University Libraries' Exhibit Celebrates Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- In honor of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, the University Libraries' special collections department has organized an exhibit titled "Out of the Closet." Located near the circulation desk in Mullins Library, the exhibit recognizes individuals whose lives "out of the closet" have contributed to discussions of sexual and gender identity as well as debates over civil liberties in the state and the nation.

LGBT Pride month is celebrated in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots that are credited as catalyzing the gay and lesbian rights movement in the United States. The riots, which began on June 28, 1969, were a series of demonstrations against the New York City police following a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a bar frequented by members of the gay community.

The exhibit includes a selection of materials reflecting the varied experiences of the LGBT community on the University of Arkansas campus and throughout the state. Pamphlets, broadsides, books, journals, newsletters, and newspaper clippings are among the exhibited items, most of which come from the Arkansas book and manuscripts collections. The exhibit will be displayed through August.

The history of LGBT life on the University of Arkansas campus coincides with national trends in political and cultural attitudes towards homosexuality and gay rights. Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, LGBT student organizations such as the Razordykes and the Gay and Lesbian Student Organization organized cultural events on campus and published their own journals and newsletters.

Researchers investigating LGBT issues are encouraged to visit special collections for additional information. The special collections department continually seeks materials that document the state's physical, social and cultural history, especially materials documenting human rights movements in Arkansas. Readers should contact Tim Nutt, department head, if they have materials they wish to donate. For more information, contact special collections at (479) 575-5577 or specoll@uark.edu.