Do you want to save queer history? You probably already are and don’t even know it! On May 10, The Center on Colfax will hold its monthly archiving event where the community is invited to bring any kind of LGBTQ+ documentation (photos, pamphlets, correspondence, journals, community involvement, etc.) that the Colorado LGBTQ History Project can use to catalog and preserve.
The Center has had the privilege of preserving powerful pieces of Colorado’s history such as its Women Loving Women section that includes the Three Sisters Collection, an assembly of pieces from a local lesbian bar in the 70s. The collection offers an intimate look into personal and community life with artifacts from Rubber Husbands that captures the resiliency of queer partnership.
Community members can drop off or mail materials to The Center to be archived by the Colorado LGBTQ History Project who then donates the material to local museums, libraries, and archives for preservation and public research.
Why does archiving matter? If minority communities don’t preserve their own history, then it will be erased or, maybe even worse, rewritten by those outside of the community (i.e. the heteronormative patriarchy). At a pivotal time in LGBTQ+ history where political administrations want to wipe away our past, present, and future, it’s crucial for local communities to come together to solidify our accomplishments, struggles, and queer joy in our history.
Each contribution deepens the narrative of queer history in Colorado and ensures that our stories are seen, honored, and remembered. Items that capture intersectionality within the community and queer joy are especially encouraged. Your contributions are valuable, so please help the Center on Colfax preserve queer history the second Saturday of each month from 12 – 2 p.m.!
For further questions about the archiving process, you can contact the Colorado LGBTQ History Project at history@lgbtqcolorado.org.
Photos courtesy of London Alexander
