About

On the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, June 1994, the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History hosted a small exhibition as part of their “History in the News” series about the riots. The exhibition was proposed and co-curated by the wonderful Barbara Clark Smith and Marvette Perez (who tragically, died in 2013). The museum approved the exhibition, and I volunteered to prepare the ephemera for that exhibition. Newly out, it was my first experience of extensive homophobia, as many inside and outside the museum resisted and resented recognition of the event, even as others celebrated it. I am grateful to those like Clark Smith and Perez, who are willing to fight for the civil rights of all people, including LGBTQ+ people. That experience inspired this project. - Devorah Romanek

Many people generously volunteered their time and expertise to make this project happen, with thanks to them:

Devorah Romanek, Curator of Exhibits, Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico

Katherine Ott, Curator, Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History

Jaime M. Grant, Director, Global Transgender Research and Advocacy Project

Barbara Korbal, PhD candidate, Department of History, University of New Mexico

Hannah Abelbeck, Archivist, Palace of the Governors Photo Archives, New Mexico History Museum

Andy Nez, Navajo Nation Department of Diné Education, Navajo Nation Diné Pride organizer

Rapheal Begay, Photographer, Navajo Nation Diné Pride organizer

Adrian Carver, Executive Director, Equality New Mexico

Jesse Freidin, Photographer

Gay Block, Photographer

Herb Lotz, Photographer

Laurel Morales, Reporter/Photographer, KJZZ, Frontera Desk, National Public Radio

With Thanks To:

The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico

The Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico

The New Mexico History Museum

Equality New Mexico

New York Public Library

The Library of Congress

National Public Radio

Queermusicheritage.com