Houston’s Queer History: A Story of Perseverance and Progress
Houston has long been a beacon of hope and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community in Texas. The city’s large and diverse population has created a safe haven for individuals to express themselves freely and find support. From the early days of the Texas Gay Conference in 1976 to the election of openly gay mayor Annise Parker in 2009, Houston has been at the forefront of the fight for equality and dignity.
Preserving the Past
Despite the city’s progress, much of its queer history is at risk of being lost forever. The gentrification of the Montrose neighborhood, a hub for LGBTQ+ culture, has led to the demolition of historic buildings and the displacement of long-time residents. This has resulted in the erasure of a significant part of Houston’s queer history. However, thanks to the efforts of dedicated archivists and historians, the city’s queer legacy is being preserved for future generations.
The Importance of Archives
JD Doyle, a local historian and author, has spent years collecting and preserving queer history through his online archives, Houston LGBT History, Texas Obituary Project, and Queer Music Heritage. His collection spans hundreds of works, including physical newsletters, magazines, and other ephemera. These items provide a unique glimpse into the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Houston and offer a necessary context and timeline of the community’s history.
Donating to the Archives
Doyle emphasizes the importance of donating personal collections to archives, rather than throwing them away. Newsletters, in particular, are often overlooked but provide valuable insights into the community’s history. "Newsletters were normally very thin, maybe four pages…when somebody’s in their attic looking through a trunk: ‘Oh, I don’t need these newsletters. There’s nothing to them.’ They don’t value what they’re holding in their hands," he says.
The University of Houston’s LGBT History Research Collection
The University of Houston’s LGBT History Research Collection is another valuable resource for preserving queer history. Archivist Joyce Gabiola oversees the collection, which includes a wide range of items, such as T-shirts, buttons, pins, patches, and even a signature jean jacket from author Addie Tsai. Gabiola encourages individuals to donate their personal collections to the archives, stressing that every item is important and contributes to the overall understanding of Houston’s queer legacy.
The Arden Eversmeyer Archives
The University of Houston also houses the archives of lesbian activist Arden Eversmeyer, who passed away in 2022. Eversmeyer founded the Old Lesbian Herstory Project and Lesbians Over Age Fifty organizations, providing a voice for queer women often marginalized within their own communities. Gabiola was inspired by Eversmeyer’s work and is now processing her collection, which includes an article Gabiola wrote about the activist. This creates a satisfying loop between past and present, highlighting the importance of preserving queer history.
Conclusion
Houston’s queer history is a story of perseverance and progress, and it is essential to preserve this legacy for future generations. By donating personal collections to archives and supporting the work of historians and archivists, individuals can help ensure that the city’s queer history is not forgotten. As Gabiola says, "Your history is important," and every item, no matter how small, contributes to the overall understanding of Houston’s queer legacy. By learning from the past, we can forge ahead in the fights to come, and Houston will continue to be a beacon of hope and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
