SAN DIEGO – Congresswoman Susan Davis made a special visit to Lambda Archives of San Diego Thursday, January 24th. Board President Maureen Steiner introduced several members of the Board of Directors, and provided a brief history of the organization. Head Archivist Kelly Revak gave Congresswoman Davis a tour of the facilities, including the exhibit area, processing areas, and archival collections. Davis commented, “Its so rewarding to know the rich history of the LGBT community recorded by the Lambda Archives. As a member of Congress, my visit to the Lambda Archives encouraged me to continue to work hard on behalf of the LGBT community.”
Congresswoman Davis has long been a strong ally of the LGBT community, consistently supporting legislation working to end discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. She was also a founding member of the LGBT Equality Caucus. At the conclusion of her visit, Congresswoman Davis donated to the Archives an official transcript of the hearings to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. She has said, “helping to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was one of [my] proudest legislative accomplishments.” This joins an official copy of the repeal bill signed by President Obama as well as other materials strengthening Lambda Archives rich documentation surrounding this important moment in the LGBT rights movement.
In recent years, Lambda Archives has moved to a significantly expanded facility, including a new exhibit area, and increasing its programs and services to the community as well. The organization has been receiving greater and greater interest from local researchers, community groups, and local activists and political figures. Revak said, “It has been a true pleasure to be involved in an organization doing such good work and to witness the changes as we increase our visibility and community profile.”
