History Action Group

The QAHC LGBT History Project

The QAHC LGBT History Project: what is it?

UR HISTORIES have been hidden for too long!

The LGBT History Project aims to promote our histories through:

  • sharing stories, mapping key dates and events
  • training in recording our stories
  • helping to build the Queensland State Library LGBT collection
  • raising awareness of LGBT histories
  • developing community participation in this work


QAHC supports the project with resources such as meeting space, office support, networking, printing, and graphic design.

If you would like to contribute your story or donate your archives to the State Library  the LGBT History Project would like to hear from you.  You can email us at history@qahc.org.au or ring us via QAHC reception (07) 3017 1777.  

The team welcomes volunteers - to conduct interviews (free training provided), or contribute other skills, and to grow the project.

Aim: To promote the recording and conserving of LGBT history in Brisbane towards increased awareness and accessibility

Objectives:

  1. To build and increase access to a permanent record of LGBT history in Brisbane
  2. To increase the wider community’s knowledge and understanding of LGBT history in Brisbane
  3. To increase LGBT people’s sense of community history and identity
  4. To develop links between LGBT groups, businesses and individuals
  5. To develop a sense of responsibility in LGBT communities re researching and documenting our histories.

Strategies:

  1. To consult and engage LGBT community members, groups and businesses in the processes of project development and documentation
  2. To work in partnership with the State Library of Queensland towards the establishment of an identifiable LGBT archive
  3. To work in partnership with the Museum of Brisbane for an exhibition scheduled for June 2010 on LGBT history in Brisbane
  4. To document the identified history and heritage collections and stories gathered during the project

 

You can support the work of the LGBT History Project by making a donation now using the button below. All donations $2 are tax deductible.

 

Become an Activist Archivist

STATE LIBRARY WORKSHOP NOTES

held at State Library of Queensland

12th November 2008

Our LGBT histories have been hidden for too long!  Let’s get our stories more in the public domain where they can be heard, and so that further history research can be done effectively.

Here are some pointers as to becoming an Activist Archivist :

  • Send each issue of an LGBT publication you produce to the State Library of Queensland
  • Check what gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender materials are held in their collections by going online and searching their databases – (finding the gaps will be helpful too)
  • Access the State Library for your LGBT history research – go online – also check Picture Queensland which has thousands of images of Queensland places and people
  • Donate your collections to the State Library – this can include:
  • Minutes and other organisational records
  • Photos, sound, video and dvd recordings
  • Personal papers, letters, memoirs
  • Some items such as crockery, cutlery, etc may be accepted (storage and conservation issues will be relevant here)
  • Publications, posters, flyers, brochures, t-shirts
  • Outfits – may be better conserved and collected at the Qld Museum – but talk to State Library about it for advice

  • First make a list of what you or your organisation has – then make an appointment with the State Library to discuss your donation. This will be done as a Deed of Gift – a formal procedure. You can specify some material remains private
  • Learn to become an oral historian or a digital stories maker… the State Library will lend us equipment and we will develop some training with them and others
  • Whether you are ready or not to donate your collection to the State Library, keep it in good condition by, e.g.
  • Not laminating posters or photos
  • Keeping posters flat not rolled
  • Not writing on the back of photos or putting post-its on them
  • Not using sticky-tape on items
  • Getting the right quality storage boxes, plastic sleeves, etc. – e.g from the State Library shop


For information about donating etc:

Serena Coates
Manager, Original Materials
State Library of Queensland
Ph: 3842 9063
Email: serena.coates@slq.qld.gov.au

Note: These pointers come from my notes taken at the seminar on 12th Nov 2008. With all thanks to the State Library of Queensland who are partners in the QAHC LGBT History Project.

Links

Sydney's Pride History Group (http://www.pridehistorygroup.org.au/)

Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives (http://home.vicnet.net.au/~alga/)

Contact Us

Contact the LGBT History Project:

QAHC reception: (07) 3017 1777

history@qahc.org.au

 

* Formerly the Qld AIDS Council