community
opportunities. Though the community may have started with more of a social tone, it wasn’t long before these same people began fighting for their rights and equality. Moving forward, Dr. Faderman explained that the
exhibition shows a trajectory of the community, beginning with the theme of “persecution” and ending with “out for good.” Yet, that’s not to say the community does still not have work to do. The exhibition does acknowledge recent hate crimes and protests. Particularly, the tragedy that took place at Pulse Nightclub in 2016. On a more inspiring note, the exhibit does reveal
Stories of Strugglesand Triumphs CELEBRATING COMMUNITY
LGBTQ+ San Diego: A CONVERSATION
WITH DR. LILLIAN FADERMAN by cutter slagle
The Rage Monthly recently had the privilege
of speaking with Dr. Lillian Faderman, curator of LGBTQ+ San Diego: Stories of Struggles and Triumphs, a new exhibition at the San Diego History Center. How appropriate that the exhibition—the very first in Balboa Park—will open not only at a time when Pride celebrations are in full swing across the world, but also when individuals in all communities need a reminder (or education) of our history. The exhibition will focus on a variety of major
THOUGH THE LGBTQ+ COM-
MUNITY HASN’T BEEN WITHOUT STRUGGLES
AND SETBACKS, WHICH WILL BE
SHOWCASED, THE EXHIBIT
ALSO DOES ITS PART TO
INFORM OF ALL
OF THE TRIUMPHS AND HURDLES
THAT PREVIOUS PIONEERS HAVE OVERCOME…”
community themes, including identity, persecution, pioneers, families we make and choose and where the San Diego LGBTQ community is headed. Specifically, the story of persecution will detail struggles dating back to Native Americans and their stories of sexual and gender diversity, before delving into public shaming and other consequences for identifying as gay or lesbian. Though the LGBTQ community hasn’t been without struggles and setbacks, which will be showcased, the exhibit also does its part to inform of all of the triumphs and hurdles that previous pioneers have overcome, which seems to be one of the most important messages or takeaways from the experience. For example, on display is a timeline on how the LGBTQ community began as just a gay com- munity, then a gay and lesbian community, before other identifications were recognized. Interestingly enough, Dr. Faderman noted during our conversa- tion how a critical mass began to form following World War II, due to the fact that so many LGBTQ people were introduced to San Diego, whether from the military, R and R purposes or through other work
the fact that since 1993, San Diego has always had a gay or lesbian city council member, detailing that the LGBTQ community has come a long way from its origins. This long and often difficult road is traced through artifacts, such as matchbooks from a variety of gay bars that are no longer around to pictures and a diorama that was created to announce police and gay officials marching for the very first time in the Pride parade. Another interesting section of the exhibit will include “Out in the Arts,” which takes a look at how the LGBTQ community has used outlets such as the theatre and choruses to introduce itself to and entertain all communities, most importantly, the straight community. When asked why the exhibit is just now becoming
available when so many wonderful strides for the LGBTQ community have been made in recent years, Dr. Faderman mentioned that back in 2010 City Hall did have their own, smaller exhibit on display for two weeks. She credits the San Diego History Center for this new revealing exhibition and how wonderful it is that they are showing the importance of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as educating all communities on the struggles and setbacks endured. In fact, that is one thing Dr. Faderman hopes
that those viewing the exhibit will take away: the difficulties and prejudices the LGBTQ+ community has faced throughout history and still continues to face. It is also important for the gay community to have some pride in where they’ve come from, all of the accomplishments that have been achieved, and the hard work that still stands to be done.
LGBTQ+ San Diego: Stories of Struggles and Triumphs runs Sunday, July 8 through Sunday, January 20 at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park. For tickets and more informa- tion, call 619.232.6203 ext. 106 or go to sandiegohistory. org/exhibition/lgbtq-san-diego.
16 RAGE monthly | JULY 2018
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