Queer Legacies: Stories from Chicago's Lgbtq Archives

The Gerbert/Hart Library & Archives on Chicago's North Side has been collecting and cataloging records related to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified people and organizations since 1981. In Queer Legacies, John D. Emilio, a pioneering scholar of gay and lesbian studies, explores the collection to uncover a kaleidoscopic look at the community built by generations of gay men and women in Chicago. The essays range in focus from politics, culture, social life, and the history of institutions like Dignity and the Gay Academic Union, and reveal the connections to events and issues of national import. The book showcases how archives can be a life-giving resource for historically marginalized communities and inspires a new generation of scholars and activists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2020
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The vibrant and diverse tapestry of gay life in Chicago is simply too vast and multifaceted to be confined to a single location. However, since 1981, the Gerbert/Hart Library & Archives, situated on the city's North Side, has been diligently striving to encapsulate this rich diversity within its walls. Through its tireless efforts, the library has amassed an extensive collection of records that chronicle the experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified individuals and organizations in Chicago.

In his groundbreaking work, Queer Legacies, John D. Emilio, a pioneering scholar in the field of gay and lesbian studies, delves into the depths of this remarkable collection. By excavating from one of the country's most significant yet overlooked LGBTQ archives, Emilio presents a captivating kaleidoscope of the community that has been shaped by generations of gay men and women in Chicago. Within the pages of this book, a diverse array of characters emerges, each contributing their unique perspective to the city's historically vibrant LGBTQ scene. From athletes and lawyers to publishers and artists, these individuals paint a vivid portrait of the diverse tapestry that makes Chicago a true haven for the LGBTQ community.

Queer Legacies is a collection of essays that span a wide range of topics, including politics, culture, social life, and the history of institutions such as Dignity, the preeminent organization for LGBTQ Catholics, and the Gay Academic Union. While the book maintains a strong foundation in Chicago, its reach extends far beyond, shedding light on the connections to national events and issues. Through these essays, Emilio demonstrates how archives can be more than mere repositories of the past; rather, they can serve as vital resources for historically marginalized communities.

The Gerbert/Hart Library & Archives stands as a lifeline for these communities, providing a gateway to their history and a means of empowerment. This book offers readers an inclusive and personal glimpse into fifty years of a national struggle for visibility, recognition, and equality, led by LGBTQ Americans who have etched their names into the annals of history. In these challenging times, Queer Legacies serves as a source of inspiration for a new generation of scholars and activists, who will continue to build upon the legacy of those who came before them.

Weight: 302g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226727530