Today, as we celebrate Pride Month, we honour the leaders, allies and organizations that tirelessly defend, advocate for, and promote the rights and causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and other diverse communities. Our global community of archives encompasses archives of all types, and today, we want to shine a light on the initiatives and organizations dedicated to collecting, safeguarding, digitizing, and making accessible archives related to the LGBTQI+ community. These efforts are vital in continuing the advocacy and defence of LGBTQI+ rights, especially in light of increasing anti-LGBTQI+ legislation and the criminalization of LGBTQI+ individuals.
Many archives have created special collections that document the rich history of the LGBTQI+ community, preserving stories from the past several decades. These stories are not just memories; they are vital narratives that help us understand our past and prepare for our future. Archives play a crucial role in defending rights and preserving society’s collective memory, ensuring that significant moments and voices are not erased.
We are also proud to see our new professionals actively engaging with these important topics. For example, in the recent NPP/FAN Virtual Seminar Series on Archives and Social Justice, emerging archivists explored issues related to social justice and the critical role that archives play in this arena.
In support of these ongoing efforts, we are pleased to introduce the new Working Group on Sex-Affective and Gender Diversity Archives & Archivists (SAGDAA-WG). This group is dedicated to addressing the archival needs and challenges faced by individuals who do not conform to dominant heteronormativity and gender norms. We invite you to learn more about SAGDAA-WG and consider joining us in this important work. Together, we can ensure these stories are preserved and shared.
Valuing all types of archives and stories, preserving diverse histories, and ensuring that everyone feels included in the narratives we share is essential to our mission. Let’s come together to celebrate and advocate for the importance of archives worldwide, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every story is preserved.
Josée Kirps
ICA President
