Queering the Archives
Help Us Paint the Archives Queer
Queering the Archives
In 2021, Weber State University Special Collections embarked on a project to help fill the gaps in the historic record to include stories from the LGBTQ+ community in Weber, Davis, and Morgan Counties. We are seeking participants who are willing to tell their stories and, when possible, share photographs, letters, diaries, and other items to help those in the future understand what it was like to be queer in Northern Utah.
This project explores how LGBTQ+ youth in Northern Utah feel like they matter through artistic expression. Currently, young queer people are often overlooked or misunderstood, and with so many legal threats to LGBTQ+ rights emerging in 2022, it is more important than ever that everyone has representation. The mission of this project is to help everyone recognize the humanity of queer youth and to respect their autonomy.
Rainbow Letters Exhibit
"What would you like people in the future to know about being a member of the LGBTQ+ community in Northern Utah?"
That is the question answered in The Rainbow Letters Exhibit, which is a collection of short responses from members of the queer community in Northern Utah. These were gathered from various events including Pride festivals, online surveys, and even the exhibit itself. During Fall semester, note cards with these answers are being displayed on the first floor of Stewart Library. The exhibit shows unique insight into the personal experiences of queer Utahans. While some of these responses are also shared on this website, seeing the exhibit in person is a powerful experience.
"@weberqueeringthearchive is taking good care to make sure queer voices are amongst the archives documenting the history of our time and place."
Toasted Lavender Podcast
"We hope that all members of the LGTQ+ community know that their voices and stories matter, and that they will find themselves reflected in the archives."
Sarah Langsdon, Head of Special Collections
