Unapologetically Southern

Unapologetically Queer

Invisible Histories locates, collects, researches, and creates community-based, educational programming around LGBTQ history in the Deep South. Invisible Histories believes archiving is resistance to oppression and history leads to liberation. In our work, we center joy and community while never erasing the painful and complicated experiences of our folks. We WILL save our stories, one box at a time.

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Collecting the Past

To Preserve Our Future

What We Do

Invisible Histories is community-based archive that locates, collects, preserves, researches, and creates for local communities an accessible collection of the rich and diverse history of LGBTQ life in the US South. Currently, Invisible Histories collects in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Invisible Histories is a one-stop resource for Southern LGBTQ history.

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Who We Are

Invisible Histories focuses on four key elements related to advancing LGBTQ Southern History:

  1. Community Engagement
  2. Archiving, Preservation, Research & Scholarship
  3. Education
  4. Professional Development & Best Practices

We ensure that history is not only saved for future generations but is also accessible to those who wish to use it. Further, we strive to accurately represent the complex history of the LGBTQ South and provide resources, training, and other educational opportunities for those wishing to preserve their own community’s legacy.

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150+

Collections
Recovered

100+

Graduate
Internships

4

States
Represented

600+

QHS
Members

12+

Digital
Projects

Thank You

To Our Funders

Mellon Foundation
Alabama Humanities Alliance
Mississippi Humanities Council
North Carolina Humanities
Humanities Texas
LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi
LGBTQ Fund of Greater Birmingham

Our Projects

Archival Collections
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Training & Speaking
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Queer History South
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News & Blogs

Welcome

Welcome to the Invisible Histories blog. Invisible Histories is a nonprofit organization locating, preserving, researching and creating community-based educational content around Southern LGBTQ history. We are actively collecting and researching in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. Additionally, we manage Queer History South, the country’s only network and conference focusing on Southern LGBTQ history, archiving, and education. You can learn more about us at invisiblehistory.org.
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Speaking Out: The Launching of The Southern Voice

On June 17, 1989, the staff of the Southern Voice wondered if they had perhaps spoken too loudly. That morning, a fire was set within the newspaper box located directly outside the newspaper’s office. The Southern Voice’s last issue ran a headline announcement: “The Official Guide to Atlanta’s 1989 Lesbian/Gay Pride Celebration Inside.” Managing editor Christina Cash, in an editorial, speculated…

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Not Gone With Wind: William Bill Gripp and the Atlanta Gay Center

As a research intern for the IHP program in the fall, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the history of the LGBT community in the South, particularly in late 1980s Atlanta, through the newspaper, The Southern Voice. As a member of the new millennial generation, I often…
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