2024-04-29T13:20:31-07:00
1
media/LAPLPhoto_00041651_thumb.jpg
2024-04-17T16:35:30-07:00
Gay Dating Service Head, 1982
2
Michael Haering, Herald Examiner Collection/Los Angeles Public Library. Seated at his desk on August 17, 1982, is David, who runs a gay dating service.
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2024-04-17T16:36:36-07:00
1
media/Golden Bull_1_resized_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T15:39:10-07:00
The Golden Bull, 2023
2
Opened in 1949, the Golden Bull restaurant has played host to the likes of Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, and Christopher Isherwood. A haunt for Hollywood elite and the Canyon’s bohemian coterie, the Golden Bull also welcomed openly gay clientele from an early date.
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2024-04-19T15:41:08-07:00
1
media/LGBT Center sign_thumb.jpg
2024-04-29T15:44:03-07:00
LGBT Center sign - Sin comunidad, no hay liberación, undated
2
The text is the Spanish translation of a quote by Audre Lorde. In English, it says "Without Community, there is No Liberation."
plain
2024-04-29T15:44:16-07:00
1
media/Women applauding graduate_thumb.jpg
2024-04-29T16:00:16-07:00
Marie Cartier graduation celebration, 2010
2
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.
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2024-04-29T16:05:30-07:00
1
media/HSLB_Object_GoldRecord_Etheridge_thumb.jpg
2024-04-18T12:49:23-07:00
Gold record for "Melissa Etheridge" album by Melissa Etheridge, 1988
2
Historical Society of Long Beach Collection. Given by Melissa Etheridge to Ellen Ward, whose bar The Que Sera was an important LGBTQ+ friendly space that gave Etheridge a standing weekly gig.
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2024-04-18T12:50:13-07:00
1
media/Supreme Court photo 1994_thumb.jpg
2024-04-29T15:56:03-07:00
Robert Arthur, Ivy Bottini, Quentin Crisp, Morris Kight, and Patricia Nell Warren, 1994
2
The "Supreme Court Photo" with Robert Arthur, Ivy Bottini, Quentin Crisp, Morris Kight, and Patricia Nell Warren taken at home of Victor Burner. 1994.
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2024-04-29T16:08:10-07:00
1
media/HSLB_Object_Membership_1350_thumb.jpg
2024-04-18T13:00:11-07:00
Membership card to the 1350 Club, 1981
2
Historical Society of Long Beach Collection. The 1350 Club was a gay bar in Long Beach.
plain
2024-04-18T13:00:29-07:00
1
media/oedipus golden bull_thumb.jpg
2024-04-29T13:00:46-07:00
Oedipus Motorcycle Club members outside The Golden Bull Steakhouse in Santa Monica, 1991
2
plain
2024-04-29T13:01:00-07:00
1
media/SS Friendship_resized_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T15:40:51-07:00
ShoreBar, formerly the S.S. Friendship, 2023
1
After Prohibition was repealed, Doc Law turned his drugstore-slash-speakeasy into the S.S. Friendship bar in 1938. A unique example of mimetic architecture, the Friendship was a popular gay hangout for decades, and was the model for the gay bar in Christopher Isherwood's novel A Single Man.
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2024-04-19T15:40:51-07:00
1
media/cavm_lgbtq_posters_stud_thumb.jpg
2024-04-16T13:16:15-07:00
Poster for the Stud Bar, circa 1978
1
LGBTQ posters collection
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2024-04-16T13:16:15-07:00
1
media/HSLB_Button_DanceMarathon_thumb.jpg
2024-04-18T12:30:29-07:00
First Ladies Memorial Dance Marathon button, 1978
1
Button Collections, Historical Society of Long Beach Collection
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2024-04-18T12:30:29-07:00
1
media/highways_2_resized_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T15:42:17-07:00
Highways Bar, 2023
1
Highways opened in 1989, quickly becoming known for radical work. In the 1990s, Highways highlighted the devastating effects of the AIDS pandemic. It is home to the second-oldest AIDS memorial in the US and continues to showcase performance art that celebrates queer stories and sex positivity.
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2024-04-19T15:42:17-07:00
1
media/CHS_Hey Young Lesbians_thumb.jpg
2024-04-12T16:39:16-07:00
Hey Young Lesbians, undated
1
California social, protest, and counterculture movement ephemera collection, SOC MOV EPH; Box 1, Folder 13; California Historical Society.
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2024-04-12T16:39:16-07:00
1
media/HSLB_Object_BarsMatches_Details_thumb.jpg
2024-04-18T12:42:55-07:00
Matchbook from Details: a place to Dine and Dance, undated
1
Historical Society of Long Beach Collection. Photographed for the Coming Out exhibition, part of a much larger artifact collection.
plain
2024-04-18T12:42:55-07:00
1
media/Crystal Pier 3.2.3130_resized_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T16:19:01-07:00
Crystal Beach Bathhouse, 1943
1
Located on the Crystal Beach Pier, the Crystal Beach Bathhouse was regarded as a cruising spot for the gay community. It was demolished in 1949.
plain
2024-04-19T16:19:01-07:00
1
media/cams_kilgore_b006_f002_beverly_cinema_thumb.jpg
2024-04-15T12:40:49-07:00
The Beverly Cinema Club broadside, circa 1972
1
Ray N. Kilgore LGBTQ ephemera collection
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2024-04-15T12:40:50-07:00
1
media/SMHM Beebe 3.2.5334_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T16:23:50-07:00
Ginger Rogers Beach, 1941
1
Bill 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.
plain
2024-04-19T16:23:51-07:00
1
media/cabk_contact_Rocco_thumb.jpg
2024-04-15T15:20:08-07:00
Contact: A Directory of Gay, Homosexual, and Lesbian Feminist Organizations and Resources, 1977
1
The 7th Imperial Court de Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA. Periodicals collection
plain
2024-04-15T15:20:10-07:00
1
media/SMHM_Crystal Beach_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T16:36:51-07:00
Bathers on Crystal Beach, 1920
1
Fred 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.
plain
2024-04-19T16:36:51-07:00
1
media/cavf_lgbtq_maps_0001_thumb.jpg
2024-04-15T15:29:49-07:00
Fun Map Palm Springs/San Diego, 1991
1
Vertical Files: Gay and Lesbian
plain
2024-04-15T15:29:50-07:00
1
media/HSLB_Publication_TheCenterNews1986_thumb.jpg
2024-04-18T13:05:08-07:00
The Center News, 1986
1
Historical 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.
plain
2024-04-18T13:05:08-07:00
1
media/Main Street 170.2.58_resized_thumb.jpg
2024-04-19T16:38:24-07:00
Main Street, Santa Monica, undated
1
170.2.58 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.
plain
2024-04-19T16:38:24-07:00
1
media/capd_Prodigal_001_thumb.jpg
2024-04-16T12:42:23-07:00
The Prodigal, Vol. II, No. 20, May 21, 1971
1
Circulating Periodicals collection
plain
2024-04-16T12:42:24-07:00
1
media/Huntington13_mssMolina_b0239_f11_001_thumb.jpg
2024-04-18T15:11:24-07:00
A letter from the California Lavender Smokefree Network sent to Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, March 31, 1995
1
Box 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.”
plain
2024-04-18T15:11:24-07:00
1
media/cavm_lgbtq_posters_outcast_24_thumb.jpg
2024-04-16T12:52:28-07:00
Outcast, circa 1978
1
Ray N. Kilgore LGBTQ ephemera collection
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2024-04-16T12:52:28-07:00