"We exist" and "The importance of being seen" are vetted concepts taking root in the nation's first national study on LGBTQ history.
The study, sponsored by the National Park Foundation, the National Park Service and supported by the Gill Foundation, sheds light on places and events associated with the history of LGBTQ-identified Americans. The release of the theme study coincides with National Coming Out Day Oct. 11, a commemoration first celebrated in 1988 on the anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
The new National Park Service Theme Study, LGBTQ America: A Theme Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History, pulled together experts in LGBTQ studies who wrote and peer-edited more than 1,200 pages in the 32 chapters of the theme study. Authors and peer reviewers included professors, filmmakers, historians, geographers, archivists and museum curators, researchers, experts in historic preservation, historical archaeologists, journalists and members of the clergy. Among them: historian and author Dr. Susan Stryker; Aaron Belkin, Palm Center; Faith Cheltenham, BiNet USA; historian and author John D'Emilio; Kwame Holmes, University of Colorado, Boulder; historian Will Roscoe; historian Nathaniel Frank; history professor Marcia M. Gallo; columnist Rev. Irene Monroe; author Timothy Stewart-Winter; Tracy Baim, publisher of Windy City Times; and others.
The 32 chapters chart LGBTQ histories across the United States—from the native mahu of Hawai'i and lhamana of the Zuni, to the drag queens of the Stonewall Uprising, from private residences, hotels, bars, and government agencies to hospitals, parks, and community centers. Intertwined in the retelling of America's LGBTQ history are stories of the nation's first female astronaut in space, Sally Ride, and a mass "die in" on the lawn on the National Institutes of Health during ACT UP's May 21, 1990 "Storm the NIH" demonstration.
Currently there are 10 places recognized by National Park Service programs; some are included in multiple programs because of their historic significance. NR = National Register of Historic Places; NHL = National Historic Landmark; NM = National Monument.
Those recognized are: Stonewall, New York City: NR, NHL, NM; the Henry Gerber House, Chicago: NHL; Kameny House, Washington, DC: NR; Cherry Grove Community House and Theatre, Cherry Grove, NY: NR; James Merrill House, Stonington, CT: NR; Carrington House, Cherry Grove, NY: NR; Bayard Rustin Residence, New York City: NR; Julius Bar, New York City: NR; Edificio Comunidad de Orgullo Gay de Puerto Rico, San Juan: NR; and Furies Collective House, Washington, D.C.: NR.
"In 2016 the National Park Service is marking our centennial anniversary and the upcoming 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act on October 15 with a renewed commitment to share a more complete history of our nation with the next generation of Americans," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "Through heritage initiatives like the LGBTQ theme study, the National Park Service is commemorating the inspiring stories of minorities and women who have made significant contributions to our nation's history and culture."
Secretary Jewell announced plans for the theme study in 2014 at an event outside the Stonewall Inn in New York City alongside National Park Service leadership and Tim Gill, founder of the Gill Foundation.
"LGBT history is American history and as we celebrate the Centennial anniversary of the National Park Service, I can think of no better time to advocate for a more accurate and inclusive view of the American experience," said Gill.
"Thanks to the generous support of Tim Gill and the Gill Foundation, this important study was possible," said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks. "This work helps expand the scope of the history preserved within our National Park System and honor an America that represents us all."
"The LGBTQ Heritage Initiative is one of four heritage initiatives currently underway by the National Park Service that are working to include histories of those traditionally underrepresented in Park Service programs, including interpretation, and the National Register of Historic Places and the National Historic Landmarks program," said Megan Springate, prime consultant to the LGBTQ Theme Study. Springate now works in the National Park Service Cultural Resource Office of Interpretation and Education.
"Each of the 32 chapters were peer-reviewed by two or more subject-matter experts," Springate said. "They received a draft of each chapter, and provided comments and feedback to myself and to authors regarding the strengths of each chapter, and where more information, clarification, or other improvements could be made. Part of their charge was to ensure diversity within the chapters, including geographic and cultural diversity, so that the theme study did not reflect just one narrative of LGBTQ history."
"For far too long, the struggles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified Americans have been ignored in the traditional narratives of our nation's history," said Secretary Jewell. "This theme study is the first of its kind by any national government to identify this part of our shared history, and it will result in an important step forward in reversing the current underrepresentation of stories and places associated to the LGBTQ community in the complex and diverse story of America."
"A common saying is that a rising tide lifts all boats; yet although same-sex marriage is legal across the country and gay and transgender people can serve openly in our military, and that generally there is more acceptance, not all boats are lifted at the same time," Springate shared. "Transgender people face often violent discrimination, and transgender women of color are particularly vulnerable to violence, up to and including murder. Bullying of those perceived to be LGBTQ is part of why LGBTQ youth have such high rates of suicide. Bisexuals are still erased from much of LGBTQ history."
Other areas of study currently underway in National Park Service programs include: women's history, Latino/a heritage, and Asian American Pacific Islander heritage. Theme studies for Native American and African American history were previously completed.
The LGBTQ Heritage Initiative is the first time that a national government anywhere in the world has done a nationwide study of LGBTQ history. Since the LGBTQ Heritage Initiative kicked off in 2014, other nations, including England, have begun similar projects.
"The theme study makes clear that not only to LGBTQ people exist, but that LGBTQ history also exists, and is deeply intertwined with American history more broadly," Springate emphasized. "The places associated with LGBTQ history likewise exist across the country, and are deserving of consideration, interpretation, and preservation as important historic places."
Find out more and read the "LGBTQ America: A Theme Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History" here: www.nps.gov/subjects/tellingallamericansstories/lgbtqthemestudy.htm .
